Researcher III – Mathematical Optimization Energy Systems

The Advanced Computing Solutions Group in NLR's Computational Science Center seeks a Researcher III focused on mathematical optimization for energy systems. The role is based in Golden, Colorado, with a regular full‑time schedule of 40 hours per week.

• Collaborate with domain experts to identify opportunities where mathematical optimization can be applied and stay informed of relevant research at NLR and in the broader literature.
• Adopt existing or develop new mathematical, computational, and simulation frameworks necessary to implement and evaluate optimization algorithms and solutions.
• Identify and explore innovative ways to integrate artificial intelligence, including reinforcement learning, with classical optimization approaches.
• Author peer‑reviewed publications and contribute to proposals that sustain and advance research directions.

• Doctorate (PhD) in a relevant field; or Master’s degree with at least 3 years of related experience; or Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of scientific, technical, and theoretical principles in the field.
• Leadership experience in team, task, or project management.
• Strong technical writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Excellent grasp of optimization fundamentals, both computational and mathematical.
• Proficiency in programming with Python and/or Julia, including experience with Pyomo and/or JuMP.
• Familiarity with optimization solvers such as CPLEX, Gurobi, Xpress, Cbc, Ipopt, and their features.
• Experience with distributed computing frameworks (MPI, OpenMP).
• Knowledge of scalable machine‑learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).
• Experience building foundation models for active‑state‑point optimal power flow on transmission grids.
• Experience applying machine‑learning and signal‑processing techniques for fault detection on microgrids.

• Experience collaborating with diverse, inclusive, and cross‑disciplinary research teams.
• Experience working on high‑performance computing (HPC) systems.

Annual Salary Range: $83,600 – $150,500 (based on full‑time 40‑hour week).

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; tuition reimbursement.*

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available. The employer is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on any basis included above.