Electro-magnetic transient; EMT modeling, laboratory verification, and stability analysis

Electro‑magnetic transient (EMT) modeling, laboratory verification, and stability analysis for power systems Researcher

Location: CO - Golden
Position Type: Regular
Hours Per Week: 40

The Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) seeks an experienced researcher to support advanced research in power system modeling, simulation, and stability analysis, with a focus on inverter‑based resources (IBRs).

• Develop high‑fidelity EMT models for various IBRs (e.g., advanced pumped‑storage hydro, data center, grid‑forming/grid‑following inverters) for large‑scale power grid studies.
• Design ride‑through controls of IBRs and implement and validate models in EMT simulation environments such as PSCAD, RTDS, or ParaEMT.
• Contribute to the development of advanced simulation tools, platforms, and testbeds for large‑scale EMT analysis.
• Conduct large‑scale transient analysis including small‑signal stability, transient stability, and voltage stability for high‑I ‑dominated systems.
• Lead laboratory experiments to validate models and equipment, informing model development and addressing critical questions about integrated system operation.
• Support the development of AI‑assisted tools for grid stability monitoring, scenario generation, and digital twin applications.
• Support large‑scale power system studies (e.g., national‑scale scenarios) using commercial tools (e.g., PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD) or open‑source tools (e.g., ParaEMT, ANDES).
• Support interconnection studies, grid impact assessments, and compliance studies.
• Prepare results in the form of reports and presentations.
• Write and publish analysis results in peer‑reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports.

• Researcher II:
  PhD, or Master’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree with 2+ years of experience.
• Researcher III:
  PhD, or Master’s Degree with 3+ years of experience, or Bachelor’s Degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated broad understanding and application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories, and concepts.
• General knowledge of related disciplines.
• Leadership experience in team, task, or project lead responsibilities.
• Project management experience.
• Strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Must obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance at the Q/TS/SCI level; polygraph may be required.
• U.S. citizenship required (except in limited circumstances).
• Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling (load flow, short‑circuit, contingency analysis).
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL‑RT, ParaEMT).
• Strong understanding of I  modeling and integration challenges, and power system stability concepts.

• Hands‑on experience with EMT simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD, RSCAD, OPAL‑RT, EMTP).
• Deep understanding of small‑signal, transient, and voltage stability.
• Familiarity with EMT modeling of IBRs (data centers, pumped‑storage hydro, batteries, wind, solar, grid‑forming inverters).
• Experience modeling and simulating IBRs and stability analysis of high‑I ‑dominated power systems.
• Hands‑on data center modeling experience (plus).
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or other languages.
• Experience developing automated tools for contingency analysis (plus).
• At least one paper on inverter stability/modeling.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to present technical results clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Interest in AI/ML applications for power system modeling and analysis.

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 (subject to eligibility). Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Conditional…