Grid-Integrated Power Electronics Research Engineer; Temporary

Grid-Integrated Power Electronics Research Engineer (Temporary)

The Grid Systems Architecture (GSA) Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is actively seeking applicants for a temporary full-time Power Electronics Research Assistant position. This role focuses on advancing cutting‑edge power electronic systems and their integration into the modern electric grid.

You will develop innovative power electronic converters and control solutions and validate them through real‑time modeling and simulation. The position requires a strong understanding of power electronic system requirements, from component‑level design to full system integration, as well as embedded controller development. Experience in modeling converter topologies and distribution grids, developing control algorithms, and implementing controller code is expected.

• Conduct R&D projects and help the expansion of R&D to take advantage of our multidisciplinary capabilities, multimodal strengths, and unique tools and capabilities.
• Be well versed in power converter topologies, and associated controls.
• Should have a good knowledge base on the requirements and trends in futuristic power electronic converters and their components development.
• Experience with DSP/FPGA/Microcontroller/Microprocessor (such as Raspberry Pi) platforms for controller development.
• Network and develop collaborative R&D with other groups and divisions internally and with DOE, the industry, and the utilities.
• Have good oral and written skills so that they can prepare and present research results to sponsors, peer reviewers, industry partners and others and at technical meetings such as IEEE sponsored conferences.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

• An M.S. in electrical engineering with a focus on power electronics applications for the grid
• Experience related to designing and controlling power electronic systems.
• Experience with power electronic modeling and simulation platforms including MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience in coding platforms such as C, and C++, Python.
• Experience with Linux for code development and system architecture.
• Basic understanding of core networking concepts such as TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, static/dynamic IP addressing
• Hands on laboratory experience performing testing and analysis is required.
• Good oral and written communication skills to make presentations to sponsors and others and to prepare reports, proposals, and publications/journal articles.
• Strong interpersonal skills to support team building and leadership.
• A publication history in prestigious international conferences and journals.
• Demonstrated publication record of scientific results in either peer‑reviewed journals, or presentations at national meetings, are expected.
• A strong commitment to scientific integrity is an important requirement.

Some travel will be required for this position.

This is a temporary assignment of 24 months with potential for extension.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

I…