Grid-Integrated Power Electronics Research Engineer; Temporary

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory with an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s most complex challenges. ORNL employs over 7,000 staff dedicated to advancing science and technology to support energy, environmental, and national security missions.

The Grid Systems Hardware (GSH) Group at ORNL is seeking a highly motivated Power Electronics and Grid Hardware Research Engineer/Associate to support research and development of next-generation grid-integrated hardware systems. This position focuses on hands-on development, integration, and testing of power electronic converters, embedded systems, and grid-connected hardware platforms.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative power electronic systems and controls, support system integration and experimental validation, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams across ORNL, industry, utilities, and DOE programs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct applied R&D in power electronics, embedded systems, and grid-integrated hardware platforms.
• Design, develop, and test power electronic converters (AC/DC, DC/DC) and associated control systems.
• Develop and implement embedded controller solutions using DSP/FPGA/Microcontroller/Microprocessor (such as Raspberry Pi) platforms.
• Integrate and validate systems using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and laboratory testbeds.
• Support integration of grid-tied systems, including hybrid energy storage and power electronic interfaces
• Perform system-level integration and validation of solutions for industrial and grid applications.
• Support development and integration of grid protection and control systems.
• Conduct experimental testing, troubleshooting, and performance evaluation of hardware prototypes.
• Collaborate with ORNL teams, DOE programs, utilities, and industry partners.
• Document and present technical results through reports, presentations, and publications.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• MS in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in power electronics, embedded systems, or hardware development for grid applications.
• Experience in power electronic system design and control.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink).
• Programming experience in C/C++, Python, or similar language.
• Hands-on l experience with testing, debugging, and validating hardware systems.
• Experience with embedded platforms: DSPs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc.
• Basic understanding of power systems and grid integration concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in power electronics hardware development (PCB design, converter prototyping, testing).
• Experience with HIL platforms (e.g., OPAL-RT, Typhoon).
• Experience with grid-connected systems or energy storage systems.
• Experience integrating SCADA or grid control systems.
• Experience developing systems for harsh or industrial environments.
• Demonstrated experience in system integration and field deployment.
• Publication record in technical conferences or journals (preferred but not required).

Special Requirements:

• Some travel may be required.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required.…