Research Engineer - Machine learning applications to power system operations

National Laboratory of the Rockies

Golden, CO

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$76,600–$126,400 Per Year
SKILLS
Alternative Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programming Languages, Automation, Background Investigation, Clean Technologies, Communication Skills, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Cross-Functional, Dental Insurance, Electrical Engineering, English Language, Environmental Economics, Government, Homeland Security, Interpersonal Skills, Laboratory, Leadership, Linux Operating System, Machine Learning, Modeling Languages, Neural Networks, Power Engineering, Problem Solving Skills, Project/Program Management, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Reinforcement Learning, Research & Development (R&D), Research Laboratory, Research Skills, Software Development, Software Engineering, State Laws and Regulations, System Integration (SI), System Operations, Systems Analysis, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Trademarks, United States Department of Energy (DOE), Vision Plan, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Golden, CO
POSTED
Today
Posting Title

Research Engineer - Machine learning applications to power system operations

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Regular

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.


Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.


At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.


Job Description


The Grid Automation and Controls Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is looking for a researcher who has solid background on machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) with enough knowledge about power systems. The candidate will work on research projects that use ML/AI to solve power system problems, specially with the focus on Large Language Models (LLM). Ideal candidate is expected to have in-depth knowledge and extensive research experience related to LLM and agentic AI. Ideal candidate should have solid programming skillset and software development experience. Knowledge and experience about power systems is a plus.


The ideal candidate should be able to conduct research work with limited guidance from senior researchers, and also collaborate with project PI and other power system researchers from the same project team.


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Basic Qualifications

Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.


* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.


Additional Required Qualifications


Must have a MS in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or related fields. Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.


Additional Required Qualifications


+ Experience in natural language learning, generative AI, large language models, foundation models, etc.

+ Strong programming skill

+ Experience in using high performance computers, Linux systems


Preferred Qualifications


Preferred Qualifications


+ In-depth knowledge in graph neural networks and reinforcement learning

+ Proven records of research experience related to power systems and power system optimization

+ Have a good fundamental knowledge of neural networks, state-of-the-art learning algorithms, and their applications to complex systems

+ Proficiency in using Python and machine learning/reinforcement learning packages

+ With strong publication record


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Job Application Submission Window


The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.


Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400


NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.


Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- 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; and tuition reimbursement*. NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.


* Based on eligibility rules


Badging Requirement

NLR 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 required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.


Drug Free Workplace


NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.


If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.


Submission Guidelines


Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.


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Equal Opportunity Employer


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), 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, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.


Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)


E-Verifywww.dhs.gov/E-VerifyFor information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08_01_2013.pdf) for English orhere (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.


E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.


The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NLR is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.


NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NLR by the Department of Energy (DOE).


Drug Free Workplace


NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.


If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.


Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nlr.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NLR (https://www.nlr.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nlr.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NLR) at the lab.

About the Company

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National Laboratory of the Rockies