**Posting Title**
Graduate (Summer Intern) -Data Center Modeler for Power System Study
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**Location**
CO - Golden
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**Position Type**
Intern (Fixed Term)
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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 Control Group within the Power Systems Engineering Center (PSEC) at NLR is seeking an exceptional graduate to support cutting-edge research in modeling and simulation of modern power grids, particularly as the electric grid undergoes rapid transformation driven by the explosive growth of **large data centers** .
The successful candidate will contribute to advanced projects on data center electrical modeling, EMT/phasor simulation, and stability analysis. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with strong expertise in **inverter-based resource (IBR) modeling** and **power-system dynamics** who is passionate about addressing emerging reliability challenges in future high-load, high-IBR grids. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy solving complex problems at the intersection of large loads and modern grid stability.
Job duties and responsibilities include:
+ Develop phasor-domain/EMT models for hyperscale data centers to support large-scale power system planning and operational studies
+ Conduct model validation using real-world event data and commercial simulation tools (e.g., PSSE, PSLF, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD)
+ Document results through high-quality reports, presentations, and briefings for internal teams, DOE sponsors, and external partners
+ Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, IEEE transactions, conference proceedings, and NREL technical reports
+ Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling including load flow, short-circuit, and contingency analysis
+ Proficiency with power system simulation tools in Phasor-domain (e.g.,PSSE, PSLF, Powerworld, etc., PSCAD or EMTP experience a plus)
+ Strong understanding of inverter-based resource(IBR) integration challenges, and power system stability concepts
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**Basic Qualifications**
Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Graduate: Earned a master's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate + PhD: Completed master's degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
Please Note:
- Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
- If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
- Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
*** Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.**
**Additional Required Qualifications**
+ Experience with parameter identification for dynamic electrical devices
+ Strong understanding of small-signal, transient, and voltage stability
+ Hands-on experience developing **user-defined dynamic models** of IBRs in PSS®E or PSLF
+ Experience in modeling and simulation of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and stability analysis of high-IBR-dominated power systems
+ Experience with data center modeling
+ Hands-on experience with new IBR models (e.g., WECC REGFMA1, REGFMB1, vendor-provided models) is a plus
+ Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other programming languages
+ Strong analytical skills with the ability to process, interpret, and present technical results clearly
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