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Research Engineer - Machine learning applications to power system operations

National Laboratory of the Rockies · Golden, CO · 4 wk ago
Engineering$77k–$126k/yrFull-time

About the role

The Grid Automation and Controls Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking a Research Engineer with a strong background in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in applying these technologies to power system operations. The successful candidate will focus on research projects leveraging ML/AI—especially Large Language Models (LLM) and agentic AI—to solve complex power system challenges.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research using ML/AI techniques, with a focus on Large Language Models (LLM) and agentic AI, to address power system problems.
  • Collaborate with project principal investigators (PIs) and other power system researchers within the project team.
  • Work with limited guidance from senior researchers while contributing to multidisciplinary research efforts.
  • Develop and implement software solutions for research projects.
  • Utilize high-performance computers and Linux systems for research and development.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

  • Researcher II:
    • Relevant Master’s degree, or relevant Bachelor’s degree with 2+ 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.
  • Researcher III:
    • Relevant PhD, or relevant Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience, or relevant Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
    • Broad understanding and wide application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories, and concepts in the field.
    • General knowledge of other related disciplines.
    • Demonstrated leadership in one or more areas of team, task, or project lead responsibilities.
    • Demonstrated experience in management of projects.
    • Very good writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

  • MS in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in natural language learning, generative AI, large language models, or foundation models.
  • Strong programming skills and software development experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • In-depth knowledge of graph neural networks and reinforcement learning.
  • Proven research experience related to power systems and power system optimization.
  • Strong fundamental knowledge of neural networks, state-of-the-art learning algorithms, and their applications to complex systems.
  • Proficiency in Python and machine learning/reinforcement learning packages.
  • Strong publication record in relevant fields.

Benefits

  • 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.
  • Tuition reimbursement (eligibility rules apply).
  • Eligibility for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards with monetary components (not guaranteed).
  • Relocation expense reimbursement (for eligible positions).

Pay

  • Researcher II: $76,600 – $126,400 annual salary range.
  • Researcher III: $83,600 – $150,500 annual salary range.

NLR considers education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel, external market factors, and internal value—including seniority and merit systems—in determining salary. Salary history will not be used in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Working at NLR

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), located in Golden, Colorado, is the nation’s primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. NLR accelerates energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration, focusing on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. The lab supports U.S. industries, job creation, and national economic growth through multidisciplinary research spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis.

At NLR, you’ll work in a mission-driven environment with state-of-the-art facilities, collaborative research teams, and strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. The lab offers robust professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package designed to support career growth and well-being.

Security and Compliance

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, including a favorable background investigation (HSPD-12).
  • NLR is a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required, including screening for marijuana. A positive test may result in withdrawal of the employment offer.

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