Senior/Principal R&D Electrical Engineer - Electric Grid Resilience, Hybrid

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.

About the role

We are seeking an electrical engineer to contribute to resilience research and planning, especially for the distribution electric grid. We are looking for an individual with a passion for research who teams well with others, communicates effectively, and can carry on independent research as part of a wider team.

The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work and must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental projects in power systems in a power system laboratory.
• Write journal articles for peer-reviewed publications.
• Create and present presentations and posters on your research.
• Participate in research teams to advance projects.
• Contribute to ideas for new research.
• Lead tasks and projects in your field of expertise, mentoring more junior staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate well in a multidisciplinary team of designers and test engineers.
• Outstanding verbal and written skills, including the ability to develop and present briefings that are clear and compelling.
• PhD in Engineering or other relevant field.
• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop.
• Experience with programming in Python.
• Experience with the microgrid design tool.
• Strong publication record, with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools development and use related to power systems.

About Our Team

Sandia's Resilient Energy and Distributed Systems Integration (REDSI) department conducts research, development, and demonstrations of new components and systems that will enable a rapid transition to a resilient grid. The department partners extensively with U.S. industry and other research institutions to pursue high-value solutions that enhance performance, safety, reliability, and resilience of energy systems.

We establish the technical foundation for advanced models, analysis methods, controls, standards, cyber-security solutions, and power electronics concepts applicable to microgrids and interconnected systems. Much of this work is conducted at Sandia's Distributed Energy Technologies Laboratory (DETL), a world-recognized systems integration research facility for over 40 years. This work is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Pay

Salary range is estimated at $117,500 - $235,700. Actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact contributing to security, peace, and freedom worldwide.
• Extraordinary co-workers and some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities.
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home).
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance, and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance.

Benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base.