Grid-Integrated Power Electronics Research Engineer (Temporary)

Requisition Id 16311 

Overview:  

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 6,200 staff dedicated to advancing science and technology to support energy, environmental, and national security missions. ORNL is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace that supports innovation and excellence.

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, communication interfaces, 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
• Develop and implement industrial communication protocols, including Modbus RTU / TCP/IP, MQTT, CAN Bus, SCADA interfaces
• Support integration of grid-tied systems, including hybrid energy storage and power electronic interfaces
• Develop and integrate wireless communication systems
• 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:

• BS in electrical engineering or a related field and a minimum of 2 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 languages
• Hands-on experience with testing, debugging, and validating hardware systems
• Experience with embedded platforms: DSPs, microcontrollers, FPGAs, etc
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, TCP/IP, MQTT)
• 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
• Knowledge of grid protection systems and devices
• Experience with wireless communication systems for industrial or grid applications
• 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
• This is a temporary 24-month position.  The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL 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 mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.