The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the world’s leading research and development laboratory for renewable energy technologies, is seeking to hire a Graduate Intern to participate in various projects to develop thermal energy storage technology. They are supported by the U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E and EERE. The candidate will work with other engineers and scientists in the Thermal Systems R&D Group, within the Energy Conversion and Storage Systems Center (ECaSS) Center.
The candidate will support multiple tasks related to analysis of operations and maintenance and performance forecasting in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. Responsibilities under this position include leading research work on modeling, testing, reporting, and publications. Work includes:
- Perform data collection and statistical analysis of CSP and other steam-generating power plant production data.
- Develop forecasting models for system performance, incorporating uncertainty in exogenous factors (such as irradiance and optical performance) and decision-dependent factors (such as component reliability and heliostat design).
- Perform sensitivity analysis on key assumptions for the model to understand the impact of key design parameters on solar field performance and profitability.
- Write technical reports and contribute to project review meetings.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed conferences and high-impact scientific journals.
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.
Additional Required Qualifications
Experience programming in Python, Java, C++, or another object-oriented programming language.
Preferred Qualifications
The candidate should have a strong background in probability and statistics and familiarity with object-oriented programming.
The candidate will work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, should possess excellent engineering analytical and modeling skills, and have strong interpersonal and communication abilities and independent-working attitude towards achieving research goals.
Familiarity with thermal energy systems, particularly CSP, is preferred.
Experience with Monte Carlo simulation methods is preferred.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL 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.
EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.