Graduate Research Intern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Posting TitleGraduate (Summer Intern) -Data Center Modeler for Power System Study

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NLRNLR 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 QualificationsMinimum 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 PSSE 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
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $44,500 - $71,200

NLR takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNLR 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 required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR 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.

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Equal Opportunity 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.

Reasonable Accommodations

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