Phd Electrical Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Idaho National Laboratory

America's grid is only as strong as the engineers who secure it - and in the Nuclear Science & Technology directorate at Idaho National Laboratory, you'll be one of them.

The Nuclear Science & Technology directorate is looking for an Electrical Engineer ready to shape the next generation of energy and grid technology, work that keeps America's energy infrastructure secure and its scientific leadership out front. This is a role where your analysis directly informs how power systems get built, and your experiments help define what resilient, sustainable power looks like for decades to come.
 

What you'll actually be doing:

• Digging into power transmission and distribution systems with detailed analysis that shapes real design decisions
• Chasing solutions for power systems that are secure, sustainable, and built to withstand real-world stress
• Designing and running power-related experiments grounded in solid engineering principles
• Partnering directly with Department of War (DoW) stakeholders - reviewing designs, verifying compliance, and making sure the work holds up to scrutiny
• Getting ahead of problems through risk analysis and configuration management on the systems you own
• Writing the functional requirements and test procedures that turn concepts into working systems
• Coordinating testing efforts side-by-side with fellow engineers
• Digging into system performance data to squeeze out better efficiency and reliability
• Building and running your own design-of-experiments studies
• Mentoring the next wave of engineers coming up behind you
• Taking ownership of design and maintenance for high-risk electrical systems - the kind of work where precision matters

Why this role matters: This is a seat at the table where energy security decisions get made. You'll have real ownership over high-stakes systems, a hand in mentoring future talent, and the chance to help define what a resilient American grid looks like.

If you're an electrical engineer who wants your work to carry real weight, this is where you'll find it.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform detailed analyses on power transmission and distribution systems to inform DoW nuclear energy program development and design decisions.
• Pursue solutions for secure, sustainable, resilient, robust, and reliable electrical power systems.
• Apply engineering principles in the design, development, and execution of electrical power-related experiments.
• Collaborate with customers to develop system alternatives and analyze risks, costs, and performance measures.
• Provide technical reviews of design outputs and ensure compliance with technical baseline requirements.
• Establish and maintain configuration management of assigned systems and maintain existing drawings and databases.
• Develop functional and operational requirements, system design descriptions, and test procedures.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other engineers and partners to execute testing activities.
• Provide input on the functionality of test equipment and support procurement activities.
• Evaluate and assess system/equipment performance to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Create and execute design of experiments, including data acquisition and analysis.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical personnel.
• Oversee the design and maintenance of high-risk electrical systems operations.
• Direct and execute the application design, set-up, and operation of complex high power and high voltage equipment.
• This role requires strong technical skills in electrical engineering, including power systems analysis, design, and experimentation. 
• Effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to mentor junior staff are also essential. Familiarity with applicable safety requirements and the ability to work in various conditions are crucial.
• May be required to travel to DOW installation locations, up to 30%.
   

Required:

• Level 3: Bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET and 5 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in electrical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET and 9 years of relevant experience; or a Master's in electrical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET and 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in electrical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET and 4 years of relevant experience. 
• Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with the military or DOW civil service. 
• Direct experience supporting nuclear.
   

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or directly related field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience in R&D, systems engineering, and electrical power systems.
• Experience using design and analysis programs such as ORCAD, CAD, MatLab, Labview, PowerWorld, and/or RTDS.
• Experience designing, developing, and/or conducting experiments with electrical equipment.
• Diagnostic experience with controller area networks.
• Experience working with high-risk equipment, safety requirements, and procedures.
• Familiarity with electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, and software systems applicable to experimental processes.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Electrical Engineer to work on our Reactor Program Manager's team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Washington DC facility with every other Friday off. 

• The pay range for this position is Level 3: ($95,256 - $195,288)/Level 4: ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.