Job Description
Posting Title
Researcher III - Proposed title: Researcher III - Inverter & Power Electronics Cost Modeling Analyst
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Location
CO - Golden
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Position Type
Limited Term (Fixed Term)
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Hours Per Week
40
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Working at NREL
NREL's Washington, D.C., office provides energy analysis and technical program support to the U.S. Department of Energy. It is located just off the National Mall and near the U.S. Department of Energy’s Forrestal Building, the popular L’Enfant Plaza, and five Metro lines.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and
see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
The Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support (ADDS) Center at NREL is looking for a technically-driven, mid-level Research Analyst to lead innovative work in energy systems cost modeling, with a particular focus on inverter components. This dynamic role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of solar and battery systems by developing technical cost models, analyzing domestic and global supply chains, and supporting cutting-edge research and development initiatives. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the growth of the clean energy sector through collaboration with both internal and external partners.
Key responsibilities for this role include:
Leading cost modeling efforts to analyze the costs of power electronics systems, specifically for use in solar and battery systems. Conducting in-depth analysis of the domestic inverter supply chain, including the identification of principal suppliers, component sourcing, and the role of imports in inverter technologies. Collecting and synthesizing primary data to populate cost models, working with a variety of stakeholders to ensure accuracy and relevance. Applying models to assess targeted R&D opportunities, technology advancements, and manufacturing innovations, considering the full range of market, policy, and economic issues that influence the industry.
The ideal candidate will combine expertise in engineering, economics, and quantitative analysis to produce insightful, actionable findings. They will have a knack for translating complex technical information into clear reports, while identifying opportunities to reduce costs at the component, system, and operations levels. Additionally, they should excel in collaborative environments, working seamlessly with a diverse set of partners to drive innovation.
Specifically, the role will involve:
- Leading the development of manufacturing cost models and balance-of-system cost analysis for residential, commercial, and utility-scale inverter technologies.
- Gathering and analyzing data on the manufacturing and installation processes for power electronics, evaluating trade and manufacturing issues, and identifying cost-reduction opportunities across components and systems.
- Interpreting model results to inform policy, market, and technology analysis, with the aim of supporting strategic decisions that drive the clean energy transition.
Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Leverage models to drive R&D planning and evaluation, collaborating with top-tier national labs, universities, and industrial partners.
- Publish cutting-edge results in high-impact technical reports, conference proceedings, and journals.
- Present your work at prominent conferences, symposiums, and review meetings, sharing insights with the broader energy community.
- Support critical inquiries from the U.S. Department of Energy and other key clients, providing expert analysis and solutions.
If you’re passionate about advancing innovative energy solutions and have a strong background in cost modeling and power electronics, we encourage you to apply and join us in supporting NREL’s mission to accelerate clean energy technologies.
This position can be based at NREL’s offices in Golden, CO or Washington, DC, with remote work options available depending on qualifications and experience.
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Basic Qualifications
Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates broad understanding and wide application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.- Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
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This position will require access to Controlled Unclassified Information // No foreign dissemination (CUI//NOFORN) and only applicants that are US Citizens at the time of application will be considered in accordance with DOE O 471.7, Controlled Unclassified Information DOE O 471.7
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, networking and communication skills, problem solving and project management skills.
- Ability to use various computer software programs relevant to supply chain and manufacturing.
- Detailed knowledge of photovoltaic or photonic technologies and materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior direct experience with the manufacturing, use and components of inverters for solar and storage systems
- Direct experience in inverter and power electronics specifications or analysis of solar supply chains preferred.
- Strong technology bench marking and valuation skills, as well as market analysis and primary information collection experience to support strategic investments and R&D decisions.
- Demonstrated full knowledge of policies, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to supply chain.
- Experience related to the technical evaluation of manufacturing clean energy technologies and supply chain analysis.
- Demonstrated knowledge of practices, techniques, and problem-solving methodologies in bottom-up technology cost modeling.
- Experience managing projects.
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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: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300
Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800
NREL 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 Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL 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. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.- Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NREL 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.
Drug Free Workplace
NREL 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 NREL, 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 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.
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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.
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