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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Systems Engineer II – Energy Transition Planning in Seattle, Washington

Overview

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and in advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

The Energy Policy, Economics and Planning Group develops methods for analyzing economic and societal impacts of energy system policies and regulations and defines new planning frameworks that speed the deployment of a modernized and equitable energy system. We work closely with subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation’s transition to a sustainable, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through innovation and actionable solutions.

We are looking for a Systems Engineer II with strong understanding and experience in electric grid planning, modeling, and operations and research experience in support of a more equitable grid. The position will work on socio-technical problems in energy policy, social equity, and technical details of the power system; write scientific papers; and optimize solutions in interdisciplinary domains. The candidate will apply their deep knowledge of clean energy technologies, energy modeling, policies, and regulations, to define solutions for clean energy policy implementation.

Responsibilities

This position requires knowledge and experience related to electric grid planning, clean energy technologies, energy policy and social equity. Specifically, a system engineer at PNNL performs the following duties:

  • Supports the planning, development, design, and management of holistic systems solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Provides expertise in how to tailor systems engineering techniques and processes to meet project objectives within constraints.

  • Balances systems thinking and systems engineering best practices, as needed, over the full range of technology maturity levels.

  • Applies systems engineering expertise to define cost/benefit and risk/opportunity, develop and analyze alternatives, support decisions, and mitigate risks.

The successful candidate will be accountable to: 

  • Project Managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and performance of assigned tasks on time and within budget. 

  • The Energy Policy, Economics & Planning Group Leader, and Energy Transitions Planning Team Leader, for general staff performance and development, operational discipline (e.g., maintaining training qualifications, procedural compliance, safe operations), and project execution. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-

  • MS/MA -OR-

  • PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates are encouraged to apply if they meet several of the preferred qualifications below, but do not need to meet all.  

  • Graduate degree in engineering, energy policy or closely related field.

  • Experience analyzing techno-economic data to support energy transition planning.

  • Excellent writing skills and a demonstrated record of contributions to technical reports and/or journal articles.

  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills with demonstrated record delivering presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Familiarity and interest in energy equity and energy justice disciplines, including applicable social science approaches and socio-technical perspectives.

  • Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and/or electrification.

  • Experience working with communities and diverse stakeholders.

  • Experience working with utilities, agencies, private industry, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders on state and/or federal energy policy.

  • Demonstrates a collaborative approach to problem-solving and experience working with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams. 

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

The candidate will be required to work in one of our PNNL offices 2-5 days per week. Candidate may telework up to 3 day per week with the ability to come into the office on short notice.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. 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.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

  • Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $85,700.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $125,900.00/Yr.

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