The National Renewable Energy Laboratory - NREL - is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
IMPORTANT:This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Energy Storage Test Engineer
3288BR
Golden, CO
Regular Employee
40
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an energy future that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. With locations in Golden, Boulder and Washington D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States. The NREL mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovation to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals.
Perform experimental research and analysis on electrical energy storage devices at the Energy Storage Laboratory at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The objective of the task is to set up experiments and conduct tests to characterize and measure the thermal and electrical performance of batteries and ultracapacitors to be used in fuel-efficient hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The individual will be a member of the Transportation and Hydrogen Systems Center (THSC) staff in Golden, Colorado.
The position includes using and improving NREL’s energy storage testing and modeling capabilities while working with NREL energy storage group members, and the battery and automobile industries on projects to evaluate and improve electrical and thermal performance of energy storage devices.
% of Total Time
30% Testing: The engineer will perform thermal and electrical testing of batteries and ultracapacitors at the energy-storage testing laboratory. The engineer will design, fabricate, install, modify, test, collect data, and perform analyses associated with laboratory apparatus and equipment. Bench top testing of air-cooled or liquid-cooled multi-string battery or ultracapacitor modules using battery testers such as Bitrode, AeroVironment, and Arbin. Design of Experiments (DoE) techniques and measurement uncertainty analysis will be used regularly to obtain quality data. The engineer will assist in planning and executing experimental activities in a safe manner. The engineer must also be familiar with programming languages such as C and be able to program in Bitrode’s Visual LCN software and have familiarity with AeroVironment’s Remote Operating Systems software.
15% Instrumentation: – Design and fabricate instrumentation as required, specify and purchase necessary equipment, install instrumentation, maintain sensor calibration schedules, check sensor accuracy, troubleshoot instrumentation and data collection problems. The engineer should be familiar with temperature measurements (thermocouple, RTD, etc.) while having a good working knowledge of voltage and current measurements.
25% Data Analysis: The engineer will analyze the collected data in a manner consistent with USABC and US Drive test procedures. Prepare graphs and presentations for reporting to clients. This includes expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
20% Fabrication: The engineer will design equipment based on input from the Energy Storage team members. The engineer will be required to build parts and assemble them into final products. The engineer needs to have a working knowledge of power tools, hand tools, and general shop tools. Mill and lathe experience are required.
10% Presentations and Reporting: The engineer will support the project by participating in meetings, making/delivering presentations and writing reports and developing plans.
Relevant Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Limited use and application of engineering principles, theories and concepts.
Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.
Demonstrated experience with experimental methods and laboratory procedures. Proficient with data acquisition software (LabView) and Design of Experiments techniques. Excellent skills using Microsoft Excel. Demonstrated experience in computers and data acquisition collection systems. Visual LCN and ROS software skills are required. Mill and lathe experience are required. Demonstrated battery testing experience. Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills. Organization skills.
Experience with mathematical modeling, computer programming, and scientific computing. Experience with C programming and MATLAB. Experience working with battery or ultracapacitor companies, automotive OEM or 1st tier suppliers. Experience in battery technologies particularly lithium ion chemistries.
NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans.
NREL validates right to work using E-Verify. NREL will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please see www.nrel.gov/employment/eeo.html.
