Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world’s energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.

At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL’s environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.

Learn about NREL’s critical objectives: NREL’s Mission and Vision.

Job Description

The Women in Power System Transformation (PST) Graduate Intern will join a team of researchers in NREL’s Energy Systems Integration Directorate who are engaged with clean energy and power system modeling and analysis, and clean energy deployment activities globally. The Graduate Intern will have the opportunity to engage in cohort-based networking events with peers at NREL and other technical institutions throughout the summer and to participate in targeted professional development trainings and other opportunities to build leadership skills and support successful outcomes in power sector careers.

The successful candidate will work closely with NREL staff on analysis and deployment activities related to clean energy deployment and/or power system operation; collaborate with fellow interns; and support opportunities to bring analysis, research, and knowledge back to institutions and organizations in developing countries.

Key activities may include:

• Use of key analytic tools and data to support power system modeling and integration of renewable energy.
• Collaboration with developing country system operators and technical institutions to support application of advanced power system operational and clean energy engineering solutions.
• Other clean energy analysis and research activities.

Specific activities could vary based on staffing need and project scope. The Women in PST program will work with the successful candidate(s) to align the candidate’s unique skills and interests with available projects and staffing requirements.

Deliverables / Expected Outcomes:

• Oral or poster presentation on the outcome of their G-PST-related research, internship activities, and professional development training.
• Pre and post survey on the experience, learning, change of perspective, etc.
• Report requirements, submission instructions, and additional guidance will be provided at the beginning of the internship period.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply on or before January 31st, 2025.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum 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.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess at least some of the following preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in advancing gender equality and diversity
• Knowledge of energy sector and power systems operations within a USAID partner country context, and with preferred experience living in or familiarity with the local context in Bangladesh, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, South Africa, or Vietnam
• Experience with data analysis
• Technical presentation and writing skills
• Basic knowledge of clean energy, power system engineering, economics, policy, or operations
• Familiarity with power system capacity expansion and/or production cost modeling
• Knowledge of electricity industry organization and structure  .

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: $43,700 – $69,900

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; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). 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. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

* Based on eligibility rules