Marine Energy Numerical Modeling Team Lead
National Renewable Energy Laboratory Marine Energy Numerical Modeling Team Lead Boulder , Colorado Apply Now
Marine Energy Numerical Modeling Team Lead
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Location
CO - Boulder
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Position Type
Regular
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40
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Working at NREL
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Job Description
A full-time job leading NREL’s marine energy numerical modeling portfolio ( is available in the Marine Energy R&D Group. NREL’s Marine Energy research is focused on developing numerical and experimental methods that accelerate the development of marine energy technologies towards commercialization.
The NREL team works closely with other national labs and university and industry partners to support the development of the marine energy industry. The person hired for this position will lead a group of approximately 5-10 researchers who are focused on (1) developing numerical modeling tools for marine energy technologies and (2) using the tools to design, analyze, and optimize marine energy systems. Because numerical modeling projects are often closely tied with laboratory and in-water testing, the person hired for this role will also be expected to contribute to experimental and validation efforts.
We are looking for an experienced researcher who has a demonstrated ability to lead a team, execute projects, write winning proposals, and provide strategic guidance across the numerical modeling portfolio. NREL’s Marine Energy Team is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), and the person in this role will be a primary technical contact with WPTO, other national laboratories, and industry partners.
Job Duties - This researcher will lead NREL’s numerical modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts, including:
Work with NREL and DOE leadership to develop and execute a marine energy modeling strategy that meets the needs of the industry and R&D community
Develop existing and new modeling, simulation, and optimization tools for wave, tidal/river current, and other marine energy technologies.
Lead and contribute to the design of marine energy technologies and systems with marine energy applications; including but not limited to, hydrodynamic design exploration, drivetrain designs, structural assemblies, mooring configurations, electric generator designs, and control system design
Publish research in technical journals, present work at conferences, lead proposals, and being a subject matter expert to sit on workings groups such as IEC TC114 ( , Ocean Energy Systems Modeling Groups ( , etc.
Contribute to technoeconomic modeling of marine energy technologies by leveraging modeling tools
Lead and mentoring a team of researchers
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Basic Qualifications
Relevant PhD and 9 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 12 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 14 or more years of experience .
For Researcher IV
Relevant PhD and 4 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 7 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 9 or more years of experience
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Experience coding within engineering coding languages (e.g., Python, Julia, C++, MATLAB/Simulink)
Experience and/or knowledge of reduced order numerical modeling of marine energy systems using frequency domain approaches (e.g., WAMIT, Nemoh or AQWA) and time domain (i.e. Cummins Equation) simulation methods.
Experience and/or knowledge of high-fidelity CFD methods and software tools (e.g., OpenFOAM, StarCCM+ ANSYS Fluent, or Smoothed-particle hydrodynamics models), particularly in the area of modeling of wave and floating body interaction.
Demonstrated success at leading proposals and being awarded grants to pursue research
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstration of leading a technical group of experts to achieve a project milestone or deliverable.
Team-oriented, working toward a common goal.
Desire to learn more about emerging marine energy technologies.
Passion for renewable energy technology with a specific interest in marine energy technologies.
Works well in groups and can navigate a diverse working team.
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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 V / Annual Salary Range: $114,500 - $206,100
Job Profile: Researcher IV / Annual Salary Range: $95,500 - $171,900
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; 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
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