NREL’s Industrial Systems & Fuels (IS&F) group in the Strategic Energy Analysis Center (SEAC; www.nrel.gov/analysis) is seeking an accomplished hydrogen and industrial system analyst to develop and lead multiple analysis projects. The IS&F group performs analysis to inform national and regional strategies in industrial, biofuels, and hydrogen systems. The specific analysis include the following areas:
- Technical and economic potential of specific industrial and hydrogen technologies
- Potential interactions between hydrogen and industrial technologies, renewable electricity sources, and the electricity grid
- Bottom-up manufacturing costs and performance
- Manufacturing supply chains
- Technoeconomics of industrial processes
- Energy systems
- Research and development (R&D) targets.
The ideal candidate for this position will bring a strong track record of performing and managing data-driven analysis and modeling of hydrogen and industrial systems and communicating results to stakeholders. The candidate should demonstrate practical knowledge of industrial and hydrogen systems analysis, be an excellent verbal and written communicator, and have experience managing projects and clients.
The candidate should have demonstrated experience functioning independently and mentoring more junior staff as well as managing analysis projects including project initiation, performance, and communication of results. Interdisciplinary curiosity, resourcefulness, adaptability, and internal motivation will enable the candidate to function well in the exciting and busy work environment of the nation’s only national lab focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Ability to work with a team that includes both colocated team members and members in other locations is required. Strong communication skills particularly writing, oral presentations, and diplomatic interpersonal skills – are critical for success in this position. Creative problem solving and robust analytical skills are also essential.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical lead and the primary project manager for a number of hydrogen technology analysis projects. The successful candidate will engage with the United States Department of Energy (DOE), industrial, and other sponsors and clients to develop new project proposals, manage existing projects, and ensure the completion of project deliverables. The successful candidate will also support less experienced researchers and work side-by-side with them to perform hands-on modeling and analysis. The successful candidate may also support the group’s internal development of strategic priorities and initiatives to support the lab’s vision, strategy, and execution.
This employee will support new and existing clients (including the DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s (EERE) Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Office and external sponsors such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency and the Office of Nuclear Energy) by performing analysis and providing leadership for existing projects and developing new projects. Existing projects need additional leadership and some analysis support. Additional leadership is needed for hydrogen and industrial system analysis to grow and continue to meet the needs as these areas grow as expected based on new interest across the DOE and other stakeholders. The Industrial Systems and Fuels group has a good cohort of junior analysts but needs additional senior support to grow due to limitations on the group manager’s time. In addition, this position will provide a succession plan for the group manager’s technical work. An Analyst IV position will be an excellent opportunity for NREL to bring in a skilled analyst to provide leadership and mentoring.
The job responsibilities include:
Lead multiple hydrogen and industrial systems analysis projects (e.g., integration of electrolyzers on the grid and estimating impacts on grid operations; technoeconomic assessment of hydrogen technologies at nuclear power plants; technoeconomic assessment of electrochemical carbon reduction technologies; development of strategies and estimate of potential for hydrogen in specific states or regions; quantifying potential economic synergies of Hydrogen Hubs).
Mentor and support the development of a team of hydrogen and industrial systems modelers and analysts.
Manage relationships with existing clients and partners while developing new relationships in the fields of hydrogen and industrial systems analyses.
Propose, manage, and execute systems analysis research projects.
Support development of group strategy and analysis focus areas in partnership with the group manager, other members of the group, and other researchers.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams from industry, government, academia to support and develop modeling techniques for hydrogen technologies.
Publish results in top technical journals and conference proceedings; present work at conferences, symposia, and sponsor review meetings.
Travel Requirements:
This position may involve 10-20% travel (depending on COVID-related quarantine restrictions).