Information, Communications & Cyber Security of DERs - Staff/Researcher III

Electric Power Research Institute

  • Knoxville, TN
  • $93,100-105,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
Job Title: Information, Communications & Cyber Security of DERs - Staff/Researcher IIILocation: Knoxville, TN, Tennessee Home OfficeJob Summary and Description:This job is part of EPRI’s Information, Communications, and Cyber Security (ICCS) group with a particular focus in the DER Data and Connectivity research topics. On this team we look at utility and customer ICT technologies through a DER-centric lens. Summary here:As the penetration of DER on the grid increases, the impacts on grid operations have become a critical consideration. We are dedicated to conducting research to ensure that the growth of DER does not compromise grid safety, reliability, and stability.As the ICCS Staff/Researcher III you will be responsible for leading research projects focused on enhancing the visibility, control, and integration of DER using information and communication technologies. You will collaborate with utilities, DER solution providers, and power system researchers to develop tools, technologies, architectures, and methodologies that support DER and demand response (DR) technologies and services. The ultimate goal of this position is to drive the full realization of DER's value by enabling better monitoring and control.Example projects in the DER Data and Connectivity area include:EPRI Protocol Reference Guidebook – Annual assessment of the state of DER protocols for management of DERs, demand response, and V2G technologies.DER Gateway Initative – A $1M+ project focused on evaluating the role of DER gateways in the future grid. Includes product surveys, lab testing, economics, and working group leadership.DER Interoperability Lab Initative –Annual Emerging Technologies Reports – An annual study of new protocols, practices, and technologies to ease DER integration into utility ICT systems. Topics vary based on utility member feedback.Standards – Contribute to standards work in alignment with regular job duties.Duties & Responsibilities:Implement new standards: Interpret and implement new standards in lab and field studies. Examples: IEEE 1547-2018 Clause 10, SunSpec Modbus, SunSpec for IEEE 1547, MESA-Device, MESA-DER, IEC 61850-7-420:2021, IEC 61968-5:2020, Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), ISO/IEC-15118:2019, EcoPort (ANSI/CTA-2045-B), OpenADR / IEC 62746-10-1:2018, IEEE P1815.2 (DNP3) / DNP AN2018-001, IEEE 2030.5-2018, IEEE 2030.5 V2G-AC Profile, Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP), DER Group Management for IEEE 2030.5)Evaluate and Improve Standards: Evaluate existing information and protocol standards through a DER lens to determine how these standards can be optimized to streamline integration and reduce costs associated with DER/DR deployment.Explore Emerging Technologies: Assess new technologies, ideas, and approaches related to DER and characterize their applicability. Propose strategic steps for the industry to adopt these emerging technologies effectively. Examples: EEBus, Third-Party Aggregators, OpenFMB, Web Services for DER OT, DER Gateways, Transactive Energy Platforms, LoRaWAN for DERs, Customer Internet for DERs, LTE for DERs, NB-IoT for DERs, Wi-SUN for DERs, CIM for DER Systems, MATTER, Amazon SidewalkEnhance Integration Experiences and Practices: Study the integration of DER in the planning and operation of the electricity grid, including DER operation. Focus on secure and reliable end-to-end integration of DER, which involves enhancing planning, control, and dispatch capabilities to leverage the flexibility of DER/DR systems.Working Groups: Lead and facilitate industry discussions within a number of EPRI’s ongoing working groups.Member Interaction: Speak with utility members on an on-going basis to understand their particular pain points to help guide future research.Requirements:Self-starter comfortable with working both independently and with multi-disciplinary teamsBackground in software development/programming requiredAn interest in learning new application-layer protocols and cyber security practices for DER technologiesBasic understand of power systems, distributed energy resources, and demand responseExcellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholdersDemonstrated ability to think strategically and propose innovative solutions to complex technical challengesIf you are passionate about shaping the future of distributed energy resources and have the technical expertise to lead cutting-edge research projects, we invite you to apply for the position of Staff/Researcher III in Information and Communication Technology for Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration. Join us in our mission to create a sustainable energy futureThe salary range for this position is $93,100 USD to $105,000 USD annually.This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DisabledTogether . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.www.epri.com

Electric Power Research Institute