Energy Systems Engineer

The Industrial Technologies Team at the Center for Energy, Environmental, and Economic Systems Analysis (CEEESA) is seeking a research staff member to conduct research on industrial sector energy use modeling, optimization, and analysis, encompassing both supply-side and demand-side technologies. The candidate would be expected to conduct high-impact research in two primary areas.

Area 1: Implementing new capabilities to established energy systems modeling and optimization tool(s) at Argonne: This would entail implementing numerical techniques to dramatically reduce time to a feasible solution, parallelization of computations/high-performance computing, and other emerging and novel techniques to improve the efficiency of in-house energy systems models’ pre-processing, optimization, and post-processing steps. The candidate would also be expected to lead, and in some instances, support the development of additional modeling and analysis capabilities such as optimization under uncertainty, multi-objective optimization, statistical analysis and data visualization modules for aiding interpretation of model results, and addition of a graphical user interface for the model(s). The candidate will work with a team of computational scientists and systems engineers at Argonne in this research area.

Area 2: Developing industrial energy use case studies using Argonne’s optimization models: The optimization model(s) in [Area 1] are developed for providing strategic analysis and insights to federal agencies and industry stakeholders to help them make decisions and investments, specifically around technologies in the U.S. industrial sector. The candidate will leverage their expertise in systems modeling to develop high-fidelity technology planning and capacity expansion roadmaps for energy-intensive industries, including iron & steel, cement, chemicals, food & beverage, refining, glass, and aluminum manufacturing. The candidate will work with a team of subject matter experts from different DOE National Laboratories in each of these areas in developing the model and analysis framework.

Candidates must demonstrate a strong technical background and experience working with energy systems models, particularly on open-source models and developing relevant software packages for such models. Experience working with the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) tool and/or integrated assessment models will be considered a plus. Proficiency in oral communication and technical writing, as demonstrated by the candidate’s peer-reviewed publications and presentations, is necessary for this position given the need for the appointee to directly interface with various sponsors and work in large interdisciplinary teams.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in industrial, mechanical, or chemical engineering, operations research, or related fields.

• 3+ years of post-Ph.D. experience involving technical leadership on projects and working in large teams comprised of experts from various disciplines.

• Demonstrable expertise in systems-level thinking that draws from several scientific disciplines including engineering, economics, and environmental science.

• Experience developing mathematical or computational models for simulation and optimization of energy/economic systems in Julia, Python, R, Java, C++, or other scientific programming languages.

• Strong command of optimization, statistics, and general engineering fundamentals.

• Familiarity with life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and other industrial ecology tools and techniques.

• Skilled oral and written communication skills as evidenced by a strong record in academic publications and conference presentations.

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing software packages, tools, and data sets for public use.

• Experience in leading grant proposals, particularly aimed at DOE funding.

• Experience with working in a multidisciplinary research environment in a federal agency or national laboratory setting.

• Ability to synthesize effective data visualizations to communicate results from complex data analyses.

• Ability to think strategically, use independent judgment, and exercise thought leadership.

• Ability to develop evidence-based policy insights in science and technology.

• This position description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.