Predoctoral Appointee - Control Systems Engineer

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, USA

Job posting number: #7217844 (Ref:417407)

Posted: February 15, 2024

Job Description

As electric vehicle (EV) production expands across various sectors, the demand for interoperability and technology development in vehicle-grid integration and smart charge management (VGI/SCM) is on the rise. We are seeking a dedicated individual to join the Advanced Mobility and Grid Integration Technology (AMAGIT) research section within Argonne’s Center for Transportation Research. AMAGIT is an integral part of Argonne's Transportation and Power Systems (TAPS) division, and the selected candidate will work at Argonne’s Smart Energy Plaza. The Smart Energy Plaza houses the laboratory’s EV Smart-Grid Interoperability Center, focusing on research related to the integration and management of EV charging, renewables, building systems, and energy storage.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of controls engineering, machine learning, computer science and sustainable technology, As a Control Systems Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and implementing control algorithms for optimizing energy usage and operation of electric vehicle charging stations. These control algorithms will be implemented on a Site Energy Management System (SEMS) that manages and controls DC fast chargers for electric vehicles. This position will make you work closely with engineers designing the SEMS as well as the charging stations themselves. You will get to physically test the results of your development effort using EVs and ensure reliable operation. Working collaboratively with engineers and researchers, you will contribute to the development of advanced electric vehicle systems and charging infrastructure control strategies to support vehicle grid integration.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement control algorithms for optimizing the energy usage and operation of electric vehicle charging stations within an EV charging plaza.

  • Utilize machine learning techniques for data analysis and prediction to enhance the performance and efficiency of charging station operations.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software engineers, electrical engineers, and data scientists to integrate control algorithms into existing systems.

  • Conduct testing and validation of control algorithms through simulation and real-world deployment, ensuring robust performance under varying conditions.

  • Continuously research and evaluate new control strategies and technologies to improve system efficiency and reliability.

  • Document and communicate algorithm design, implementation, and performance to stakeholders.

Position Requirements

  • Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

  • Understanding of control theory, including experience with PID controllers and other control algorithms (MPC, Fuzzy-logic, State-Space, etc.).

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and/or C++ for algorithm development and implementation.

  • Knowledge with machine learning (Scikit, Keras, Tensorflow, Pytorch, etc.) and data analysis (Python numpy, pandas, matplotlib, etc.)

  • Knowledge with databases: Relational (MSSQL, MySQL, SQLite, etc.), Non-relational (MongoDB, etc.), Time Series (Influx, TimescaleDB, etc.)

  • Knowledge of Unix/Linux based operating systems.

  • Experience with version control and source code management (vcs): git, Node Package Manager (npm)

  • Ability to problem solve and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

  • Skilled in communication and documentation skills.

  • A successful candidate must have the ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with electric vehicle charging infrastructure or renewable energy systems.

  • Knowledge of real-time systems and embedded software development.

  • Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and IoT technologies.

  • Understanding of energy management and power systems.

  • Industry or proven experience implementing control algorithms.

Job Family

Temporary Family

Job Profile

Predoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.



Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


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