The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment seeks applications for software engineer, at the rank of professional specialist, to act as research group manager in the research lab led by Assistant Professor Jesse Jenkins, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy and Environment. The Zero-carbon Energy systems Research and Optimization Laboratory, aka ZERO Lab, works on improving optimization-based modeling tools and methods to understand complex energy systems, including the GenX electricity system optimization model. The group applies these methods to evaluate and optimize emerging low-carbon energy technologies, identify key cost and performance improvements, and provide insights to inform and target engineering research and investment. The group also uses energy systems models to generate decision-relevant insights to guide national and sub-national jurisdictions in transitioning to net-zero emissions energy systems and inform critical policy and planning decisions.
The software engineer will provide high-level expertise to the design, development, evaluation and release of newly created open source energy systems models and support the user and developer communities throughout the field. Responsibilities include management of the research lab and related projects, enhancement of the performance and extensibility of software models, support to and collaboration with open source contributors to models, management of a broad external community of users, integration of open source contributions, development of high-level software training materials. The software engineer will provide support to model users both within the ZERO Lab and other research groups at Princeton and in the broader open source user community. Work will initially focus on open source release of the GenX electricity system capacity planning model and evolve to support future energy systems modeling software. This position will also participate in academic research and publication.
The initial appointment will be for 12 months with expectation of renewal contingent on funding and performance.
The program is looking for candidates with demonstrated expertise in software engineering and management of open source software projects and management experience. Domain expertise and proficiency with Julia and Python is required. Master’s or PhD degree in computer science, software engineering, operations research or other related field required. At least five years of relevant professional experience required. Experience in optimization methods and/or energy systems modeling and prior contributions to research activities are ideal.
Application process
Applicants must apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/15901 and submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. The candidate is subject to the University’s background check policy.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.