Loon · 9 hours ago
2026 PhD Residency, Utility-Scale Power Electronics (Tapestry)
Loon's Tapestry is a project at the forefront of AI and energy systems, aiming to enhance the electric grid's stability and resilience. The role involves leading advanced research on utility-scale inverter control, focusing on developing innovative algorithms to improve grid operations.
AerospaceInformation ServicesInternetTelecommunicationsTravel
Responsibilities
Design and develop advanced control algorithms for utility-scale inverter systems focused on grid stability and resilience
Create and validate mode-shifting inverter control strategies that enable seamless transitions between operating modes, such as grid-following and grid-forming
Design and implement Automatic Gain Control (AGC) approaches that dynamically adapt inverter behavior based on real-time grid conditions
Simulate and evaluate control strategies under a range of operating conditions, including strong grid, weak grid, and transient scenarios
Translate advanced control concepts into implementation-ready algorithms suitable for future firmware or hardware integration
Collaborate with power systems, software, and product teams to align research outcomes with real-world grid applications
Produce clear technical documentation outlining control design, assumptions, performance tradeoffs, and stability margins
Qualification
Required
Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Power Systems, Control Systems, or a closely related field
Strong foundational knowledge of power electronics and utility-scale power systems
Experience designing or analyzing control systems for inverter-based resources
Hands-on experience with simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to reason about system stability and dynamic behavior
Clear written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration
Preferred
Experience with grid-forming, grid-following, or microgrid control strategies
Familiarity with wide-bandgap (WBG) devices and inverter hardware considerations
Exposure to firmware or hardware-software interface constraints for power electronics
Experience translating academic research into applied or industry-focused outcomes
Interest in grid modernization, renewable integration, and decarbonization of the electric power system
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Competitive residency stipend and housing relocation support for the duration of the program
Direct mentorship from industry-leading research scientists and engineers
Opportunity to work on "moonshot" problems with access to Alphabet-scale compute and resources
Company
Loon
Loon is a network of high altitude balloons used to provide stable internet coverage on the ground. It is a sub-organization of Alphabet.
H1B Sponsorship
Loon has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2021 (9)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$125MKey Investors
HAPSMobile
2019-04-25Undisclosed· $125M
Recent News
2025-10-31
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