Fellow - User Interface Developer for Solar Systems

About the Position:

Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) is offering a Fellowship position in its Distributed Electrical Energy Systems Group to develop intuitive, user-friendly web and mobile applications that will enable the deployment of easy-to-install rooftop solar PV systems.  We are seeking an individual who is passionate about sustainable energy, has a strong technical background, and who wants to help us rethink how rooftop PV systems are designed, installed, and commissioned. 

You’ll be a key part of a dynamic team based in Boston, Massachusetts working on solar energy technology development with partners in industry, academia, and government.  The position typically lasts six to nine months, but longer or shorter internships may be accommodated. The practical experience acquired at Fraunhofer CSE enables Fellows to go on to further their academic careers and/or find successful employment in the energy sector.

About the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE)

The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit applied research and development laboratory dedicated to fostering economic development through the commercialization of clean energy technologies for the benefit of society. With a focus in building energy technologies, solar photovoltaics, distributed electrical energy systems, start-up assistance, and technical validation, Fraunhofer CSE engages in collaborative research with private companies, government entities, and academic institutions. Fraunhofer CSE is a subsidiary of Fraunhofer USA and affiliated with Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest contract R&D organization.

For additional information please view our website at http://cse.fraunhofer.org.

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer of Individuals with disabilities, protected veterans and is a federal contractor.

Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities:

• Design Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) for commissioning, monitoring, and manipulating a PV system
• Program web based device communication software
• Develop novel smart phone application for integrating renewable energy technologies
• Assist in the integration of experimental Smart Grid applications
• Maintain front and back end server, software, and databases
• Process, analyze, and display data

Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities, continued:

• During the course of this fellowship, you will receive exposure and have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of solar PV systems integration, including PV system engineering design; system installation; control and communications interfaces; permitting, inspection, and interconnection; and integration with the renewable industry supply chain.
• Interact with and learn from stakeholders in the solar industry

Experience & Capabilities:

• User Interface Design
• Web Design: CSS, HTML, and JavaScript
• Web Hosting: Apache or Nginx
• Mobile App Design
• Web design across multiple form factors
• Version Control: Git (preferred) or SVN
• Server hardening and website security best practices
• Data logging and data analysis
• Database Administration: SQLite, PostgreSQL or MySQL
• LabView

Desired Characteristics:

• Excellent academic record in graphic design or web design.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to accept a high degree of responsibility in a team-based organization and an ability to work independently
• Aptitude for learning new things, brainstorming solutions, and adapting to challenges.
• Enthusiasm for new technologies and expanding the impact of renewable energy.