Internship – R&D Engineer Reinforcement Learning for Control of Power Electronic Converter W/M
Villeurbanne, 69100
Stage
02/02/2026- 01/08/2026
Description
Established in 2014, SuperGrid Institute is an independent private company with over 150 employees of 21 different nationalities. The institute is a key player for energy transition in France and throughout Europe, specialising in innovative high and medium voltage direct current (HVDC and MVDC) power systems. SuperGrid Institute also develops new technologies for the integration of renewable energies into the electricity networks of the future.
SuperGrid Institute has been ranked every year since 2018, reaching the podium 3 times in the INPI prize list.
Find out more by visiting our website: www.supergrid-institute.com
Key words: Artificial intelligence, Reinforcement Learning, Power Electronics
General Context
Modern power electronic converters operate under fast switching dynamics, nonlinearities, and hard constraints. Classic controls, such as PI controllers with cascaded loops, are largely experience-driven and require manual parameter tuning. They perform well near design operating conditions but can straggle under large shifts in operating conditions, component parameters, grid disturbance, or topological reconfiguration. Reinforcement Learning (RL) offers a potential data-driven alternative that directly develop an optimized control structure that can meet the control objective while being able to cope with various conditions and constraints.
This internship will explore the potential of RL for converter control design, starting from a simple converter structure and then progressively extending the scope to more complex grid-connected converters and multi-level structures.
Missions
Missions
Gain proficiency in power electronics, EMT simulations, and HVDC systems
Survey & Benchmark RL framework (task formulation, reward sharping, constraint handling)
Implement an RL developed controller to a simple converter.
Develop a reproducible codebase (architecture+code+documentation) suitable as a starting point for further future exploitation.
Present key results and findings and prepare a comprehensive documentation.
Profil
Candidate Profile
Master’s or Engineering student (4th or 5th year) with a strong background in applied AI/ML.
Proficiency in Python, and experience with AI/ML
Familiarity with EMT simulation tools like EMTP-RV or PSCAD , but not mandatory.
Knowledge of power electronics or advanced signal processing methods is preferred, but not mandatory.
Soft skills
Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Effective communication and presentation abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
A good command of English is required, both written and spoken
What we can offer you:
You will be joining an institute dedicated to the energy transition, a promising and stimulating field of activity,
Participation in meal expenses (company restaurant),
Activities between colleagues within the company (football, running, choir, etc.),
CSE,
Electrical approvals covered,
Self-service bicycles.
Other information
At SuperGrid Institute, we respect and value the diversity of our employees, their backgrounds and experiences, with the aim of providing equal opportunities for all. Diversity is at the heart of our operations, and we are committed to banning all discrimination from our human resources management. SuperGrid Institute makes all its positions accessible to people with disabilities and is committed, as part of its action plan for professional equality, to paying particular attention to applications from women in order to achieve a balanced overall distribution of the workforce.