Building Energy Research Engineer/Scientist

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•UNAVAILABLE, UNAVAILABLE

About The Position

The Building Systems Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a Building Energy Research Engineer/Scientist to join its Residential & Commercial Building Program team. The role combines task and project leadership with technical contributions to evaluations of building energy program impacts and field validation of systems such as water heaters and HVAC equipment. The position supports development of methods to analyze how building technologies, systems, and programs can improve efficiency, optimization, and resiliency while accounting for environmental considerations. The successful candidate will contribute to residential and commercial building field research, including new construction and retrofits, and evaluation of state and regional energy-efficiency programs. Work includes developing test plans and procedures, selecting sensors, planning data acquisition, and installing equipment. The position also involves energy audits, use of analysis tools and models, guidance on energy sustainability, statistical analysis, and communicating technical findings as strategies and plans for stakeholders. Engagement with regional, state, and community organizations on energy and workforce issues is also part of the role. The individual will work with and provide leadership to project teams conducting field validation of residential and commercial building technologies and systems. The role supports project planning and implementation for primarily Department of Energy sponsors, as well as other agencies, state governments, and private organizations. Responsibilities include coordinating with sponsor relationship management, program managers, and the group leader to complete tasks on time and within budget; interfacing directly with sponsors and subcontractors to gather data and plan and implement activities; presenting program results; attending conferences; and supporting energy storage education in public forums and invited presentations. Travel may be required up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in building science, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, or a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree in one of these fields and at least 3 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in one of these fields and at least 1 year of relevant experience.
Relevant experience in construction, operations, or testing of residential or commercial buildings.
Knowledge or experience in building energy efficiency, residential and/or commercial building technologies, and building systems field research.
Experience assessing the impact of state and regional building energy-efficiency programs.
Recognized expertise in statistical analysis and the ability to translate complex technical insights into strategies and plans for stakeholders.
Experience engaging regional, state, and community organizations on energy and workforce-related issues.

Nice To Haves

Strong analysis skills and/or experience with activities that advance understanding of energy-storage technologies and best practices.
Strong writing capabilities and the ability to present information clearly and effectively in public settings.
Previous successful work with DOE, building systems vendors, and regional, state, or local government.
Experience leading energy-efficiency program impact and/or process evaluations for utility or government clients.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute technically to projects evaluating building energy program impacts and validating building systems in the field.
Develop methods to analyze and assess the impacts of building technologies, systems, and programs on efficiency, optimization, and resiliency.
Conduct or support field research on residential and commercial buildings, including new construction and retrofits.
Develop test plans and procedures, plan data acquisition, select sensors, and support equipment installation.
Lead or perform energy audits and apply analysis tools and models to provide guidance on energy sustainability.
Perform statistical analysis and translate complex technical findings into strategies and plans for stakeholders.
Engage regional, state, and community organizations on energy and workforce-related issues.
Provide leadership to project teams conducting field validation of residential and commercial building technologies and systems.
Coordinate with sponsor relationship management, program managers, and the group leader to complete tasks on time and within budget.
Interface with sponsors and subcontractors to gather data and plan and implement project activities.
Present program results to clients and other audiences, attend conferences, and support energy storage education through public forums and invited presentations.