Research Engineer II

Center for Energy and Environment•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$120,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Engineer II joins CEE’s Research team, which identifies and evaluates emerging energy-efficiency approaches and technologies. The role leads research projects and proposal development, conducts data analysis, and develops and applies building stock models to evaluate energy use, electrification pathways, technology adoption, and market transformation opportunities across residential and commercial buildings. Approximately half of the position’s work is expected to focus on building stock modeling and related analytical activities. Work may also include field studies, technology assessments, and energy modeling, connecting large-scale modeling with field research and real-world building-performance data. The role mentors and may supervise other staff. The position is hybrid, with 1–2 days per week in CEE’s Minneapolis office. Local candidates or those willing to relocate to the Twin Cities area are strongly preferred. CEE is a clean-energy nonprofit with offices in Minneapolis and Roseville, Minnesota, providing practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to reduce energy waste and harmful emissions. The expected pay range upon hire is $120,000–$125,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Meet one of these education and experience combinations: PhD in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field and 1–3 years of technical-field experience; MS in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field and 3–6 years of technical-field experience; or BS in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field and 6–9 years of technical-field experience.
Experience developing, modifying, and running building stock modeling tools such as ResStock, ComStock, or similar platforms.
Experience integrating, cleaning, reconciling, and analyzing large datasets from multiple sources.
Strong statistical and analytical skills, including applying statistical methods to large datasets and interpreting model outputs.
Experience programming and developing reproducible analytical workflows using Python or R.
Self-motivated, responsible, efficient, and accurate.
Excellent time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills, including comfort interacting with homeowners, renters, building operators, mechanical contractors, and facilities managers; documenting assumptions and technical observations; organizing and writing technical reports; communicating project information in team meetings; and identifying presentation opportunities, submitting abstracts, developing presentations, and presenting.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated drive and motivation to lead research in the energy field.
Experience developing, applying, or evaluating building stock models to assess energy efficiency, electrification, technology adoption, load impacts, or market potential.
Experience evaluating building and energy systems, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, service hot water, energy storage, and solar systems.
Experience adapting approaches, developing new methods, and leading building diagnostic testing or monitoring.
Experience leading and conducting diagnostic testing.
Experience leading and installing data-acquisition systems for continuous measurements.
Experience leading development of field-monitoring protocols, data-processing procedures, and data-analysis methods.
Experience, training, and working knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics applied to complex energy systems.
Experience with energy and/or building-system models.
Demonstrated analytical abilities and understanding of basic statistical methods.
Extensive experience using Microsoft Excel to analyze large datasets and generate charts.
Ability to use engineering principles or practices to assist in evaluating the commercial potential of emerging energy technologies.
Experience identifying promising concepts, ideas, and/or technologies and leading proposal ideation and development.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary investigator and technical lead on research projects related to commercial buildings.
Develop project budgets, staff allocations, and work scopes; review finances, invoices, agreements, staffing needs, and task progress against timelines; identify and mitigate risks; and provide quarterly staff-allocation updates.
Provide technical consultation to Market Transformation, Program Development, and other CEE departments on research topics related to commercial buildings and their technologies.
Apply building-science principles to assess building performance, including energy use, indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and envelope durability.
Identify project objectives and develop test procedures and analysis methods to achieve them.
Coordinate the work of research engineers, technicians, analysts, and/or interns supporting projects.
Conduct literature reviews and technology assessments.
Document project work, track effort, and manage multiple project priorities.
Manage diagnostic testing of building and energy-system performance, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, service hot water, and solar systems.
Develop and maintain energy and building-system models to evaluate system energy performance.
Lead proposal ideation and development.
Conceptualize, organize, and serve as primary author of technical research reports and journal articles.
When supervising staff, partner with HR on recruiting and selection; onboard and train employees; communicate priorities and expectations; manage performance and corrective actions; lead one-on-ones, reviews, development plans, and team meetings; and support inclusive, equitable employment practices.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.