Research Engineer II

Center for Energy and Environment•Minneapolis, MN

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is hiring a Research Engineer II for its 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 in residential and commercial buildings. Approximately half of the work is expected to focus on building stock modeling and related analysis. Work may also include field studies, technology assessments, energy modeling, and connecting large-scale modeling with field research and real-world building performance data. The role mentors and may supervise staff. The position is hybrid, with 1–2 days per week in CEE’s Minneapolis office. Local candidates and candidates willing to relocate to the Twin Cities area are strongly preferred. CEE is a clean energy nonprofit with offices in Minneapolis and Roseville, Minnesota, working to reduce energy waste and harmful emissions in homes, businesses, and communities.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: PhD in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field and 1–3 years of technical-field experience; MS and 3–6 years; or BS and 6–9 years.
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, with strong time-management and organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with homeowners, renters, building operators, mechanical contractors, and facilities managers.
Experience documenting assumptions and technical observations and organizing and writing technical reports.
Ability to communicate project information in team meetings; identify presentation opportunities, submit abstracts, develop presentations, and present findings.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated drive and motivation to lead research in the energy field.
Experience developing, applying, or evaluating building stock models for energy efficiency, electrification, technology adoption, load impacts, or market potential.
Experience evaluating building and energy systems, including HVAC, refrigeration, service hot water, energy storage, and solar systems.
Experience adapting approaches, developing methods, and leading building diagnostic testing or monitoring.
Experience leading diagnostic testing and installation of 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 apply engineering principles or practices to evaluate the commercial potential of emerging energy technologies.
Experience identifying promising concepts, ideas, 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 project finances, invoices, agreements, staffing needs, and progress against timelines with limited supervisor assistance.
Identify project risks and develop approaches to mitigate them; 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 evaluate building performance, including energy use, indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and envelope durability.
Identify project objectives and develop test procedures and analysis methods to meet them.
Coordinate the work of research engineers, technicians, analysts, and interns assisting with projects.
Conduct literature reviews and technology assessments; document project work, track effort, and manage multiple 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.
Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
For staff-supervision responsibilities: partner with HR on recruiting and selection; onboard, train, and connect employees; set and communicate priorities and expectations; evaluate and manage performance; lead one-on-ones, reviews, development plans, and skill-building; facilitate team meetings and feedback; and support equal opportunity, respect for diverse perspectives, and an inclusive workplace.