Building Energy Research Engineer - Scientist

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy The Building Systems Group at PNNL is seeking a Building Research Engineer-Scientist with interest and some experience in residential and/or commercial buildings systems energy and mechanical systems performance assessment and research. The individual will be a building systems research engineer/scientist in a growing team of building scientists, engineers, and analysts developing innovative methods to achieve greater efficiency, optimization, and resiliency of residential and commercial systems including housing, manufacturing, and related energy technology and policy. The candidate will have a science/engineering education, enjoy conducting research, analyzing data, performing in-field and laboratory measurements and organizing and presenting information via reports, articles, and presentations that enable productive and effective communication of research results and impact with the ultimate goal of making our buildings more energy efficient and affordable. This position will support the development and implementation of research projects designed to drive down the cost of emerging energy-efficient building technologies and accelerate their market adoption across many sectors with a focus on field testing and performance assessment of building systems and technologies. The position requires solid analytical and strong communication skills (including writing, editorial, and training skills), and the ability to both lead and work in teams with federal agencies, states, regional energy efficiency organizations, trade groups, utilities, and other program providers. The position will also involve communication with leading scientists, engineers and managers at DOE and its national laboratories, with consultants and academics, at utility and market transformation organizations, with manufacturers and trade organizations, and with all facets of the supply chain and market, including consumers. The position requires solid analytical skills, knowledge and experience related to the analysis and communication of building science and technology concepts, products, and techniques that are focused on building systems and technologies: Knowledge of and experience with interacting with the industrialized construction industry including manufacturing organizations, supply chain components, builders, code officials, research organizations, and contractors. Development of communication and training products and deliverables that include printed, video, web-based, and social media Building technologies and systems associated with operations, energy efficiency, understanding technology strengths, structures, barriers, code limitations, supply chain opportunities, and demographics. Development and execution of field research plans to test and measure building systems performance, analyze research results, publish and communicate conclusions and results. Communication, interaction, and collaboration with a range of stakeholders including manufacturers, supply chain businesses, trade groups, utilities, buyers’ groups, energy efficiency orgs, and consumers. Occasionally travel to attend conferences and present results of work in a variety of forums, support relevant education in public forums and webinars, in meetings with DOE and other national laboratories, in PNNL internal meetings, or conferences, and in stakeholder meetings.

Requirements

BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA -OR-
PhD
solid analytical skills
strong communication skills (including writing, editorial, and training skills)
the ability to both lead and work in teams with federal agencies, states, regional energy efficiency organizations, trade groups, utilities, and other program providers.
knowledge and experience related to the analysis and communication of building science and technology concepts, products, and techniques that are focused on building systems and technologies:
Knowledge of and experience with interacting with the industrialized construction industry including manufacturing organizations, supply chain components, builders, code officials, research organizations, and contractors.
Development of communication and training products and deliverables that include printed, video, web-based, and social media
Building technologies and systems associated with operations, energy efficiency, understanding technology strengths, structures, barriers, code limitations, supply chain opportunities, and demographics.

Nice To Haves

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical, Civil, or Architectural Engineering or related field with 3-4 years of relevant experience in building systems, performance testing, or applied research.
Experience leading tasks and small to medium size projects.
Experience with conducting Field Testing and Research in residential/commercial buildings.
Experience with building envelope, HVAC and water heating systems and technologies.

Responsibilities

Development and execution of field research plans to test and measure building systems performance, analyze research results, publish and communicate conclusions and results.
Communication, interaction, and collaboration with a range of stakeholders including manufacturers, supply chain businesses, trade groups, utilities, buyers’ groups, energy efficiency orgs, and consumers.
Occasionally travel to attend conferences and present results of work in a variety of forums, support relevant education in public forums and webinars, in meetings with DOE and other national laboratories, in PNNL internal meetings, or conferences, and in stakeholder meetings.

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

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