Building Systems Field Validation Research Engineer

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Jackson
Posted on: March 14, 2023

Job Description:

Overview
The Building Systems Group at PNNL is seeking a Building Systems Field Research Engineer who is interested in market transformation related to decarbonization of the building stock. The individual will be a technical contributor to field validation studies that will help to identify and characterize how newer building technologies (like the 120volt Heat Pump Water Heaters) are viable decarbonization options in real homes. Candidates will have a technical background (e.g. building systems, engineering, data analysis, etc.) and an interest in applying and developing skills and experience associated with both field validation research and the dissemination of findings to broader audiences. Strong candidates for this position will have experience with lab or field experiments, experimental design, information dissemination, teaching and/or website content development. This position will support the implementation of projects that accelerate the market adoption of technologies that will help decarbonize the building stock.
Responsibilities
This position requires an individual with strong communication skills and the ability to 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 possibly managers at the Department of Energy 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 individual in this position will:

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  Be comfortable communicating with people from many different types of backgrounds
  
  
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  Contribute to technical reports and white papers, website content, progress reports, case studies, technical presentations to critical stakeholders and external audiences, and assist in the planning and delivery of outreach and engagement opportunities, including expert meetings, workshops and industry conferences.
  
  
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  Will be expected to travel to perform research, 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, conferences, and in stakeholder meetings.
  
  
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  Possess strong, demonstrated writing capabilities and the ability to present information clearly and capably in a public setting.
  
  
  Qualifications
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
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    BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
    
    
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    MS/MA -OR-
    
    
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    PhD
    
    
    Preferred Qualifications:
    
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      Master's degree in mechanical engineering, building systems, civil engineering, architectural engineering, or equivalent.
      
      
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      In addition, the preferred candidate will have knowledge related to building systems, building science and/or mechanical equipment.
      
      
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      Experience with experimental design in a lab or field environment
      
      
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      Background knowledge related to buildings, building energy efficiency, residential building construction, mechanical systems, etc.
      
      
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      A general understanding of market transformation barriers associated with decarbonizing the building stock.
      
      
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      Familiarity with building codes, especially residential energy efficiency building codes.
      
      
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      Familiarity with behavior of consumers, manufacturers, utilities and product supply chains and how they interact with and value energy efficient performance and grid interactions.
      
      
      Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
      None
      Additional Information
      N/A
      Testing Designated Position
      This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)
      About PNNL
      Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
      At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or -3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
      Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
      Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
      Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
      We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .
      Drug Free Workplace
      PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
      Beginning 05/01/23, if you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
      Mandatory Requirements
      Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
      Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
      Rockstar Rewards
      Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
      
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      • Research Associates excluded.
        
        **Once eligibility requirements are met.
        Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Jackson , Building Systems Field Validation Research Engineer, Other , Jackson, Mississippi