Commercial Buildings Research Engineer – HVAC
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We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
The Advanced Building Equipment Research Group at NREL conducts leading research on novel HVAC and refrigeration systems to dramatically improve efficiency, comfort, and affordability and reduce whole life carbon emissions. We have an immediate opening for someone with a background in building science research with experience in HVAC and refrigeration experimental, design, commissioning, operations, and analysis. The ideal candidate will be able to develop experimental plans for field validation of novel HVAC and refrigeration system, measure and monitor performance, analyze and interpret data, draw evidence-based conclusions, and publish results. The successful applicant will work collaboratively to identify design and operational strategies that allow buildings to operate as efficient, grid-integrated resources, and will work with industry to facilitate the realization of the next generation of commercial buildings. Candidates with experience in the rapidly evolving areas of buildings-to-grid, building electrification with heat pumps, thermal energy storage, and sensors & controls are preferred. The hired candidate will be expected to publish relevant research outcomes in peer-reviewed scientific journals and must be comfortable working across teams to remove uncertainty from project requirements and build consensus around outcomes.
Level II - Working knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to specific field. Skilled in problem solving, written and verbal communication. Ability to use various computer software programs.
Level III - Demonstrated full knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to specific field. Strong leadership, communication, problem solving and project management skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.
Basic Qualifications
Level II - Relevant Master's Degree. Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience.
Level III - Relevant PhD. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
- General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques
- Strong understanding of building science principles, theories, and concepts, including thermodynamics and heat transfer
- Industry experience with modeling, design, commissioning, and operation of commercial building HVAC systems
- Exposure to whole building energy modeling such as EnergyPlus or OpenStudio
- Strong technical writing skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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