From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
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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, hot water, and refrigeration systems to dramatically improve efficiency, connectivity, and affordability while reducing whole life carbon emissions. We have an immediate opening for someone with a background in thermal sciences and grid-edge controls research. The ideal candidate will have experience with thermal system modeling and controls, thermal-to-electrical emulation, and hands-on experimental setup of physics-based hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems for both thermal and electrical systems. The successful applicant will work collaboratively on modeling, analysis, and validation of grid-connected building thermal systems with energy storage that allow buildings to operate as efficient, grid-integrated resources and facilitate the realization of the next generation of buildings to grid systems. Candidates with experience in the rapidly evolving areas of buildings-to-grid, building and industrial 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 IV - Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of laws, regulations, principles, procedures and practices related to specific field. Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving and project management skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.
Level V - Applies advanced scientific technical principles, theories and concepts. Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts. Considered a national subject matter expert. Demonstrates leadership in a number of areas, including all team, task and/or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated management of complex and/or impactful projects. Excellent technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
Basic Qualifications
Level IV - Relevant PhD and 4 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 7 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 9 or more years of experience.
Level V - Relevant PhD and 9 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Master's Degree and 12 or more years of experience. Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 14 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
- Expertise in developing mathematical models for real-time emulations based on physics-driven thermal systems and validating them with experimental hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups.
- Industry experience with modeling and evaluation of thermal energy systems
- 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.
