Research Engineer II - AI for Building Energy Systems

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), we are solving some of the nation's greatest energy challenges by delivering transformative research and scalable innovations.

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.

This position is in the Building Simulation and Design Group (BS&DG) within PNNL's Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division. BS&DG conducts modeling and analysis to evaluate the impacts of building energy policies, codes, and standards; develops tools and workflows to support building research and decision making; and helps accelerate adoption of energy efficient technologies. The group maintains core research capabilities in building energy simulation, building energy policy analysis, and tool development for building applications.

BS&DG is seeking a Research Engineer II - AI for Building Energy Systems . The successful candidate will be accountable to Project and/or Task Managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and completing assigned tasks on time and within budget. The candidate will also be accountable to the Group Leader and Team Leader for staff performance and development, operational discipline, and project execution.

This position is based in Portland, OR, Richland, WA, or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence. Hybrid work arrangements may be available in accordance with laboratory policy, project needs, and team expectations.

Responsibilities

This role will contribute to AI-enabled building energy systems research under DOE mission areas, with applications that may include building energy modeling, code compliance checking, permitting, large-scale performance data analysis, workflow automation, building controls and operations, workforce training, data mining, and AI-enabled software tools.

The successful candidate will join multi-disciplinary project teams and focus on developing and applying AI methods, computational methods, and technical workflows that support building research, analysis, and decision making. The candidate will contribute to mission-relevant tools, workflows, and technical products for internal research teams as well as external stakeholders and tool users.

• Conduct independent research and develop technical approaches in AI-enabled building energy systems research under a given mission area, including generative AI, large language models, and agentic systems for building research applications.
• Develop, fine tune, test, evaluate, and apply generative AI, large language model, and agentic methods for building research applications, including data curation and technical evaluation.
• Develop and implement analysis methods, modeling workflows, tools, and prototypes for building research applications, including integration of AI methods into software tools and technical workflows.
• Contribute to mission-relevant tools and technical products that support building research and decision making.
• Support and contribute to existing building research and engineering projects in these application areas, including projects with established workflows and projects transitioning toward AI-enabled approaches.
• Lead defined technical tasks or project components with responsibility for assigned scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Work with project teams, collaborators, and stakeholders to understand technical needs and contribute to technical approaches.
• Work effectively across interdisciplinary teams and provide guidance to interns, students, or junior staff, as appropriate.
• Contribute technical ideas, analyses, and writing to proposal development.
• Contribute to technical reports, publications, and conference presentations, and present research results in project and technical meetings.
• Maintain awareness of relevant technical developments and emerging methods that support current and future research activities.

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD, * PhD in architectural engineering, building science, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience beyond the PhD, with evidence of growing independence in technical work and project contributions.
• Experience analyzing building energy systems, including modeling, controls, or system performance analysis, with ability to develop and implement analysis approaches for technical tasks.
• Experience developing and applying AI or machine learning methods to building energy modeling, analysis, or engineering research problems.
• Strong programming skills for developing tools, scripts, or computational workflows supporting modeling and data analysis.
• Experience leading technical tasks or project components, supporting planning of scope and deliverables, and collaborating with team members.
• Experience contributing to proposal development, including technical writing, analysis support, or development of research ideas.
• Record of contributing to technical publications or presentations in building energy systems or related areas.
• Experience presenting research results at conferences, workshops, or project meetings.

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $89,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $131,200.00/Yr.

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., 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, and flexible work schedules. 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., 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.