Building Systems Research Engineer

PNNL’s Buildings Systems Group performs applied research to enhance the energy and water efficiency, occupant productivity, and resilient operation of buildings and their connected energy and water systems. Our core research capabilities span building performance evaluation, building control system optimization, building technology measurement, validation, and demonstration, and site-level assessment and planning for energy and water resilience. We work closely with over 300 subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation’s transition to a sustainable, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through innovation and actionable solutions.

We are seeking an individual to join our team that has solid analytical and strong communication skills (including writing, editorial, and training 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 managers at DOE and its national laboratories, with consultants, academics, and utility 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:
• Building systems servicing the residential/commercial sectors including energy efficiency technologies.
• Building technologies and systems associated with operations, energy efficiency, understanding technology strengths, structures, barriers, and supply chain opportunities.
• Behavior of consumers, manufacturers, utilities and product supply chains and how they interact with and value energy efficient performance.
• Development and execution of field research plans to test and measure building systems performance, analyze research results, publish and communicate conclusions and results.
• Installation and operation of building science sensors and measurement equipment.
• Communication, interaction, and collaboration with a range of stakeholders including manufacturers, supply chain businesses, trade groups, utilities, buyers’ groups, energy efficiency orgs/policymakers, and consumers.

The position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and present results of work in a variety of forums. Travel may also be required to conduct buildings related field/lab research in commercial and residential building environments.

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD
• Relevant experience includes degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Architectural Engineering with relevant experience in the building sciences.
• Demonstrated experience in test planning and performance, data acquisition and senor selection and installation, data analysis, reporting, stakeholder engagement and/or communication -or-
• Demonstrated experience with building science, building construction, and building energy savings technologies and construction techniques., * Advance degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Architectural Engineering or related field.
• Experience in the construction industry.
• Demonstrated experience in building residential buildings, working with contractors, and addressing and solving residential building construction issues and challenges

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

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, Integrated Discovery 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.