HVAC Test & Evaluation Research Engineer/Scientist

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

The individual will work with and provide technical contributions to project teams that conduct research in support of residential/commercial buildings technologies with an emphasis on HVAC equipment and building efficiency. The primary client is the U.S. Department of Energy offices, and secondary clients include other agencies, state government, utilities, regional energy efficiency organizations, and private organizations. This position offers the opportunity for a broad range of involvement in activities including researching and developing efficiency and electricity infrastructure related experiments and technologies; identifying and helping develop new and improved tools, technologies, and resources for addressing energy efficiency and electricity infrastructure needs; and designing workshops, case studies, programs, and training that support the application and use of energy efficiency technologies and best practices.

In this role, the key responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to:

• Apply advanced energy principles, theories and concepts in the fields of efficiency, electricity infrastructure technology and policy, building science, including building energy use, management, and analysis. Demonstrate training and experience in building science with application to residential and/or commercial buildings.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the environmental chambers and associated systems, responsible for test system setup and modification in accordance with project standards, overall design modifications, system diagnostics, system operation/oversight, system performance testing and evaluation, acceptance testing, condition assessment surveys, work and maintenance planning outage planning, and other facility operation management.
• Review, estimate, and procure project costs including equipment, installation, labor, materials, preparation, operation, and other related life cycle costs.
• Inspect or direct the inspection of construction and project progress to ensure conformance to established drawings, specifications, and schedules.
• Work with other service departments to coordinate work.
• Provide technical contributions to a fast-growing team of energy efficiency engineers, scientists, analysts and other technical professionals developing innovative methods to achieve greater energy efficiency in the Nation's new and existing homes, commercial buildings, and appliances.
• Provide technical support to PNNL's efforts to promote the development, adoption, and implementation of progressive energy efficiency technologies, best practices, protocols, and codes/standards that are designed for clear and consistent interpretation and implementation.
• Provide support to PNNL's on-going test and measurement program for HVAC units in our environmental test chambers.

Potential candidates with an interest in residential/commercial buildings energy efficiency, construction, energy codes, renovation, building enclosures, heating and cooling, ventilation, indoor air quality, water heating, control technologies, load shapes, and grid interactions are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Minimum: BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience OR MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience OR PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with HVAC testing and performance evaluation.
• Experience operating and conducting tests in an environmental chamber environment.
• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering experience with facilities/building engineering experience.
• Knowledge with the use of the following software: LabVIEW, AutoCAD, JCI Metasys, Tridium Niagara.

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, 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.

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401(k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

*Research Associates excluded. All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.