Weatherization Assistance Program Project Manager

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a technical professional to focus on residential energy audit development and training, as well as applied research and development projects related to the implementation of residential weatherization programs. This role supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), a ~$350M program aimed at reducing energy costs for American households by increasing home energy efficiency while ensuring health and safety.

About the role

The Integrated Building Deployment and Analysis (IBDA) Group within the Buildings and Transportation Sciences Division (BTSD) works to optimize the energy performance of residential buildings and weatherization programs through applied research, technical assistance, technology deployment, and program evaluation. This position involves supporting the development and training of the Weatherization Assistant suite of audit tools (WAweb) and its web-based API, which includes:

• National Energy Audit Tool (NEAT) for site-built, single-family homes
• Manufactured Home Energy Audit (MHEA) for manufactured housing
• Multifamily Tool for Energy Audits (MulTEA) for multifamily buildings
• Health and Safety Audit

The role may also include conducting research and evaluations related to WAP implementation, such as assessing household cost savings, improving weatherization safety, and enhancing work quality within the program.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, improvement, and automation of the public-facing technical assistance platform WA Helpdesk.
• Identify and specify improvements to the existing suite of audit tools, propose enhancements, and oversee development through a team of software developers.
• Support the WAP network of WAweb users through the transition of NEAT and MHEA to the Energy-Plus simulation engine.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to the WAP Training Providers network.
• Develop and deliver training resources to WAP Grantees, local WAP implementers, and training centers on the use of the web-based audit tools.
• Conduct research on household direct savings from residential weatherization measures and how to incorporate these savings into WAP implementation.
• Assist in research on safe weatherization practices, particularly concerning vermiculite insulation.
• Manage the evaluation of current quality assurance processes within WAP implementation in accordance with the Quality Work Plan.
• Support research projects and collaborate with staff and partner organizations on future initiatives.
• Write technical reports, conference papers, and scientific journal articles summarizing research results.
• Present research findings to Laboratory staff, sponsors, industry, and academia through talks, presentations, and peer reviews.
• Collaborate with program managers, network with related organizations, and engage with sponsors on new program development opportunities.
• Align behaviors and priorities with ORNL’s core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Requirements

• BS in engineering, science, or a related discipline, or an MS in a scientific, engineering, social science, or related field with at least five years (BS) or four years (MS) of relevant experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience with buildings energy efficiency programs, management, or projects.
• Knowledge of building science, weatherization, and program evaluation.
• Familiarity with residential energy modeling software and analysis tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work creatively and cooperatively in an interdisciplinary research team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for team building, leadership, and interactions within the weatherization network.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for reports, proposals, and stakeholder interactions.
• Willingness to travel for presentations and key in-person meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) as a trainer, energy auditor, or other technical professional.
• Familiarity with Weatherization Assistant Tools (NEAT, MHEA, MulTEA, and Health & Safety Tool).
• Experience with numerical calculations and statistical data analysis.

Two letters of reference are required for this position. They may be uploaded directly to your application or sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number in the subject line.

Security and Credentialing

For employment at ORNL, a Real ID-compliant form of identification is required. All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, which involves a favorable post-employment background investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year. Foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years must obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination; after three years, a PIV credential will be required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave
• Legal insurance with identity theft protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness programs and educational assistance
• Relocation assistance and employee discounts
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• Flexible work hours