Research Engineer I/II – Energy Optimization Analysis and Development

Posting TitleResearch Engineer I/II – Energy Optimization Analysis and Development

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeRegular

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

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.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

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

NREL is seeking a research engineer to support energy optimization model development and analysis within the Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support (ADDS) Center, part of the Energy Systems Integration (ESI) directorate. ADDS works closely with federal agencies, states, local governments, communities, and the private sector to develop energy strategies and implement integrated portfolios of distributed energy resources, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation to meet energy goals. In this role, the successful candidate will contribute to projects that support the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) portfolio, focusing on improving the resiliency and reliability of federal buildings and sites through energy efficiency and optimization recommendations.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop and apply expertise in REopt, NREL’s energy optimization modeling platform, to analyze energy systems, evaluate distributed energy technologies, and make recommendations to enhance energy efficiency and system performance. This role will involve conducting detailed engineering analyses using tools such as mixed integer linear programming, SAM, and HOMER to assess the technical and economic feasibility of solutions involving renewable energy, energy storage, flexible loads, and conventional generation for federal buildings, campuses, and microgrids.

Collaboration with federal clients will be key, as the incumbent will work closely with them and SR. Researchers to analyze opportunities and inform decision-making, ensuring that energy solutions align with the FEMP portfolio’s goals for energy resilience and reliability. The candidate will also play an integral role in documenting and presenting findings through technical reports, conference papers, and journal articles.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to further develop technical skills in energy systems integration and optimization, particularly in the context of federal energy initiatives. The successful candidate will receive strategic direction for long-term projects but will also be expected to work independently, with occasional guidance on complex challenges. Performance will be evaluated based on the successful completion of project objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of energy systems while advancing their expertise in energy optimization modeling and analysis.

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Basic QualificationsResearcher II- Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
Researcher I-Relevant Bachelor's Degree . Limited use and application of engineering principles, theories and concepts. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use various computer software programs

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

For either level:

• Basic knowledge of renewable energy technologies is required
• Basic knowledge of electric utility rates and renewable energy policies

For level I:

• Develops solutions to routine technical
  problems of limited scope.
• Participates in design testing, analysis, verification, and
  validation. May contribute to technical
  products such as patents, journal papers,
  reports, 

Level II-

• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
• Provides solutions to a variety of technical
  problems of moderate scope and complexity

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-driven and excited to learn new skills as needed
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills; enjoys group problem solving and technical debates
• Ability to collaborate with team members in a flexible work environment
• Smart, intellectually curious, analytical, and tenacious in finding solutions. Adaptable to a variety of roles and projects.

For level II:

• Working knowledge of Python and Julia
• Ability to work with clients to understand questions, design analyses to answer questions, and communicate results effectively
• Experience developing energy models

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800

Job Profile: Researcher I / Annual Salary Range: $63,600 - $104,900

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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