Research Engineer

Groundbreaker. Game changer. Pioneer.

TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.

TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs -- so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.

Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.

TRC's Research and Consulting (R&C) team, within the Advanced Energy practice, is focused on developing and deploying decarbonization and clean energy solutions for our clients - utilities, non-profits, local governments, and state and federal agencies. R&C is a multi-disciplinary research-based consulting team that helps internal and external clients develop and optimize scaled clean energy solutions grounded in technological, economic, policy, market, and customer insights. Our research consulting projects are focused on how advanced energy solutions like energy efficiency, demand management, distributed energy resources, emerging tech, microgrids, storage, and electrification can help drive the clean energy transformation.

R&C's Research Engineers conduct research and analysis grounded in building science and engineering principles to help address clients' needs through discrete, funded projects focused on advanced energy solutions. This includes designing, implementing, and communicating insights from a wide range of research and analysis approaches, drawing upon advanced energy industry subject matter expertise, and helping clients understand how to use these insights.

Research Engineers are building scientists and engineers a few years into their career who work side by side with more experienced staff to learn about the clean energy industry, learn new analytic skills, engage in sophisticated research projects, and participate in the evolution of our business. No project is the same, and Research Engineers get exposure to lots of different types of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Research Engineers will work on multiple tasks across multiple teams, including managing tasks and/or small projects. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively and coordinate with internal technical team members and external customers.

The R&C Team is looking to hire a Research Engineer with applied research experience with hot water systems and/or HVAC systems.

Primary Work Areas:

• Emerging Technologies Research
• Technology demonstrations and Lab Testing
• Codes and StandardsDevelopment
• Technical Market Research
• Market Transformation and Technology Transfer
• Utility Program Support and Evaluation

Key Responsibilities (Duties):

The overall responsibilities of Research Engineers are to:

• Plan and execute standard research, data collection, and analysis project tasks in coordination with senior team members, with minimal oversight.
• Perform increasingly complicated research, data collection, and analysis project tasks with limited oversight from senior team members.
• Provide oversight to more junior staff members for the execution of standard project tasks.
• Perform assigned work within budget allocated and scheduled needs for deliverables of project.
• Manage time across multiple projects, proactively seeking support when needed to understand/troubleshoot tasks or balance competing priorities.

While the focus will vary based on project needs, this role will focus on the following types of tasks, completed with limited oversight under the direction of more senior team members:

• Data analysis
  • Compile, clean, and manage quantitative data
  • Conduct descriptive analyses via scripted coding syntax
• Energy analysis
  • Analyze technology and building energy use using established M&V methodologies
  • Develop and implement calculations to estimate savings, carbon emissions reductions, cost-effectiveness, and other benefits of emerging technologies, programs, energy policies, and green building solutions
  • Conduct technical analysis in support of developing policy solutions such as building energy codes, appliance standards, and local building ordinances
  • Follow QA/QC procedures to ensure accuracy of analysis
• Primary research
  • Design of field data collection methodologies
  • Code, analyze, and interpret primary data
  • Design and conduct in-depth interviews with study participants via phone and/or in person
  • Support the design and implementation of surveys alongside customer research expert team members
  • Identify and recruit organizations and individuals to include in research studies through online searches, data mining, cold calls and/or utilizing networks and client lists
• Secondary research
  • Complete literature reviews
  • Identify and collate secondary data sources
  • Research clean energy policies, program designs, technologies, and research methodologies
• Research synthesis and communication
  • Communicate research results verbally, via written reports, and graphically
  • Synthesize information across multiple data sources
  • Translate results of research projects into actionable recommendations for clients
• Project management
  • Manage the delivery (scope, schedule, and budget) of small research consulting projects, with oversight
  • Delegate project tasks to team members, as needed
  • Communicate project status and findings to client, with oversight
• Industry Expertise
  • Stay informed about data analytics methodology and the clean energy industry through technical reading and participation in local and national professional organizations

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications are those an applicant must possess to be considered a candidate for the position.

• PhD with 1+ year of experience, Masters degree with 3+ year of experience, or Undergraduate degree with 4+ year experience
• Applicable degrees include Architectural Engineering, Engineering or other relevant fields focused on engineering research, building science, and/or energy systems
• Demonstrated competency and experience with hot water systems and/or HVAC systems. (in years of experience corresponding to degree, as listed above)
• Demonstrated competency and experience in applied technical research, building science, energy codes and standards, and/or distributed energy resources. (in years of experience corresponding to degree, as listed above)

• Primary data collection and analysis experience
• Thorough understanding of the fundamentals of research methods and design.
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and can-do attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Capable of maintaining a high energy level to handle a dynamic, fast-paced workload.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred qualifications are not required for an applicant to be considered a candidate for the position.

• Systems thinker
• Prior experience in design, and/or consulting.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with utilities or the clean energy sector, including work experience in one or more of the following:
• Building science
• Energy efficiency, demand management, and/or other distributed energy resources
• Clean energy technologies and/or building systems
• Energy codes and/or appliance standards
• Utility programs and regulation
• Research experience with methods including one or multiple of the skills below:
• Field monitoring data collection
• Lab monitoring data collection
• Building energy modeling
• Surveys and in-depth interviews for research
• Cost-effectiveness analysis methods
• Literature review
• Research presentation
• Interpretation of building codes to support design, inspection, or commissioning of plumbing, HVAC, or process load systems
• Program evaluation
• Other structured research methods
• Proficiency in one or more of the software listed below:
• Microsoft Office Suite
• R, or other scripting languages for data analysis, such as Excel Macros or Python
• EnergyPlus
• CBECC

Our Mission
We understand our clients' goals, and embrace them as our own, applying creativity, experience, integrity and dedication to deliver superior solutions to the world's energy, environment and infrastructure challenges.

Our Vision
We will solve the challenges of making the Earth a better place to live - community by community.
TRC is ranked #16 on ENR's list of the Top 500 Design Firms in the United States.

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Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
• TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.

Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company's annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.

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TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The complete job description and application are available on TRC's career site.

TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.