Senior Research Engineer - Energy Modeling

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 to help address clients' needs through discrete, funded projects focused on advanced energy solutions. This includes designing, implementing, and communicating insights from building simulation and energy analysis to develop energy codes and decarbonization policy, support emerging technology market adoption, and help clients understand how to use these insights.

Senior Research Engineers are mid-level analysts who can design and lead building simulation and energy analysis, with support from more experienced consulting staff. Senior Research Engineers engage in sophisticated research and consulting projects, help build our team's expertise in both technical research and the clean energy industry, and participate in the evolution of our business. No project is the same, and Senior Research Engineers get exposure to lots of different types of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Senior Research Engineers will work on multiple tasks across multiple teams and are starting to manage tasks and/or small- and medium-sized projects. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively and coordinate with internal technical team members and external customers.

Preference is for a candidate located near team hubs in Oakland, CA, or Seatttle, WA, but candidates will be considered from across the United States.

Primary Work Areas:

• Energy Codes and StandardsDevelopment
• Emerging Technologies Research and Demonstrations
• Market Transformation and Technology Transfer
• Energy Policy Analysis and Advising

The overall responsibilities of Senior Research Engineers are to:

• Lead project teams on delivery of small- to mid-sized projects or multiple smaller projects within a portfolio, managing scope, timeline, and budget.
• Design and perform increasingly complicated building simulation modeling and research with limited oversight from senior team members.
• Provide oversight to more junior staff members for the execution of standard project tasks.
• Manage routine client interactions independently and bring in more senior team members for complex or sensitive client interactions.
• Develop increasing focus and specialization with industry area(s) of expertise in consultation with Supervisor and Team Lead.
• Contribute to development of proposals and other business efforts.
• Support internal trainings and process improvements in consultation with Supervisor and Team Lead.
• 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 minimal oversight under the direction of more senior team members:

• Energy anaysis
  • Design and conduct advanced building simulation modeling
  • 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
  • Instruct and oversee junior team members in building simulation, energy use, and technical analyses
• Research design and project planning
  • Develop research approaches and project plans that will address clients' needs, in consultation with senior team members
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts from across organization to ensure that projects incorporate industry leading comprehensive, multi-disciplinary solutions
• 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
• Data analysis
  • Compile, clean, and manage quantitative data
  • Conduct descriptive analyses via scripted coding syntax
  • Instruct and oversee junior team members in basic data management and analyses tasks
• 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
• Industry Expertise
  • Stay informed about building simulation modeling methodology and the clean energy industry through technical reading and participation in local and national professional organizations

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• PhD with 2+ year of experience, or Masters degree with 4+ years experience, or Undergraduate degree with 5+ years 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 in building energy modeling (in years of experience corresponding to degree, as listed above)
• Demonstrated expertise with at least one simulation engine
• 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:

• Tangible experience in consulting and/or research.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with utilities or the clean energy sector, including one or more of the following:
  • Building science and/or clean transportation
  • Energy efficiency, demand management, and/or other distributed energy resources
  • Utility programs and regulation
  • Clean energy technologies and/or building systems
  • The clean energy market
  • Energy codes and/or appliance standards
• Research experience with methods including one or multiple of the skills below:
  • Data analysis and statistics
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis methods
  • Research presentation
  • Other structured research methods
• Proficiency in one or more of the software listed below:
  • EnergyPlus
  • CBECC
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Smartsheet
  • R
  • Python
  • PowerBI

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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.

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.