Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher

Are you ready to shape the future of advanced computational tools and workflows for building systems and technologies? The Building Technology and Urban Systems Division (BTUS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is seeking a talented Controls and Modeling Technology Researcher to join our team!

In this role, you'll contribute to groundbreaking research and innovation by 1) developing and evaluating advanced control strategies for buildings and district energy systems, 2 ) creating powerful computational tools like the Modelica Buildings Library and BOPTEST, 3) driving new digitalization efforts such as Openbuildings control. You will work with multidisciplinary teams and industry leaders, your work will shape the future and push the boundaries of building technology and performance.

What You'll Do:

• Conduct research spanning simulations, lab-scale experiments, and real-world applications.
• Collaborate with a network of top-tier researchers, industry partners, and external collaborators.
• Contribute to writing proposals, reports, and journal publications to share your impactful work.

What We're Looking For:

• Expertise in HVAC systems, thermodynamics, system dynamics, controls, optimization, machine learning and system engineering
• Experience with computational tools.
• Preferred: Knowledge of semantic modeling!

Join us in driving innovation that transforms how buildings are designed, operated, and optimized for enhanced performance, comfort, and reliability. Your work will contribute to shaping the future of building technologies that meet the evolving needs of industry and society.

What You Will Do, at Level 1:

• Create and Enhance Computational Tools for building and district energy simulation and optimization using Modelica, FMI, and mathematical programming (e.g., Modelica Buildings Library, BOPTEST).
• Develop, Test, and Implement Advanced Control Strategies (e.g., rule-based systems, Model Predictive Control) for building HVAC systems. Investigate cutting-edge techniques in system identification, machine learning, optimization, and Model Predictive Control (MPC) to optimize building system performance.
• Evaluate and Test Control Approaches. Assess the performance of control strategies through simulations, lab experiments, and real-world testing, ensuring their practicality and effectiveness.
• Develop and Maintain Software Packages. Contribute to open-source and internal codebases, ensuring ongoing software support and improvements for research initiatives.
• Support R&D: Contribute to advancing energy technologies by integrating digital workflows into ongoing research and development efforts. Work with teams across projects, support publication efforts, (e.g.journal papers, conference presentations) and assist with industry industry collaboration for the deployment of solutions in real-world settings.
• Coordinate Tool Development: Lead collaboration across projects and teams, ensuring effective tool development and integration into broader research goals.

In Addition to Above, at Level 2:

• Lead R&D and Digital Workflows: Drive cross-disciplinary research to advance energy technologies, utilizing digital workflows and providing technical guidance to improve work quality across teams.
• Develop and Document Tools: Lead the development of computational tools for complex projects, while drafting clear documentation on software, analysis methods, and research outcomes.
• Present and Publish Findings: Share technical analysis with public audiences, policymakers, peers, and industry, contributing to journal publications, conference presentations, and collaboration on real-world deployment.
• Collaborate and Problem-Solve: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to address technical challenges and coordinate efforts across projects for effective tool development and integration.

In Addition to Above, at Level 3:

• Lead and Coordinate Research: Oversee and guide research team activities, driving cross-disciplinary R&D to develop, deploy, and test control approaches using digital workflows.
• Software Development and Maintenance: Independently develop and maintain software solutions for complex research projects, ensuring alignment with research goals.
• Engage with Stakeholders and Disseminate Findings: Lead publications, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry on deployment, while engaging with funders, collaborators, and policymakers on technical and policy issues.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Work with department PIs to identify and respond to internal and external funding opportunities.
• May supervise students and non exempt staff.
• May be a work lead for the activities of exempt and nonexempt personnel.
• Eligible for PI status upon completion of required training.

What is Required, at Level 1:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, building science, controls, computer science, or related field, with 2+ years of experience or equivalent knowledge.
• Technical Expertise: Strong experience in HVAC system design, building sciences, controls, and system simulation, with proficiency in Modelica, FMI, Python, Git, and optimization software (e.g., CasADi, Gurobi, Pyomo).
• Control & Modeling: Experience designing and implementing Model Predictive Control (MPC) for building and district energy systems and developing mathematical models for energy system simulation.
• Problem-Solving & Collaboration: Skilled in breaking down complex problems, debugging, and analyzing data; able to work on multiple projects and collaborate across teams.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for presenting research to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Additional Skills: Experience with dynamic systems, optimization, and thermo-fluid systems, and the ability to travel domestically.

In addition to Above, At Level 2:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, building science, controls, computer science, or related field, with 5+ years of experience or equivalent knowledge.

In addition to Above, At Level 3:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, building science, controls, computer science, or related field, with 8+ years of experience or equivalent knowledge.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree: M.S. or Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, building science, controls, computer science, or related field.
• Project Management: Experience managing projects or tasks to meet deadlines and stay within budget.
• Proposal & Funding: Proven ability to contribute to proposals for funding new controls and technologies for building and district energy systems.
• Collaboration: Experience working in multi-organizational collaborations.
• Publications & Research: Previous academic publications in energy-related areas, such as building systems or industrial processes.
• Semantic Modeling: Familiarity with semantic model development and use for HVAC applications (e.g., Brick, Haystack, ASHRAE 223p).

Notes:

• This is a full time 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Level 1: The full salary range for this position is $93,696.00 - $140,568.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $98,918.00 - $109,330.00 Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
• Level 2: The full salary range for this position is $110,928.00 - $166,392.00 The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $117,100.80 - $129,427.20. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
• Level 3: The full salary range for this position is $137,292.00 - $206,148.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $144,928.20 - $160,183.80 skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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