Research Analyst

Research Analyst

The research analyst will be involved in a variety of research department projects and will be supervised by a research engineer or senior research engineer. This position will primarily focus on data analysis and monitoring field installations. The work may also include technology assessments and energy modeling. This position offers a beneficial variety of exposure to many issues that shape energy efficiency, including the pragmatic technical training that comes with field work. The right candidate will have strong analytic capabilities, a sense of curiosity, and a desire to work with their hands to investigate energy systems and energy efficiency. The research analyst may mentor other staff. 

This is a full-time position that provides a wide range of benefits including Paid Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, paid parental leave, and retirement plan. 

Background: 

CEE is a data-driven, consumer-focused, and community-based clean energy nonprofit with offices in the North Loop of Minneapolis and St. Paul's Midway. We provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to cut energy waste and harmful emissions. We collaborate regularly with field peers and partners and employ curious people who enjoy learning and contributing to Minnesota's quality of life and economy. Our workplace invites open door communications, respect for diverse backgrounds and points of view, and an emphasis on work-life balance. 

 Responsibilities: 

• Conduct diagnostic tests and install data acquisition equipment to evaluate building and energy system performance. 
• Acquire, process, and complete quality control reviews of building and energy system monitored data. 
• Apply fundamental building science and mechanical engineering concepts to evaluate basic building and energy system situations. 
• Conduct literature reviews and assist with technology assessments. 
• Carefully document project work, track efforts, and manage multiple project priorities. 
• May perform other duties as assigned or apparent.

 Qualifications: 

• BS in mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related technical field. At least one year’s experience working in a technical field is preferred. 
• Demonstrated drive and motivation to conduct field/analysis research in the energy field. 
• Experience evaluating building and energy systems. Energy systems include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, service hot water, energy storage, and solar systems. Evaluation skills include: 

• Conduct diagnostic testing (limited instrumentation experience required). 
• Install data acquisition systems for continuous measurements (preferred). 
• Assess the operation of building automation systems (preferred). 

• Working knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics applied to basic energy systems. 
• Understanding of basic statistical methods. 
• Demonstrated facility with Microsoft Excel. 
• Experience in programming and coding to process data and/or solve engineering equations. Experience with MATLAB, R, or similar is preferred. 
• Self-motivated, responsible, efficient, and accurate. Excellent time-management and organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines. 
• Good communication skills. 

• Comfortable interacting with project participants including homeowners, renters, building operators, mechanical contractors, and facilities managers. 
• Experience documenting assumptions and technical observations. 
• Ability to write short (1 to 3 page) sections of technical reports that require little or no interpretation of information. 
• Ability to communicate relevant project information in team meetings. 

 Working Conditions: 

• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds on a regular basis as well as carry, push, pull, kneel, and squat. Some equipment may occasionally weigh 35–50 pounds (example: 50-pound equipment bags necessary for field building research); must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up this equipment as needed. The frequency of equipment at 35–50 pounds will vary depending on the project’s scope and requirements. Wherever possible, support equipment such as loading carts will be provided for equipment transportation. 
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions. 
• Ability to perform work indoors in an office environment, regardless of whether cubicle, open office, or private office. 
• Ability to view and operate a computer, either desktop or laptop, for extended periods of time. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation, including capacity to transport equipment as needed within specific timeframes. Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record. 
• Flexibility is required; site visits may require significant work outside the office and some work outside typical workday hours. 

The research team is primarily based out of CEE’s North Loop office, Staff can work virtually except when conducting field work and activities that must be performed in the office. Staff must be located in or near the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area so that they can perform field work. Exceptions must be approved by the supervisor. 

Compensation:

Based on education and experience, we expect the hiring range for this position to be low- to mid-$50ks.

Center for Energy and Environment seeks to enrich the diversity of the CEE community and encourages applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.  CEE is long noted for its research, policy advocacy and programming to provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses and communities.