Research Technician - Thermal Energy Science

Posting Title

Research Technician - Thermal Energy Science

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Regular

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NREL

The 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.

Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.

Job Description

NREL’s Solar Thermal research develops and analyzes optical materials and thermal energy transfer and storage technologies for applications in concentrating solar power www.nrel.gov/csp/ and renewable thermal energy supply, storage, and use. Durability and performance of these materials is essential for successful commercial deployment of concentrating solar technologies for electric power and industrial process heat.

This position will support NREL’s work in solar thermal optical characterization and materials. The successful candidate will oversee the operations of laboratory space containing a range of measurement and optical characterization instruments, including: multiple environmental UV/simulated sunlight weathering chambers, temperature and humidity cycling chambers, multiple furnaces and ovens, solar simulators, mechanical test systems, Atlas neutral and copper-accelerated salt chambers. Optical measurement equipment includes Lambda 1050 spectrophotometer with multiple attachments, DNS 1&2, SOC410, SOC ET100, optical microscope for sample photography, FTIR, and surface measurement and corrosion test equipment. In addition to maintaining laboratory instrumentation, the group has a machine shop with CNC mill and lathe for mechanical fabrication of research systems.

Responsibilities include scheduling equipment use and tracking maintenance requirements, schedules and costs. This person will organize the operations within the laboratory and participate in sample preparation, analysis, and data logging.

Responsibilities include thorough and clear documentation of work in detailed technical records; maintaining clean and safe laboratories and conducting work with integrity and the highest professional standards. Adherence to all NREL electrical safety practices is required and training will be provided.

This position will also include assisting with maintenance and operations of NREL’s High Flux Solar Furnace https://www.nrel.gov/csp/facility-hfsf.html. This facility requires basic trouble shooting and computer skills and the ability to work closely in a team environment for scheduling and experimental setup, as well as independently recognize and initiate system repairs. The successful candidate will work be on a variety of projects with internal and external customers.

Basic Qualifications

For Research Technician IV

High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 8 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.

For Research Technician III

High School Diploma or equivalent and 7 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.

• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
  
  

Additional Required Qualifications

A successful candidate will have the following set of work qualifications:

• Computer literate including full fluency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with and commitment to environment, safety, and health principles (ES&H).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and adapt to changing work requirements
• Organizational skills to maintain a well-functioning environment for conducting complex experiments.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with data acquisition set-up and use, including signal wiring, circuits, sensors, and communication protocols (e.g. LabVIEW or PLC software)
• Proficiency in electrical power wiring; prior electrical certification(s)
• Prior experience in machining and/or welding, electronics, and controls
• Prior experience generating mechanical and electrical schematics based on incomplete experimental needs and/or requirements.
• Proficiency with Labview and SolidWorks or similar software is highly preferred.
  
  

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: Research Technician IV / Annual Salary Range: $63,600 - $104,900

Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $55,400 - $91,400

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 Summary

Benefits 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
  
  

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.

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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