Building Energy Research Engineer/Scientist
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory· Research· Oct 26, 2026 · 2d ago
United States
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$195K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division , part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to a n efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.
Responsibilities
The Building Systems Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an Buildings Energy Research Engineer/Scientist to join our fast growing Residential & Commercial Building Program team; the individual will be a task/project leader and technical contributor on a growing team of scientist, engineers, researchers, and analysts performing evaluation of building energy program(s) impact, field validation test and evaluation of building systems including water heaters, HVAC systems and other systems. The position will support the development of innovative methods to analyze and assess the impact of technologies/systems/programs associated with achieving greater efficiency, optimization, and resiliency of building systems and technologies under considerations of the environment.
The position requires knowledge/experience related to building energy efficiency, residential and/or commercial building technologies and systems field research (new construction and retrofits) that includes the assessment of impact of impact of state and regional building energy efficiency programs. In addition, the position will support the development of test plans, procedures, data acquisition and sensor selection, and equipment installation. Experience leading/performing energy audits, applying analysis tools and models, and providing guidance for energy sustainability. Recognized expertise in statistical analysis and translating complex technical insights into strategies and plans for stakeholders. Experience engaging regional, state, and community organizations on energy and workforce related issues.
The individual will work with and provide leadership to project teams that serve as a technical resource and project planner\implementer for residential and commercial buildings technologies and systems field validation. The primary sponsor is the Department of Energy offices, and secondary sponsors include smaller agencies, state government, and private organizations. This position offers the opportunity for a broad range of involvement in building research and science projects.
The position:
• Will work with sponsor relationship management, program managers, and the group leader to support and lead tasks that are required to be completed on time and within budget. There will be direct interface with sponsors and their subcontractors to gather data, and plan and implement activities.
• Will be responsible for presentation of program results to clients and others; from time to time, travel requirements may be as high as 25%.
• Will be expected to attend conferences and present results of work, as well as support energy storage education in public forums and via invited presentations.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
• BS/BA in building science, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant -OR-
• MS/MA in building science, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering or related field and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD i n building science, mechanical engineering, architectural or related field with 1+ year of relevant experience
Relevant experience to include: construction, operations, or testing of residential or commercial buildings.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Strong analysis skills and/or experience with activities that further our understanding of technologies, and best practices for energy storage are desired.
• Strong, demonstrated writing capabilities and the ability to present information clearly and capably in a public setting.
• Previously successfully worked with DOE, building systems vendors, and regional/state/local government.
• Experience leading energy efficiency program impact and/or process evaluations for utility or government clients
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
None
Additional Information
Not applicable.
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $112,500.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $168,600.00/Yr.
Application prep
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- Effort
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Wellness