Managing Research Engineer (Hot Water Systems), California

About Us:
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.

Overview:
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 with heat pumps can help drive the clean energy transformation.

The R&C Team is looking to hire a Managing Research Engineer with water heating system expertise to support our growing portfolio of service hot water and domestic hot water related projects. The role is best suited for someone with comprehensive knowledge of water heating systems, including design processes, distribution systems, heating equipment, and plumbing. We are looking for someone who ideally has a combination of application experience (design, commissioning, construction) and experience with applied research of new technologies and design solutions. The role requires bridging the gap between innovative emerging technologies and practical applications in new and existing buildings.

Managing Research Engineers are mid-level professionals who oversee technical projects and tasks, with support from more experienced engineering staff. Managing 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 Managing Research Engineers get exposure to lots of different types of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Managing Research Engineers will work on multiple tasks across multiple teams, including managing medium- and large-sized projects and designing and overseeing increasingly sophisticated technical research and analytics. This position requires the ability to communicate effectively and coordinate with internal technical team members and external customers.

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 a wide range of research and analysis approaches, drawing upon advanced energy industry subject matter expertise, and helping clients understand how to use these insights.

 

Primary Service and Domestic Hot Water Project Work Areas: 

Emerging Technologies and Code Readiness Research

Lab and Field Monitoring and Demonstrations

Codes and Standards Development

Technical Market Research

Market Transformation and Technology Transfer  

If you are interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the requirements. We are open to considering candidates with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Preference for this position will be given to candidates based in California, but qualified candidates will be considered from across the United States.

Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities (Duties):

 

This position involves responsibility for technical analysis and research on a wide array of hot water related energy projects:

Lead project teams on delivery of mid- to large-sized projects or multiple projects within a portfolio, managing scope, timeline, and budget.

Design and perform increasingly complicated research, data collection, and analysis project tasks with limited oversight from senior team members.

Provide oversight to more junior staff members for the execution of standard project tasks as well as novel project tasks.

Act as mentor and coach to develop internal talent for the future of the practice. 

Manage client interactions independently, proactively bringing in support from more senior team members for complex or sensitive client interactions.

Develop increasing focus and specialization in hot water topics in consultation with Supervisor and Team Lead.

Contribute to development of proposals and other business efforts.

Identify and implement internal trainings and process improvements in consultation with Supervisor and Team Lead.

Manage personal and project team’s 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: 

Research design and project planningDevelop research approaches and project plans that will address clients’ needs, incorporating own subject matter expertise and with limited support from senior team members

Design field and/or lab data collection methodologies to collect data on performance of technologies, programs, energy policies, and green building solutions

Collaborate with other subject matter experts from across the organization to ensure that projects incorporate industry leading comprehensive, multi-disciplinary solutions

Project managementManage the delivery (scope, schedule, and budget) of research consulting projects or small portfolios, with limited to no oversight

Delegate project tasks to team members and monitor that tasks meet client expectations, as needed

Communicate project status to client and internal team

Research ManagementInstruct and oversee junior team members in the design and implementation of primary and secondary research:Design and implementation of demonstration plans for emerging technology field and lab research

Design of M&V approach including translating research objectives and project requirements into data collection methodologies and detailed M&V plans

Site recruitment, contractor selection, and detailed specification of retrofit approach

Coordination with field and lab staff and contractors to ensure equipment retrofits and metering installations meets the intent of the test plan

Field data collection methodologies

Conduct quality control activities to ensure equipment installation, data gathering and results are correct

In-depth technical interviews and other observational research

Literature reviews and other secondary research

Instruct and oversee junior team members in analysis, including:Analyzing hot water technology and building energy use using established M&V methodologies

Characterizing quantitative data in terms of hot water system parameters of interest, and interpreting results

Developing and implementing calculations to estimate savings, carbon emissions reductions, cost-effectiveness, and other benefits of emerging hot water technologies, programs, and energy policies

Conducting technical analysis in support of developing policy solutions such as building energy codes, appliance standards, and local building ordinances

Compiling, cleaning, coding, and basic data management

Basic statistical analyses and data visualizations, alongside data analytics expert team members

Basics of clean energy policies, energy use, technologies, and research methodologies

Coordinate with methodological and domain experts from across the organization to ensure quality of research

Develop and implement QA/QC procedures to ensure accuracy of analysis

Research synthesis and communication Communicate research results verbally, via written reports, and graphically

Synthesize information across multiple data sources

Inform clients of interim findings throughout the project

Translate results of research projects into clear, actionable recommendations for clients

Industry ExpertiseStay informed about domestic hot water and service hot water engineering research methodologies, the plumbing industry, and the clean energy industry through technical reading …