Senior Research Engineer - TRC Companies, Inc.

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:

Join TRC in our efforts to advance ambitious decarbonization goals for the built environment! Use your motivation and mix of technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills to drive markets toward cleaner and more efficient buildings by supporting our cutting-edge residential & multifamily electrification pilots.  

 

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 can help drive clean energy transformation.  

 

TRC is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to contribute to our electrification portfolio. Senior Research Engineers are mid-level engineers who can design and lead technical research with support from more experienced consulting staff. Senior Research Engineers help identify how research and analytics can support clients’ most pressing needs, determine appropriate methodologies, work with junior staff to complete work, and then translate study results into actionable findings for our clients. No project is the same, and Senior Research Engineers get exposure to lots of different types of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

 

This role will shape the future of building electrification by advancing emerging technologies, smart controls optimization and interoperability, analytics, and innovative utility program design. They will use their research and data analysis to advise regulatory entities on advanced strategic residential electrification approaches. They will also communicate their findings and technical expertise to collaborate with a cross-functional team that consists of program management, operations, outreach, marketing, IT, and other support staff.

 

The ideal candidate will hit the ground running with a strong background in building science and energy efficient buildings. The candidate would have a strong understanding of residential electrification technologies such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC or air source heat pumps, induction ranges, electric dryers, electric infrastructure, smart panels, circuit splitters and more. The ideal candidate will be a creative visionary to help us bridge the gap between meaningful data and the future of new innovative electrification technologies and programs. They will be able to explain technical concepts and data to nontechnical stakeholders in meaningful layman terms.  

 

PRIMARY FOCUS AREAS:

• Residential and multifamily electrification research and pilot demonstrations
• Market Transformation and Technology Transfer
• Incentive programs and standards integration
• Market Research and Evaluation

The position will be located at one of TRC’s California offices: Irvine, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, or Rancho Cordova (Sacramento).

Responsibilities:

This position involves technical analysis and research on a wide array of residential building electrification topics. Responsibilities include:

• Advise on electrification, decarbonization, and sustainability as it relates to all aspects of a project.
• Develop electrification plans for single family and multifamily residences accounting for existing systems and available electrical panel capacity. Educate customers on the electrification options and help them with decision making.  
• Support electrification retrofits including communication and coordination between manufacturers, suppliers, installing contractors, building officials, and homeowners.
• Perform specification QA/QC to ensure quality installation of building and mechanical systems.
• Perform electrification technology and solutions research and support demonstration projects to advance strategic electrification or other initiatives.
• Create and enhance internal and external technical resources related to residential-multifamily electrification technologies, load management, and energy efficiency.
• Maintain working knowledge of newest electrification, smart control, and load management technology trends in the building energy industry.
• Stay up to date on relevant energy codes, certification programs, and residential electrification/energy incentives.
• Develop and deliver data driven presentations to management, internal team members, and clients to support development of innovative electrification strategies.
• Work independently and collaboratively with internal team members and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• PhD with 2+ year of experience, or Masters degree with 4+ years’ experience, or Undergraduate degree with 5+ years’ experience.
• Applicable degrees include Architectural Engineering, Engineering, or other relevant fields focused on engineering research, building science, and or energy systems.
• Demonstrated competency and experience in residential electrification and building systems (in years of experience corresponding to degree, as listed above)
• Demonstrated experience with residential electrification technologies such as heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, induction range, electric dryers, electric stoves, and electric infrastructure.
• Proficient with other MS Office Suite (Work, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Experience working on multiple high-profile fast-paced projects in parallel, completing projects on time and in budget.
• Self‐driven and a team player with established critical thinking, analytical, and problem‐solving skills.
• Strong teamwork skills that include highly effective communication in‐person, over email, and over the phone.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Valid Driver’s Licenses (must be obtained prior to employment). Access to a vehicle. Ability to travel as required by projects (up to 30% of time).

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years technical/design experience in energy efficiency or mechanical, electrical and plumbing industry
• Experience with HVAC sizing and electrical load calculations.
• Experience with electrical load calculations of electrical systems and equipment.
• Experience with design and selection of HVAC systems and equipment.
• Knowledge of electrification technologies, load balancing controls, and related codes including national electrical code and California Title 24.
• Advanced technical certifications such as: EIT, PE, BPI Building Analyst, BPI Multifamily Building Analyst, HERS Rater, Certified Energy Manager, LEED New Construction/Existing Buildings, LEED Green Rater certification or other building science certifications.
• Experience with residential and multifamily electrification projects.
• Familiarity with building energy modeling software such as CBECC, EnergyPro, or EnergyPlus.
• Understanding of device-level controls on heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.
• Experience with communicating technical expertise and data interpretation to nontechnical audiences.
• Familiarity with government, utility rebate or incentive programs, and California energy code.

Benefits: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).
• All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.
• TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.

Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.

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Disclaimers:

TRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

 

The complete job description and application are available on TRC’s career site.

TRC accepts applications for this position on an ongoing, rolling basis and reserves the right to cancel this posting at any time.

Salary Range:USD $95,000.00 - USD $125,000.00 /Yr.