Energy Conservation Research Scientist/Engineer

Ecotope is a small consulting and mechanical engineering firm with over 30 years experience in energy efficient and sustainable design for buildings. Ecotope provides a range of services including leading technical research on energy use in buildings, energy policy research and analysis, and engineering design.

Position Overview:

Ecotope is hiring a new researcher with programming capabilities to join our team working on exciting projects at the forefront of the field of energy use in buildings. We are looking for a motivated candidate interested in participating in original research to help understand how buildings use energy and how to effectively reduce that usage. The work encompasses all facets of energy use from thermal performance of walls and windows, to numerical model development of heat pump water heaters, to direct, multi-year monitoring of HVAC equipment performance in residential and commercial settings.

Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will be prepared to successfully perform all of the listed job responsibilities. However, Ecotope will consider training promising candidates that have a strong aptitude and interest in the work. The preferred candidate will have a solid foundation in physical science, energy systems, or engineering research. The candidate will work within our Policy and Programs team at the company to assist with new and existing projects. The work will consist of significant amounts of original research on buildings and building systems. It will also entail directly applying that research in simulation tools.

Duties will include:

• Programming support for the development of energy simulation software including the development of numerical models of physical systems.
• Developing laboratory and field methods for evaluating energy performance of HVAC equipment or other building components and systems.
  - Analyzing subsequent data obtained from the evaluations
• Using simulation tools and Excel calculators to support the development of utility programs.
• Reviewing and evaluating data and databases using statistical analysis tools.
• Assisting with technical report writing, data preparation, and research projects.
• Managing one's own day-to-day project tasks.

Qualifications:

Required Skills:

• Bachelors degree, or higher, in physical science or engineering field.
• Direct experience in hands-on research of physical or mechanical systems: either lab or field based.
  - Including instrumentation setup, data acquisition, data collection, error analysis and data reduction
• Working knowledge of a variety of computer programming languages (C, and Visual Basic preferred).
• Understanding of thermodynamics
• Proficiency with MS Excel and Visual Basic for Applications.
• Interest in energy efficiency especially as it relates to the built environment.
• Willingness to study and learn.
• Strong communication, technical and writing skills.
• Self-starting personality, able to work both independently and in a small group.
• 3-10 years professional work experience (graduate school study may substitute).

Preferred:

• Experience writing numerical simulations.
• Knowledge of energy modeling and analysis.
• Familiarity with small-scale digital and analog electronics and large-scale electricity transmission.
• Practiced in statistical analysis software packages and data handling.
• Understanding of building science.

Compensation: The salary range offered for this position will depend on the candidate's experience. Ecotope offers a benefit package including medical, dental and vision coverage, IRA with matching contribution, annual profit-sharing bonuses, and annual paid vacation plus sick leave.

Ecotope offers an informal and comfortable work place. We maintain a high standard of quality for our work. Individual employees are afforded a great deal of independence and responsibility within our collaborative work environment.

To Apply:

Applications that do not meet each of the following submission requirements will not be considered:

1. Submit 1 PDF file containing:

• Cover letter (1 page max) explaining why you are interested in the job and why you are a good candidate.
• Resume
• Brief responses to Questions A and B below

2. Answer the following questions:

• A. List and describe (in one sentence each) the different modes of heat transfer
• B. Explain the difference between sensible and latent heat.

3. Email PDF file with "Research Scientist/Engineer" as the subject line.