Research Technician - Building Energy Sciences

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 66,400 - 109,600; Full time

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado seeks a Research Technician for Building Energy Sciences to support hands-on R&D of building components and systems, including HVAC, water heaters, refrigeration, major appliances, lighting and energy management systems.

The role focuses on leading experiments, maintaining laboratory facilities, and collaborating with engineers to design, fabricate and conduct experiments, while upholding safety and enabling occasional field tests with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 7+ years of experience, or an associate’s degree or certification with 5+ years of experience.
• Extensive knowledge in specialized focused support functions.
• Strong research techniques and practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, project management and customer-relations skills.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain experiments, sensors and laboratory facilities, including troubleshooting and maintaining complex mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Assist in the development, preparation and operation of R&D experiments under the supervision of engineering staff.
• Work with engineers and scientists to design, fabricate and conduct experiments, set up computers and controls, and monitor equipment.
• Maintain a safe operating environment in accordance with NLR’s policies and procedures, with special attention to all safety aspects.
• Support field test work, including limited travel.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Customer relations

Laboratory practices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Technician – Building Energy Sciences

Location: Golden, Colorado | Position Type: Regular | Hours per Week: 40 | Working at NLR

NLR is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. The Advanced Building Equipment Research group has an opening for a research technician to support hands‑on R&D of building components and systems. The focus is on new efficient and affordable technologies, including HVAC systems, water heaters, refrigeration, major appliances, lighting and energy management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain experiments, sensors and laboratory facilities, including troubleshooting and maintaining complex mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Assist in the development, preparation and operation of R&D experiments under the supervision of engineering staff.
• Work with engineers and scientists to design, fabricate and conduct experiments, set up computers and controls, and monitor equipment.
• Maintain a safe operating environment in accordance with NLR’s policies and procedures, with special attention to all safety aspects.
• Support field test work, including limited travel.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 7 or more years of experience, or an associate’s degree or certification with 5 or more years of experience.
• Extensive knowledge in specialized focused support functions.
• Strong research techniques and practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, project management and customer‑relations skills.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Ability to sit for long periods, safely lift loads up to 50lbs, and work safely from a ladder for extended periods.
• Ability to interpret schematics and construct apparatuses; generate schematics and drawings representing an as‑built system and explain the function of components and system‑design decisions.
• Computer‑literate, including full fluency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with and commitment to security, health and safety (ES&H).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

None listed in the original posting.

Salary

• Research Technician IV: $66,400 – $109,600
• Research Technician III: $57,900 – $95,500
• Research Technician V: $76,600 – $126,400

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; tuition reimbursement. Some positions may also be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, 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 or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided.

Compliance and Security

All employees must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card and undergo a favorable background investigation as required by the Department of Energy and Homeland Security. The laboratory is subject to DOE access restrictions; access must be authorized within a reasonable time frame.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace. A pre‑employment drug test, including for marijuana, will be required unless prohibited by state or local law.