Research Technician - Building Energy Sciences

CHEManager International; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Pension benefits

403(b) Plan with employer match

Life and AD&D insurance

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is seeking a Research Technician to support hands-on R&D of building components and systems. You will assist in design, fabrication and operation of experiments under supervision, including setup of computers and controls, data collection, and lab maintenance.

The role emphasizes safety, independent work, and teamwork with engineers and scientists to advance efficient HVAC, water heating, and energy management technologies.

Qualifications

• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with project management experience.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team in a research setting.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office and data documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain experiments, sensors, and lab facilities with troubleshooting.
• Ensure safety compliance and maintain a safe operating environment.
• Support field tests and travel as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Customer relations

Computer literacy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's Degree or certification program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting Title

Research Technician - Building Energy Sciences

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Regular

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth. At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

NLR's Advanced Building Equipment Research group has an opening for a research technician. This position will support hands-on research and development of building components and systems with a focus on new efficient and affordable technologies. The technologies of interest include a full range of HVAC systems, water heaters, refrigeration, major appliances, lighting, and energy management systems. The successful candidate will assist in development, preparation and operation of R&D experiments under supervision of engineering staff. This includes working with engineers and scientists to design, fabricate and conduct experiments, to set up computers and controls, and to monitor equipment. The key duties of this position include:

• Leads and is responsible for maintenance of experiments, sensors and laboratory facilities. Job requires ability to troubleshoot and maintain complex mechanical and electrical equipment and intricate experiments.
• Special attention to all aspects of safety is a priority; Technician must maintain a safe operating environment in accordance with NLR's policies and procedures.
• Work responsibilities may include supporting field test work including limited travel.

Basic Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent and 7 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Extensive knowledge in specialized focused support functions. A comprehensive acquaintance with and understanding of both general and detailed aspects of technical support activities, and their practical application to a wide variety of problems and situations specific to the discipline or field supported. 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

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 7 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 5 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.
• The successful candidate will be able to sit for long periods of time, safely lift loads up to 50 lbs, and work safely from a ladder for extended periods.
• Ability to interpret schematics and construct apparatuses to match; to generate schematics and drawings representing an as-built system; and to clearly explain the function of components and the system design decisions.
• The successful candidate will be computer literate including full fluency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with and commitment to security, health, and safety (ES&H).

Demonstrated ability to work independently.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: Research Technician IV / Annual Salary Range: $66,400 - $109,600

Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500

Job Profile: Research Technician V / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400

NLR takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

• 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*

NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), 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, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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