Engineering Analyst of Solar Policy and Technoeconomics

Posting Title  

Engineering Analyst of Solar Policy and Technoeconomics

Requisition Number  

4096BR

Location  

Golden, CO

Position Type  

Temporary Employee - Full Time

Hours Per Week  

40

About NREL  

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an energy future that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. With locations in Golden, Boulder and Washington D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States. The NREL mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovation to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals.

Job/Research Summary  

As a member of the Energy, Forecasting, and Modeling Group, perform engineering and model-based analysis of solar policy and technoeconomic issues. Assist in the development of detailed solar energy analyses, with a particular focus on detailed analysis of grid parity, modeling of system costs, and distributed solar market development.

This position supports a multi-year project. It is listed as temporary because it is subject to annual renewal.

Job Duties  

With guidance from management and senior staff, assist in the development and enhancement of data, tools, models, and reports for analysis of distributed solar markets, i.e. residential, commercial, and community solar projects. Examples of types of analysis to be carried out include detailed system costs and grid parity analysis for distributed solar electricity generation. Duties will include data development, validation, and analysis; publishing technical documentation and analytic reports, statistical analysis, development of structured spreadsheets, and programming.

Required Education and Experience  

Relevant Master's Degree or equivalent relevant education/experience.

Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes  

General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques.

Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes  

Excellent written and oral communications. Engineering or technical background with demonstrated technoeconomic, market, and model-based analysis skills. Demonstrated ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts and techniques, particularly to energy system problems. Familiarity with solar energy technologies and markets. Demonstrated facility for technical writing. Ability to follow detailed requirements and produce quality work in a timely fashion. Must be able to work 40 hours per week in our Golden, Colorado office.

Preferred Qualifications  

Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, systems, and related concepts. Statistical analysis expertise, including familiarity with R or other statistical programming package.

Additional Job Information  

This is a temporary position. Subsequent extensions may be available based upon the needs of the Lab. Temporary employees at NREL, with an initial assignment of 12 months or longer, are eligible for the following benefits during employment: Paid Time Off, Extended Sick Leave, Short-term Disability, Medical/Dental Insurance, 403(b) Savings Plan matching and Pension benefits based upon all other eligibility rules. Positions with initial assignments of 12 months or longer may be eligible for relocation benefits.

EEO Policy  

NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans.

NREL validates right to work using E-Verify. NREL will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please see www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html.