Energy Efficiency Engineer

The successful applicant to this position will utilize a multi-disciplinary skillset to support evaluations and demonstrations of building systems and technologies, and grow into developing, proposing, and leading research projects independently.

Your work will cover a wide range of topics and technologies with projects at field sites and at Frontier Energys Building Science Research Laboratory. Depending on your experience and interests, this may include:

Developing, planning, conducting, and managing research projects.

• Authoring monitoring and evaluation (M&V) and test plans.
• Producing labor and equipment cost estimates.
• Specifying instrumentation and equipment.
• Coordinating test activities between Frontier staff, building owners, contractors, and clients to facilitate project activities including installation and removal of test equipment.

Testing the performance of both static and dynamic systems in commercial buildings, houses, laboratories, and laboratory houses.

• Programing and maintaining data acquisition systems.
• Calibrating, installing, and commissioning instrumentation and control systems.
• Managing and analyzing large datasets.
• Regular review and verification of data accuracy and integrity.

Communicating results across broad audiences with varying technical experience.

• Data visualization of complex datasets.
• Regular communication with project team members and clients.
• Co-authoring technical reports and conference papers.
• Presenting projects and results to clients and other audiences, both virtually and in-person.

Skills and Requirements

Depending on the situation, you may need to work collaboratively or independently. Communication and introspection will be key to your success. You will need to manage your time and be honest with yourself and the team whether you need help to complete work on time and within budget. Your manager will meet with you regularly to provide a space for you to vent, provide feedback, and ensure clear and feasible expectations are set and met. You must be unafraid to ask questions, request help, admit your mistakes, and accept help and correction when offered.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in engineering.
• Experience with field evaluations of building systems, including instrumentation, data logging, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in computer programming, particularly Python.
• Demonstrated effective writing skills.
• Basic understanding of HVAC and building systems.
• Basic understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and electrical power.
• Functional ability to use electrical testing tools such as a DMM.
• Functional ability with Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with Excel.
• Willing to travel to test sites and meetings/conferences (potentially overnight).
• Willing to work in-person at the Davis facilities as needed.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, climb ladders, and sit and stand for extended periods of time.

Desirable Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of IT, including switches, routers, cell modems, and VPNs.
• Functional ability to work with a scopemeter.
• Experience with Raspberry Pi computers.
• Experience with LabView.
• Experience with Modbus RTU and TCP.
• Experience with programmable dataloggers.
• Willing to work from the Davis facilities every workday.

About Frontier Energy and the Davis Office

Frontier Energy is a national consulting firm active in every facet of the energy industry. Our work includes utility and government programs, research, industry development, and codes and standards. With offices in New York, Minnesota, Texas, California, and a host of full-time remote employees, inter-office collaboration and working at the intersections of these industry facets have been important to our success.

This position will be based at Frontiers downtown Davis, CA office, located in the former headquarters of Davis Energy Group. Davis Energy Group was an ambitious pioneer in building science research and energy consulting. Frontier Energy is honored to inherit Davis Energy Groups legacy and perpetuate their culture of collaboration and passion for solutions that reduce humanitys impact on the environment, improve efficiency, and help people.