Senior Research Technician (Energy Efficiency Standards-HVAC Test Chambers)

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Analysis and Environment Impacts (EAEI) Division has an opening for a Senior Research Technician to join the Energy Efficiency Standards (EES) Group.  

In this role, you will perform air conditioning (AC) equipment testing for the purposes of the development, review, and amendment of new or existing energy efficiency standards and test procedures.  You will provide technical services including the installation and testing of a variety of air conditioners and heat pumps, generating test reports to support the testing needs in the test chambers.

The Energy Efficiency Standards (EES) group provides technical support to the Department of Energy’s Appliance and Equipment Standards Program for over 70 projects including energy efficiency standards and test procedure development for multiple appliances and equipment. The work covers a range of topics including product market assessment, consumer life-cycle cost analysis, end-use energy use, and national energy and environmental impacts. EES staff also conducts original research in these and related areas including air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment testing.

Please note, there are a total of 3 openings for this position:

• One Opening @ Regular Shift: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday

• Two Openings @ Swing Shift: 4:00pm to 12:00am Monday - Friday

What You Will Do:

• Provide technical services to the EES staff engaged in the testing activities in support of LBNL’s projects or programs.

• Operate and maintain the test chambers, follow all LBNL safety protocol, maintain documentation of test chamber activity record.

• Assist in establishing, maintaining, and enforcing policies on using the chamber facilities.

• Perform setup and testing to a variety of air conditioning products.

• Set up equipment and run tests following Department of Energy (DOE) or industrial standards, collect data and generate data reports, communicate with internal clients on the test requests and test results.

• Troubleshoot, diagnose and repair the equipment as needed.

• Perform calibration of the test chamber equipment, and maintain instrumentation calibration record.

• Develop solutions to complex testing related problems that require regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

• Perform experiments based on the test protocols established by the lead researchers.

• Work close-alliance with researchers or other professional personnel engaged in experimental work.

What is Required: 

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in AC testing and/or research.

• Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of research tools and equipment required for the AC chambers testing activities.

• Experience working with data acquisition and control systems.

• Ability to work in an unconditioned confined laboratory space with outdoor temperature conditions.

• Ability to understand test planning and specific testing applications.

• Ability to set-up, operate, troubleshoot, debug and store research apparatus and equipment utilized in unconventional research experimentation.

• Ability to learn and use instrumentations and software.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and record-keeping skills.

What We Desire:

• EPA certification.

• Technical and/or scientific college training or equivalent experience.

• Knowledge of technical principles, theories, and concepts related to AC test chambers, AC products, refrigeration cycles, heating cycle, and electric theory.

• Understanding of the fundamentals of temperature, humidity and pressure measurement and airflow measurement. Understanding of electrical wiring and controls in air conditioning units. 

• Experience with analysis software including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point).

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on September 9, 2019.

Notes:

• This is a full time, M-F, non-exempt from overtime pay (hourly paid), 1 year, Term appointment with the possibility of extension for a total of 5 years or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• This position is represented by the University Professional and Technical Employees (TX-UPTE) collective bargaining agreement.

• The salary range for the regular shift position is $22.46 - $27.54 hourly, depending on experience.

• The salary range for the swing shift positions is $24.14 - $29.60 hourly, depending on experience.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.