Berkeley Lab's Building Technology and Urban Systems (BTUS) Division has an opening for a Principal Scientific Engineering Associate!
The new generations of district heating and cooling systems and building control technologies bring forth brand new challenges in the field of modeling and simulation. The ability to simulate with the same numerical model detailed control, temperature and pressure transients as well as typical yearly operation for energy analysis requires a deep rethinking of the way energy systems are modeled and complex DAE systems are solved. This position is right at the center of this major innovation, expected to grow new practices and feed better designs.
In this role, you will provide technical expertise and scientific support for the implementation and deployment of Modelica- and FMI-based modeling and simulation tools for buildings and district energy systems. The work will primarily address the modeling, numerical and computational challenges of large systems simulation at the district scale. It will also support the technological development of the latest generation of district heating and cooling systems that operate a loop near ground temperature and provide a means for buildings to share waste heat and cold.
What You Will Do:
Develop and deploy new generation modeling tools for design and operation of buildings and district energy systems based on the Modelica and FMI standards.
Provide technical expertise and scientific support in how to extend and apply these modeling standards and numerical methods:
Primarily in the development and first use cases of a toolchain supporting full-scale district energy systems simulation, from the plant to the load.
Secondly in the redesign of EnergyPlus to allow Modelica and FMI-based HVAC and controls simulation, or in energy system operation using mathematical programming.
Link domain-specific simulation programs to each other to support rapid prototyping, integrated whole-system level analysis and model-use during operations.
Contribute to papers for journals.
What is Required:
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Computer Science, Architectural Engineering or a related building science field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive knowledge of building mechanical systems: design and sizing, hydraulic principles, controls.
Demonstrated strong skills in developing models in languages and simulators for systems of differential algebraic equations (such as Modelica or Simulink) in the domain of building energy and control systems.
Strong knowledge of programming languages, such as Modelica, C/C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript.
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Capable of working on multiple tasks and projects.
Able to solve complicated technical issues and research problems.
What We Desire:
Advanced degree (such as M.S. or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Controls, Computer Science, Architectural Engineering or a related building science field.
The posting shall remain open until the position is filled.
Notes:
This is a full time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year, Term appointment with the possibility of extension for up to a total of 5 years or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
Salary is commensurate with 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 primarily 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.
