Associate R&D Projects, Clean Energy and Building Electrification

Job Title: Program Associate, R&D Projects

Primary Work Location(s): No in office requirement but candidate must be located in California. Candidates must have the ability to travel within California on an infrequent basis upon request.

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Projected Salary Range: $60,000 90,000 / year

Overview: Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) is a rapidly growing nonprofit energy services and training organization dedicated to achieving energy efficiency in buildings to foster and maintain affordable and healthy housing and communities. Energy consulting services are completed through AEAs participation in a variety of federal, state, and local energy efficiency initiatives. AEA is a New York based organization, with over 20 years of industry experience and has been operating a West Coast office since 2010. For more information about AEA, see http://www.aea.us.org.

Position Summary: AEA West is seeking an R&D Associate to join our tight-knit, talented team of Energy Geeks. The Project Associate must be a highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-driven individual with strong communication skills. They must also have strong critical and creative thinking skills, and a foundational understanding of building science and energy efficiency.

The focus of the Associates work will be the delivery of high-impact multifamily energy efficiency and decarbonization projects and programs, achieving healthy, energy-efficient, affordable housing. They will work with senior staff to develop projects, work on implementation of one or more programs, and be responsible for project tracking, implementation, and organization. Associate candidates may also engage in field and over-the-phone data collection, building diagnostics, research, data analysis, job costing, and construction feasibility, energy modeling, and report production as needed to complete a range of project types. They are expected to be a self-starter, an independent problem solver, and a strong team-player.

AEA is hiring for primary work locations based in California with a preference for the Bay Area where our West Coast office is located. Candidates must have the ability to travel within California upon request.

Responsibilities:

The R&D Associate may be expected to assist with:

• Support research project and pilots that would include project tracking, outreach, technical assistance, research and reporting writing
• Supporting data analysis for research projects and pilots
• Supporting energy efficiency, renewable energy and/or building decarbonization program implementation.
• Supporting technical staff or leading conducting energy audits and in-field energy assessments, on-site diagnostics, field data collection and analysis as needed.
• Gathering, analyzing, and reporting program data such as program pipeline, project tracking, measure savings, benchmarking and other utility data, project savings, regional project distribution, etc.
• Conducting outreach and intake to program participants and stakeholders.
• Working with building owners, architects, and other decision makers to successfully incorporate energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable upgrades in their projects.
• Supporting and conducting training both internally and publicly on energy efficiency technologies, energy auditing principles, and decarbonized building operations.

These job responsibilities may be revised over time to ensure the functional responsiveness of the Project Associate to AEA and Federal and California State program requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, building science, or energy conservations preferred or an Associate Degree with either on-the-job or trades experience in energy conservation, renewable energy, and energy audits.
• 2 years related experience in a related role.
• Basic knowledge and experience in energy efficiency and green building principles.
• Excellent communication, organization, presentation, and analytical skills.
• Advanced-level knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

• Sound technical writing skills and experience.
• Advanced knowledge of building systems including mechanical systems, lighting technologies, and building envelope.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of CA Title 24 and other building codes.
• Familiarity with local, state and federal building energy incentive and rebate programs.
• Experience managing construction, retrofit, and/or solar projects
• Ability to perform cost savings analyses and fuel data analyses.
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification.
• Experience with the use of energy modeling software i.e., EnergyPro, CBECC-Com & -Res, EnergyPlus, and CSE programs.

Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

AEA requires a COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Therefore, all new employees are required to present proof of vaccination status upon hire unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, disability, military status, veteran status, or predisposing genetic characteristics. AEA does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For more information on the physical requirements of this position and/or if you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Human Resources at 510-256-5891.

Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, disability, military status, veteran status, or predisposing genetic characteristics. AEA does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For more information on the physical requirements of this position and/or if you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency at 718-292-6733 Ext-8265.

We maintain an inclusive culture where everyone feels safe to contribute and help us innovate, and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply to our roles.

You may find all our open positions at our Careers site here: https://aea.us.org/about/#careers

AEA offers excellent benefits, including medical/dental/vision, commuter plan, 401(k) w/matching contribution, generous PTO, educational assistance, paid parental leave, hybrid work arrangement and many development opportunities. We are also an eligible employer for student loan forgiveness.