Research Engineer I

Position Objective

The research engineer performs contract research for NAHB Research Center business clients, primarily within the manufacturing and housing industry, and agencies of the U.S. government, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Energy (DOE). The engineering research areas include plumbing, energy efficiency, green building, moisture control, indoor air quality, construction methods, lab testing, building codes, and quality audits/evaluations. The research work is performed in the laboratory, using computer modeling and field evaluations. This position will allow a “breadth” of work that will lead to more focus, specialization, and responsibility over time.

Essential Duties of the Position

• Research background on materials, processes, environment, etc. sufficient to have an understanding of the existing body of knowledge on the subject. Develop a research and field evaluation focus for the technology or process.
• Assist with activities related to instrumentation of the project to be assessed.
• Assist with monitoring, evaluating, and documenting inputs as required by the project.
• Collect the research data and assist with analysis and compiling of results for clients.
• Assist with the assessment and reporting on outcomes within established time constraints. Reports may be written or oral of varying formats. Strong writing and presentation skills and computer literacy is essential.
• Travel, local and out-of-state as required to field evaluation sites, and other seminars, meetings, conventions, business trips, etc.
• Provide technical and editorial review of research reports: including Tech Specs, Tech Inventories, Interim/Final Reports, and Demonstration Projects.

Decision Making

• Develop the ability to select the proper sensors, controls, software, and data loggers to conduct thorough scientific analysis of technology.
• Develop presentational skills and review methods of data collection and analysis.
• Assist with the selection of subcontractors (or skill sets needed) to conduct fieldwork.
• With the assistance of external stakeholders and project manager, determine and plan for the timing of significant events occurring on site or during the implementation of the contract (within an assigned task).
• Design and format the reports or contracted deliverables within the guidelines of the planned evaluation strategy or project.
• Develop the ability to complete an assigned task while preventing “scope creep” and multiple iterations of work.

Referred Decisions:

• Expenditures for direct expenses that relate to a contract other than travel are pre-approved via Director’s signature on Purchase Order. Expenditures may also require pre-approval of the contract task manager.
• Communicate resource needs to the Director.
• Promptly identify obstacles to work process and recommend remedies to Director.

Working Relationships

• Manufacturers: External contacts include manufacturer’s representatives in marketing and technical departments. This will be necessary for those private client field evaluation or time study projects.
• Colleagues: Open channels for communication with team members and colleagues to benefit from their collective knowledge, ideas, and approaches. Seek opportunities for personal and workplace enhancement – discuss these with the Director.
• Builders: External contacts include builders that are attempting to understand the methods by which construction is completed as it relates to energy, cost, green building, material specifications, and quality. Evaluate the methods of construction based on "best practices" and builder specifications.

Responsibility for Resources

Quantify where possible and describe the type of responsibility for financial, business development, human, and material resources.

Primary resource responsibility lies with care of company equipment, like digital cameras, laptop computers, sensors and other measurement devices and tools, etc. that are borrowed for travel to and use on the evaluation site. Equipment is properly logged out, secured in transit and use, and returned as appropriate.

Business development includes promoting NAHB Research Center capabilities and expertise at conferences or technical events.

Work Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Architecture) – or equivalent technical area
• Broad-based knowledge of residential construction industry – materials, methods, and processes
• Ability to interface with stakeholders at varied levels and skills
• Ability to write, technically, and present publicly in informal and formal forums
• Willingness to learn – new software, technology scanning, staying current in the industry
• Ability and willingness to think, take action, and stand accountable for outcomes
• Strong analytical, statistical, and modeling skills
• 0-2 years of minimum professional experience

This position requires up to 50% travel.

Please send cover letter, salary requirements and resume to careers@nahbrc.org and reference job code #08-17JP.

The NAHB Research Center is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V EEO