Principal Research Analyst – Federal Performance Contracting

OverviewThe Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and in advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EIBD) is one of PNNL’s most innovative teams, working at the forefront of some of America’s toughest energy challenges, employing multi-disciplinary teams to solve national-scale problems. Within EIBD, the Energy Technology Deployment Group (ETD) applies combined expertise in program design and management, to speed the deployment of technologies that improve the efficiency and resilience of the built environment and related energy systems. ETD has 50 staff members across 2 capability areas:

Federal Technical Support – Staff apply knowledge of federal agency energy and sustainability performance mandates, missions and operations to support the implementation of institutional changes (e.g. programs, policies, behavior) that enable their achievement.

Market Transformation – Staff design and implement programs that speed market adoption of energy efficient building technologies through stakeholder engagement, training and education, and direct technical assistance.

We are looking for an Energy Analyst to lead energy transitions planning and execution support efforts that are focused on performance contracting. The candidate will have a strong knowledge of energy and water systems, deep knowledge of federal project financing options, and experience recommending solutions to enhance energy and water security, climate adaptation, resilience, and decarbonization. The selected candidate will serve as part of a PNNL team that directly supports the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) partners.ResponsibilitiesThe energy analyst will develop solutions to help DOE and DoD partners to become more energy and water efficient and resilient to utility disruptions, meeting federal energy, water and climate goals and requirements. The analyst will lead technical analyses, coordinate with subject matter experts, project teams, and stakeholders including federal facility operators from across the country, utility providers, industry partners and researchers/subject matter experts across PNNL to strengthen the agency’s utility management programs and energy transitions planning. The candidate will provide expert delivery with little supervision or managerial support. This includes coordination of resources across divisions and programs. Additional responsibilities include:

Provide program support to federal agencies to convey performance contracting options and initiate comprehensive projects to meet energy, resilience and environmental goals.

Advise agencies on best practices in energy savings performance contract (ESPC) and utility energy service contract (UESC) program development, execution, and monitoring.

Lead strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to support integration of multiple perspectives into energy system planning. Work with key stakeholders to share ideas and build consensus.

Provide support during RFI development to ensure projects meet DoD requirements and comply with all applicable industry codes and standards and UFC requirements.

Execute moderate projects and/or major project tasks and build effective teams from multiple technical groups and disciplines to achieve tasks objectives on time and within budget.

Leverage data to inform programs and policies, documenting results, organizing and managing data, and developing and tracking key metrics.

Serve as an interface between sponsor leaders, remote team members, and PNNL technical experts. Promptly communicate issues, changes in scope, schedule, budget, or other challenges to the attention of the Manager.

Work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

Oversee the work of other technical contributors on the team while responding to needs of sponsor and key stakeholders.

Develop deliverables and present results of work to sponsors and other external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be accountable to:

Project Managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and performance of assigned tasks on time and within budget;

The Energy Technology Deployment Group Leader, and Federal Technical Support Team Leader, for general staff performance and development and operational discipline.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-

MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in relevant discipline (e.g., engineering, building controls, climate policy, sustainability management, renewable energy, business analytics).

Active security clearance or ability to obtain a clearance.

Experience working with the Department of Defense or other Federal agencies, including working with military personnel and leadership.

Recognized as a performance contracting subject matter expert by Federal, municipal, and state agencies, as well as the industry partners interested in doing business with the government.

Experience developing policy and guidance to assist Federal agencies meet evolving Federal and agency requirements.

Demonstrated track record of developing innovative solutions.

Capable of handling ambiguity and working within diverse teams to solve complex problems.

Demonstrated history of presenting processes, findings, and recommendations to professional societies and high-level decision makers.

Proficient at techno-economic analysis of performance contracts for Federal agencies and demonstrate the ability to guide agencies in their decision-making process.

Technical experience specific to the job:

Advising on and developing Federal policy related to energy and water efficiency, resilience, and performance contracting.

Direct experience with energy transitions planning and execution, preferably within DoD, and in the areas of energy management, public works, or master planning.

Knowledge of federal legislation and other applicable requirements governing energy and water management, energy efficiency and sustainability policies.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with personnel in diverse job functions and levels of responsibility, including directors, technical advisors, and field personnel.

Planning, development, funding, and execution of federal third-party projects (e.g., ESPCs, UESCs, ESAs, PPAs, EULs).

Contract performance monitoring, including measurement and verification associated with ESPCs and UESCs, to inform best practices and policies.

Performance contracting portfolio management, including development of metrics, and using data to inform process and project improvement, impacts of policies on projects and programs.

Experience with energy and water efficiency and/or renewable energy assessments at Federal facilities, and development of action plans.

Leading and managing technical research related to campus and or utility energy systems, including analyzing emerging energy technologies, such as renewables, energy storage, and microgrids.

Ability to work remotely with DoD and Lab staff using online collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams and SharePoint).

Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to visit sponsor locations to attend meetings or visit facilities.

Communications skills required for the job:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams.

Experience in leading the publication of technical reports, delivering briefings, and developing and delivering trainings and presentations.

Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentThe candidate may work from one of the PNNL offices or remotely with the ability to travel up to 1 week a month to various DoD locations.Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship.

Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.

Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.

Once eligibility requirements are met.Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.Minimum SalaryUSD $140,200.00/Yr.Maximum SalaryUSD $221,700.00/Yr.