Senior Associate- Energy Modeling and Analytics, Carbon-Free Buildings

Are you passionate about building decarbonization? Do you enjoy solving challenging problems and co-creating innovative tools to catalyze market transformation? Do you enjoy marrying technical analysis with outward facing stakeholder engagement to drive project development? If you have the qualifications and are excited to work on a climate-aligned endeavor, then come make an impact with us! 

A 1.5-degree future requires decarbonization of the energy system through both generation and consumption, with the buildings sector being responsible for 40% of global GHG emissions. RMI is a non-profit think-do-scale tank that has a 40-year history of working on clean energy solutions using integrative design solutions.  RMI applies rigorous techno-economic research, whole-systems expertise, and entrepreneurial approaches to help markets take advantage of breakthrough energy innovations. 

RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings (CFB) program seeks to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2045 through solutions that build a just and equitable energy transition.  This program is a team of 65+ staff. CFB drives impact using a range of methods including research and technical analysis, facilitation, stakeholder engagement and policy work, strategic client engagements, thought leadership, and demonstration projects, all focused on accelerating the adoption of efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy technologies. 

Position Overview 

RMI’s REALIZE initiative is seeking a Senior Associate to fill a new role that leverages RMI’s Portfolio Energy Optimization (PEO) tool to support zero-carbon planning for multifamily portfolios. As a project manager and energy modeler you will have the opportunity to learn how to use the PEO analytics tool and to customize the software to refine multifamily building analysis. You will act as a liaison between RMI’s REALIZE and PEO initiatives and will leverage the software to support the REALIZE initiative in evaluating retrofit opportunities and aggregating demand for high-quality, prefabricated retrofit packages that are easy to install and are financed through utility cost savings across multifamily portfolios. You will report to a REALIZE initiative Manager but will also receive support from the PEO team. 

In this role you will manage relationships and collect information from portfolio clients and use it to populate the PEO tool. You will refine and troubleshoot EnergyPlus simulations and work with the PEO team to further develop Ruby code to automate multifamily analysis. You will research new retrofit solutions and integrate them into the analysis tool.  

Initially the role will entail working as a liaison between the two initiatives, but as the REALIZE project pipeline expands there is potential for a larger team to be assembled and an opportunity for you to take a leadership role on that team. 

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!  

Initiative Overview   

REALIZE is a market facilitation platform that seeks to establish high volume net zero carbon retrofit delivery programs across the US. Market facilitation activities include aggregating retrofit demand while coordinating the supply chain to deploy high-quality, prefabricated retrofit packages that are easy to install and are financed through utility cost savings.  

Our vision is a future where buildings are heated, cooled, and powered using renewable, non-greenhouse gas emitting resources and where historically disenfranchised communities are fully included in the benefits and can take part in the new workforce it will take to get there. 

RMI’s Portfolio Energy Optimization (PEO) analytics tool has been developed over the past six years and has successfully supported multiple demonstration projects while continuing to expand in capability. The tool produces virtual representations of buildings and uses them to identify cost-effective retrofit packages to decarbonize buildings. The PEO team is staffed with engineers and sustainability experts capable of expanding and troubleshooting the analytics tool. The current analytics tool is already capable of delivering results at one-half the cost of traditional approaches and we are working to evolve it into a client-friendly software application that works much faster and will eventually become ubiquitous within the industry enabling sectoral transformation.  

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Undergraduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy), business (marketing, finance, international), finance, international development, public policy, economics, computer science, mathematics, architecture, physical and social sciences. 

• At least 3 years of cumulative and relevant work experience. 

• At least 3 years of energy simulation work experience.  

• Excellent quantitative analysis and modeling skills; ability to convert raw data and analysis results into insights. 

• Ability to multitask. 

• Excellent writing skills, visual presentation capability, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Comfort working with ambiguity. 

• High emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a desire to work collaboratively. 

• A passion for advancing market-based solutions to climate change. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Graduate degree in an applicable field.

• Expertise using EnergyPlus and ModelKit.

• Experience modeling existing buildings.  

• Hands-on experience evaluating HVAC and controls via commissioning, retro-commissioning, or energy auditing. 

• Fluency with Ruby code. 

• Background designing HVAC systems for an MEP firm or similar. 

• Certifications such as ASHRAE BEMP or AEE Certified Energy Manager. 

Application Deadline: February, 28th 2022   

Location 

The position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, you can be based from any of our RMI offices (Oakland, CA; Boulder or Basalt, CO; New York City; or Washington, D.C.), or remote. 

Compensation 

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, Senior Associates based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $79,000-$93,000. 

You would also have an additional 5% bonus target! 

Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:   

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance   

• 403b Retirement Options (5% match immediately)   

• Generous PTO   

• Learning & Development opportunities   

• Parental leave

• Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long-Term Disability  

• Commuter and Wellness Benefits    

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request an accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.   

Diversity 

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas, and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.       

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization, ensuring that we:

• Have a different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.      

• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.      

• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities. 

RMI is an equal opportunity employer with all qualified applicants who will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

About RMI 

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.