Research Analyst II

Location

The research team is primarily based out of CEE's North Loop office, Staff can work virtually except when conducting field work and activities that must be performed in the office. Staff must be located in or near the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area so that they can perform field work. Exceptions must be approved by their supervisor.

Join Our Dynamic Research Team!

We are looking for a research analyst II to join our growing research team! The research analyst II will be involved in a variety of research department projects and will be supervised by a research engineer or senior research engineer. This position will primarily focus on data analysis and monitoring field installations. The work may also include technology assessments and energy modeling. This position offers a beneficial variety of exposure to many issues that shape energy efficiency, including the pragmatic technical training that comes with field work. The right candidate will have strong analytic capabilities, a sense of curiosity, and a desire to work with their hands to investigate energy systems and energy efficiency. The research analyst II may mentor other staff.

This is a full-time position that provides a wide range of benefits including Paid Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, and retirement plan.

Who We Are

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a clean energy nonprofit with offices in North Loop of Minneapolis and St. Paul.We provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to cut energy waste and harmful emissions. We collaborate regularly with field peers and partners, and we employ curious people who enjoy learning and contributing to the Midwest's quality of life and economy. Recognized as one of Minnesota's top 200 workplaces by the Star Tribune, CEE is known for its open communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and commitment to work-life balance.

What We Offer

Insurance Coverage Options: To ensure you and your family are well protected, we have got you covered with Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health Saving Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts. Please see our 2025 Benefit Summary.

Impact: We want to make the world a better and more energy efficient place. Our work and the decisions we make are rooted in this foundational desire.

Future Planning: To help you secure your financial future, benefit from our retirement saving program. Reach your goal sooner with our immediate vestingand company contribution.

Work/Life Balance: We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and are dedicated to supporting our team members in various aspects of their lives. Our benefits include generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid parental leave, and salary continuation for major medical events, ensuring that you have the support you need during significant life moments and personal challenges.

Holidays: Our company provides nine paid holidays each year, offering you ample time to observe important occasions and enjoy personal time.

Growth: We want everyone to grow and learn within their roles. We offer professional development opportunities and education assistance.

Championing DEI: Our committed DEI Committee promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment by establishing clear goals and assessing progress throughout the organization.

What You'll Do

• Assist in the development of test and monitoring protocols. Conduct diagnostic tests and install data acquisition equipment to evaluate building and energy system performance.
• Assist in the development of data processing procedures. Acquire, process, and complete quality control reviews of building and energy system monitored data.
• Assist in the development of data analysis tasks. Apply fundamental building science and mechanical engineering concepts to evaluate basic building and energy system situations.
• Conduct literature reviews and assist with technology assessments.
• Carefully document project work, track efforts, and manage multiple project priorities.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge We're Looking For

• Must meet one of the following requirements:
  
  
  
  • BS in mechanical engineering. At least one year's experience working in a technical field is preferred.
  • BS in physics or a closely related technical field. At least one to three years' experience working in a technical field.
  
  
  
  
• Working knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics applied to typical energy systems.
• Demonstrated drive and motivation to conduct field/analysis research in the energy field.
• Experience evaluating building and energy systems. Energy systems include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, service hot water, energy storage, and solar systems. Evaluation skills include:
  
  
  
  • Conduct diagnostic testing (required).
  • Design and install data acquisition systems for continuous measurements (preferred).
  • Assess the operation of building automation systems (preferred).
  • Knowledge of building performance and evaluating envelope design (preferred).
  • Knowledge of air source heat pump design and performance (preferred).
  
  
  
  
• Understanding of basic statistical methods.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel to analyze large datasets and generate charts.
• Experience in programming and coding to process data and/or solve engineering equations. Experience with MATLAB, R, or similar.
• Experience with large scale data processing in R (preferred).
• Ability to use engineering principles or practices to assist in the evaluation of the commercial potential for emerging energy technologies.
• Ability to contribute to proposal ideation and assist with proposal development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with the development of field monitoring protocols, data processing procedures, and data analysis methods.
• Self-motivated, responsible, efficient, and accurate. Excellent time-management and organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Good communication skills:
  
  
  
  • Comfortable interacting with project participants including homeowners, renters, building operators, mechanical contractors, and facilities managers.
  • Experience documenting assumptions and technical observations.
  • Ability to write moderate length (3 to 6 page) sections of technical reports that require limited interpretation of information.
  • Ability to communicate relevant project information in team meetings.
  • Ability to assist in the development of presentations.
  
  
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds on a regular basis as well as carry, push, pull, kneel, and squat. Some equipment may occasionally weigh 35-50 pounds (example: 50-pound equipment bags necessary for field building research); must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up this equipment as needed. The frequency of equipment at 35-50 pounds will vary depending on the project's scope and requirements. Wherever possible, support equipment such as loading carts will be provided for equipment transportation.
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to perform work indoors in an office environment, regardless of whether cubicle, open office, or private office.
• Ability to view and operate a computer, either desktop or laptop, for extended periods of time.
• Must have access to reliable transportation, including capacity to transport equipment as needed within specific timeframes. Must have a valid driver's license.
• Flexibility is required; site visits may require significant work outside the office and some work outside typical workday hours.

Compensation

• Dependent on qualifications and experience. The expected compensation is $32.50-33.50/hr