Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

City Light's Electrification and Strategic Technology (EST) Division oversees the Utility's efforts related to transportation and building electrification, grid modernization, and strategic technology. The Lab at City Light is part of the EST division and serves as a workforce education and training resource for architects, designers, engineers, contractors, installers, facility owners and operators, and similar roles involved in building electrification projects. The Lab's core offerings include virtual, in-person, and hands-on education and training, technology evaluation and demonstration, tools and resources, and tracking and reporting on market and industry trends.

The Lab at City Light is hiring a Senior Building Technologies Specialist to assist us in developing and deploying training and education, providing technical assistance on customer projects, and serving as a subject matter expert to inform internal program and policy development and in representing City Light at regional and national forums and committees.

The successful candidate will have field experience and expertise in HVAC, water heating, building envelope, building engineering, and commissioning; have strong communication skills; and the ability to educate audiences with different levels of technical understanding. This position will report to The Lab at City Light's executive director.

Here is more about what you'll be doing:

This position's key responsibilities include:

• Research and evaluate building electrification products, technologies, and design approaches
• Design, develop, and deliver educational content, tools, and resources on building electrification topics for a diversity of audiences in virtual and in-person settings
• Conceptualize, plan, and design lab-scale and in-situ evaluations and demonstrations of building electrification products, technologies, and design approaches for the purposes of assessing and comparing performance, capabilities, practices, and features
• Lead projects, programs, and project teams with strong project and time management skills; these efforts may include (but not limited to) capital improvement projects, pilots, demonstrations, education programs, et cetera
• Provide technical assistance on building electrification topics to internal and external stakeholders.

• Establish relationships within the city, public-sector partners, and market actors for collaboration on programs, projects, and programming

• Contribute to and draft articles, white papers, reports, grant proposals, blog postings, newsletter entries on behalf of Lighting Design lab and City Light
• Represent the Lab and City Light at local and national industry conferences and gatherings, and contribute to industry-led committee work including codes and standards development
• Create computer simulations, conduct cost-benefit analyses, perform and prepare building audit reports, and present findings and best practice recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences
• Develop and conduct technology evaluation and validation processes
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Baccalaureate degree in energy management, engineering, architecture or a related discipline and three years experience in professional commercial or industrial energy management analysis (other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Desired Qualifications: You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Expert knowledge of, understanding of, or experience with the following concepts:
• 4 or more years of designing or managing construction projects, as well as experience and knowledge of residential and commercial building science and electrification technologies, topics, and design practices, including heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electrical panels
• 2 years of experience in project management, including planning, scheduling, organizing, problem-solving, and project implementation, as well as leading and supporting matrixed teams
• Experience engaging with stakeholders and/or the general public on public-facing projects
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues using multiple techniques, media, and methods

• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to learn new technical skills and concepts.
• Demonstrated self-starter with sound judgment and ability to identify and develop solutions to project management problems. Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Knowledge of public sector organization and practices; familiarity with city/municipal organizations.
• Strong interest in and commitment to advancing racial and social equity;

• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $62.09 to $72.34 per hour.

Application Process: Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3 (Download PDF reader). A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov