Environmental Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher 2/3 (EETR2/EETR3) will develop and deploy next-generation modeling, simulation, and optimization tools for energy and control systems using Modelica and FMI. Responsibilities include contributing to the Modelica Buildings Library, the OpenBuildingControl project, and applications for district energy, data centers, and heat pump/chiller plants using Platform- and Model-Based Design.

Working on an interdisciplinary team, you will extend and apply Modelica/FMI-based computing technologies for HVAC and control simulation, supporting research in rule-based, predictive, and AI-driven control systems.

You will also co-author peer-reviewed publications, help secure funding, and present results at conferences and project meetings.

We're here to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans.

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! 

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers).

• Pet insurance.

EETR2 will:

• Develop and deploy the Modelica Buildings Library and related Modelica/FMI-based tools.

• Research and apply these technologies to buildings, district energy systems, and data centers.

• Advance Platform-Based Design and AI applications for energy systems.

• Develop object-oriented, equation-based simulation models and control algorithms.

• Integrate domain-specific tools for rapid prototyping and whole-system lifecycle analysis.

• Publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry.

• Support applied projects, proposal development, and solve complex technical problems.

In addition to Above, EETR3 will:

• Lead development and deployment of the Modelica Buildings Library and related Modelica/FMI tools.

• Conduct advanced research applying these technologies to buildings, district energy, and data centers.

• Drive Platform-Based Design for energy systems.

• Publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry.

• Lead smaller projects or serve as a senior contributor on large efforts.

• Contribute to or lead proposal development and solve complex problems creatively.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• May lead small proposals or contribute to larger ones.

• May supervise staff.

• Engage external partners on programmatic matters.

• Eligible for full PI status upon approval and required training completion.

Requirements for EETR2:

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a master's degree; or a PhD degree without experience; or equivalent work experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in system modeling, simulation, building sciences and controls through journal and conference publications.

• Demonstrated expertise in HVAC systems for buildings or districts, and in controls.

• Strong working knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.

• Experience in software development.

• Experience developing mathematical models for building energy simulation and optimization. Demonstrated strong skills in developing models in languages and simulators for systems of differential algebraic equations in the domain of energy and control systems.

• Excellent knowledge of building science, controls, and of numerical methods for optimization and simulation.

• Excellent knowledge of programming languages, preferably Modelica, C/C++ and Python.

• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated expertise in working on multiple tasks and projects.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in teams, including internal and external collaborations.

In addition to Above, EETR3:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a master's degree; or a PhD degree with 3 years of experience; or equivalent work experience.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, controls, computer science, architectural engineering or a related building science field. 

• Demonstrated expertise with development of large software packages.

• Demonstrated experience working with real systems.

• Demonstrated experience managing project timelines, budget, and/or personnel.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 8, 2026 Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type:This is a full-time, 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• Salary range: 

  • EETR2: The full salary range for this position is $100,668 - 169,986 The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $119,563.2 - 132,148.80. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group. 

  • EETR3: The full salary range for this position is $124,728 - $210,480. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $148,120.20-$163,711.80. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

• Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.