Research Technician II or III – PV Field Testing

Posting TitleResearch Technician II or III – PV Field Testing.LocationCO - Golden.Position TypeLimited Term (Fixed Term).Hours Per Week40.Working at NRELThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.Job DescriptionNREL’s solar performance and reliability group is looking for a motivated early career technician to help deploy and maintain photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar concentrators in support of research to develop understanding of long-term performance of solar technologies. The work will include such tasks as: Laboratory characterization of concentrating solar mirrors for reflectance, mechanical strength and flatness.· Weathering, abrasion and dynamic stress accelerated testing of samples. Mechanical and electrical construction of research equipment for long term outdoor experiments. Outdoor PV system installation and maintenance including cleaning of sensors and modules· Support of field and lab research activities, as neededBasic QualificationsHigh School Diploma or equivalent and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Or, relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope and 2 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Substantial acquaintance with and understanding of general aspects of the job with a broad understanding of the detailed aspects of the job. Intermediate to advanced skills in research techniques and practices. Good written, verbal, team, interpersonal and communication skills. Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.Additional Required QualificationsIdeally technical associates (electrical / mechanical ) with lab skills· Willing to work in variable conditions indoors and outdoors.· Ability to follow safety protocol and established laboratory procedures.· Ability to digest verbal and written instructions, willingness to ask questions and learn on the job.· Adept in working with hand and power tools.· Ability to learn new processes and operate independently.Ability to work as part of team and to communicate effectively.Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with solar or other electrical technology

Experience with mechanical and electrical construction of research equipment.

Experience with calibration and test procedures.

Experience with MS Office, CAD, Python and/or other programming language.

Operational knowledge of electrical test equipment.

Ability to document work, including simple drawings and routinely updating maintenance logs and authoring test reports.

Preferred Qualifications.Job Application Submission WindowThe anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Research Technician II / Annual Salary Range: $49,100 - $78,600Job Profile: Research Technician III / Annual Salary Range: $55,400 - $91,400NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement. Based on eligibility rulesDrug Free WorkplaceNREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position applicationEEO PolicyNREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.EEO is the Law (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transpEnglishunformattedESQA508c.pdf) | Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08012013.pdf) for English or here (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview. DOE rules for site access during the interview process are the same regardless of whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).Drug Free WorkplaceNREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NREL (https://www.nrel.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NREL) at the lab.