Posting Title

Research Technician II or III – PV Field Testing

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Location

CO - Golden

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Position Type

Limited Term (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week

40

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Working at NREL

The 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 Description

NREL’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 needed.

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Basic Qualifications

High 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 Qualifications

Ideally 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

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated clos