Senior Research Engineer - Codes and Standards

About TRC

Groundbreaker. Game changer. Pioneer. TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader. TRC’s professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve, delivering breakthrough solutions that address local needs in an ever-changing world. Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects with a collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal, and an agile corporate structure—with generous rewards and a strong investment in career development.

Position Overview

TRC's Research and Consulting (R&C) team, within the Advanced Energy practice, is focused on developing and deploying decarbonization and clean energy solutions for utilities, non-profits, local governments, and state and federal agencies. As a Senior Research Engineer, you will address clients’ needs through discrete, funded projects, designing, implementing, and communicating insights from a wide range of research and analysis approaches. In this fast-paced, deadline-driven role you will lead multiple projects, work collaboratively with internal technical teams and external customers, and help drive the clean energy transformation through advanced energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Overall Responsibilities:

• Lead project teams on delivery of small- to mid-sized projects or multiple smaller projects, managing scope, timeline, and budget.
• Design and perform complex research, data collection, and analysis tasks with limited oversight.
• Provide oversight to junior staff for executing standard project tasks.
• Manage routine client interactions independently, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Develop specialization in industry areas and contribute to proposals and business development efforts.
• Support internal training initiatives and process improvements.
• Effectively balance time and priorities across multiple projects.

Task Focus Areas:

• Research design and project planning
• Primary research, including recruiting participants and designing surveys
• Synthesizing research findings and translating insights into actionable recommendations
• Conducting energy analysis using building simulation data or field project data
• Managing project delivery, delegating tasks, and communicating status to clients

Required Qualifications

• PhD with 2+ years of experience, or Master’s degree with 4+ years, or Undergraduate degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Degree in Architectural Engineering, Engineering, or a related field focused on building/technology design, research, or policy.
• Competency in building science, energy codes and standards, distributed energy resources, and applied technical research.
• Thorough understanding of research methods and design.
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and a can-do attitude.
• Strong teamwork and the ability to maintain high energy in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of existing building energy codes, including applications and limitations.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Practical experience in energy codes and/or appliance standards, building energy code development, advocacy, consulting, or research.
• Experience in building engineering or energy system design, particularly related to electrification (e.g., heat pumps).
• Background in building energy audits, measure development, retrocommissioning, or energy system management.
• Familiarity with utilities or the clean energy sector, including energy efficiency and demand management.
• Research experience with cost-effectiveness analysis, literature review, presentations, surveys/interviews, or statistical data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, EnergyPlus/CBECC/Modelkit (or similar building energy modeling tools), and R or Python.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• 401k package with traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.
• Paid time off (15-25 days per year based on status and seniority).
• Minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year for full-time employees.
• Paid sick, family, and disability leave in accordance with state laws.
• Jurisdiction-specific benefit packages available for International and Puerto Rico employees.

Compensation

• Salary Range: USD $102,000.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.
• Bonus: Eligibility for an annual Discretionary Bonus Program based on performance.