Research Analyst I & II

Location

This position is primarily work-from-home with a notable field work component. Staff must be in or near the northern Illinois area so that they can perform field work up to twenty percent of time worked. Occasional travel to the Minneapolis office is also required.

Join Our Dynamic Research Team

We are looking for a research analyst to join our growing research team! The Research team is responsible for providing actionable insights that help reduce energy use, lower costs, and advance clean energy technologies. The Research Analyst I will be involved in a variety of research department projects and will be supervised by a research engineer or senior research engineer. This position will primarily focus on field instrumentations, data analysis, and maintenance of field equipment. The work may also include technology assessments and energy modeling. This position offers exposure to a variety of issues that shape energy efficiency, including the pragmatic technical training that comes with field work.

While a Research Analyst I will be capable of conducting field work and data analysis, a Research Analyst II will have advanced experience with these tasks. They will have at least 1 year of experience working in a related technical field and managing their own projects. The Research Analyst II will also demonstrate advanced experience with analysis and coding of large data sets.

Who We Are

Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a clean energy nonprofit with offices in North Loop of Minneapolis and St. Paul. We provide practical energy solutions for homes, businesses, and communities to cut energy waste and harmful emissions. We collaborate regularly with field peers and partners, and we employ curious people who enjoy learning and contributing to the Midwest's quality of life and economy. Recognized as one of Minnesota's top 200 workplaces by the Star Tribune, CEE is known for its open communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and commitment to work-life balance.

What We Offer

• Insurance Coverage Options: To ensure you and your family are well protected, we have got you covered with Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health Saving Account, and Flexible Spending Accounts. Please see our 2026 Benefits Summary.
• Impact: We want to make the world a better and more energy efficient place. Our work and the decisions we make are rooted in this foundational desire.
• Future Planning: To help you secure your financial future, benefit from our retirement saving program. Reach your goal sooner with our immediate vesting and company contribution.
• Work/Life Balance: We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and are dedicated to supporting our team members in various aspects of their lives. Our benefits include generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid parental leave, and salary continuation for major medical events, ensuring that you have the support you need during significant life moments and personal challenges.
• Holidays: Our company provides nine paid holidays each year, offering you ample time to observe important occasions and enjoy personal time.
• Growth: We want everyone to grow and learn within their roles. We offer professional development opportunities and education assistance.
• Championing DEI: Our committed DEI Committee promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment by establishing clear goals and assessing progress throughout the organization.
  

What You'll Do

• Conduct diagnostic tests and install data acquisition equipment to evaluate building and energy system performance.
• Acquire, process, and complete quality control reviews of building and energy system monitored data.
• Apply fundamental building science and mechanical engineering concepts to evaluate basic building and energy system situations.
• Support test site recruitment. Answer participant questions, communicating project scopes, goals, and benefits with clarity.
• Coordinate field work logistics with research participants, other CEE staff, and subcontractors as necessary.
• Conduct literature reviews and assist with technology assessments.
• Carefully document project work, track efforts, and manage multiple project priorities.
• Support the dissemination of research results.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge We're Looking For

• BS in mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related technical field. At least one year's experience working in a technical field.
• Demonstrated drive and motivation to conduct research in the energy field.
• Experience evaluating building and energy systems. Energy systems include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, service hot water, energy storage, and solar systems. Evaluation skills include:
• Conducting diagnostic testing (limited instrumentation experience required).
• Installing data acquisition systems for continuous measurements (preferred).
• Assessing the operation of building automation systems (preferred).
• Working knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics applied to basic energy systems.
• Experience assisting with the development of field monitoring protocols, data processing procedures, and data analysis methods.
• Understanding of basic statistical methods.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel to analyze large datasets and generate charts.
• Experience in programming and coding to process data and/or solve engineering equations.
• Experience with MATLAB, R, or similar is preferred.
• Experience with large scale data processing is preferred.
• Self-motivated, responsible, efficient, and accurate. Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Good communication skills.
• Comfortable interacting with project participants including homeowners, renters, building operators, mechanical contractors, and facilities managers.
• Experience documenting assumptions and technical observations.
• Ability to write short (1-3 page) sections of technical reports that require little or no interpretation of information.
• Ability to communicate relevant project information in team meetings.

Research Analyst II

In addition to the above qualifications, a Research Analyst II will demonstrate:

• Ability to use engineering principles or practices to assist in the evaluation of the commercial potential for emerging energy technologies.
• Ability to assist in the development of testing protocols and data processing procedures
• Ability to contribute to proposal ideation and assist with proposal development.

Compensation

Dependent on qualifications and experience, we expect the compensation range for a Research Analyst I to be between $25.00-26.50/hr. For a Research Analyst II, $33.00-35.00/hr.