About the Position:

The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) is looking for a Technology Assessment Fellow / Intern to join its Building Energy Efficiency Group to contribute to its ongoing building technology assessment and energy consumption characterization studies for government and utility clients. This is an opportunity to participate in exciting research projects within Fraunhofer CSE. Fellow / Intern positions typically last for 6 months, but longer durations can also be accommodated.

 Over the past decade, Fraunhofer CSE team members have authored several landmark studies evaluating energy-savings opportunities for building technologies and characterizing building energy consumption.  We regularly present the findings of these studies at major building energy efficiency conferences.  Working with our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing and future studies that form the basis of sound government and utility policy decisions, and to learn how to approach such projects. 

Principal Responsibilities:

You will work with the Building Energy Efficiency team to support and learn how to evaluate several attributes of novel building technologies, such as:

• Energy savings potential
• Current and future economics
• Non-energy benefits
• Non-economic barriers to widespread commercialization
• Priority R&D needs to achieve widespread commercialization

In addition, you will contribute to studies to characterize the energy consumption of different building energy end uses (e.g., space heating, space cooling, consumer electronics, lighting, water heating, etc.). 

Preferred Experience and Education:

An excellent academic record with an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, etc.) and:

• Familiarity with the operating principles of energy-consuming equipment and systems in buildings
• A strong background in energy-related physics

Additional Requirements:

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to accept a high degree of responsibility in a team-based organization, combined with ability to work independently.
• Willingness to go the extra mile to support the team’s research projects.

About the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE)

The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit applied research and development laboratory dedicated to fostering economic development through the commercialization of clean energy technologies for the benefit of society. With a focus in building energy technologies, solar photovoltaics, distributed electrical energy systems, start-up assistance, and technical validation, Fraunhofer CSE engages in collaborative research with private companies, government entities, and academic institutions. Fraunhofer CSE is a subsidiary of Fraunhofer USA and affiliated with Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Europe’s largest contract R&D organization.