Commercial Buildings Program Manager

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Providence, RI

Full-time - Senior

Remote - Providence, RI

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Commercial Buildings Program Manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) will lead a portfolio of activities aimed at accelerating the deployment of advanced energy technologies in the commercial buildings sector. This senior project manager role involves collaboration with project managers, principal investigators, and technical research teams to ensure effective execution of projects funded by federal sponsors. The position focuses on mid- to late-stage research, development, and demonstration initiatives that promote energy efficiency and decarbonization in buildings, while also engaging with industry stakeholders and integrating best practices for energy equity and environmental justice.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent management oversight and technical direction for a portfolio of mid-sized to large projects with complexity, risk, and/or strategic impact.
• Manage changes in strategic direction, scope, schedule, and budget across projects.
• Effectively coordinate with diverse, cross-functional project teams, as well as line managers, market sector leaders, program managers, and other internal stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with funding sponsor representatives.
• Interact with other national laboratories and external stakeholders on project activities.
• Promote business development opportunities, including leading proposal development.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of project management principles and industry best practices.
• Maintain expertise with PNNL project management systems, tools, and policies, promote process improvement, and provide leadership and direction to project teams.
• Mentor junior- and mid-level staff and facilitate their career development.

Requirements

• BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant project management experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 7+ years of relevant project management experience.
• Strong domain knowledge of building systems and emerging technologies.
• Experience leading research teams and managing U.S. Department of Energy funded projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical topics to non-technical audiences.

Nice-to-haves

• Degree in mechanical engineering, architecture engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, or similar technical degree.
• Experience leading commercial buildings research projects and market transformation initiatives related to building systems energy efficiency and decarbonization.
• Experience working with diverse buildings sector stakeholders, such as utilities, regulators, industry associations, and trade groups.
• Certification as a Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Flexible work schedules
• Telework options