R&D Engineer – SHIFT

WHO WE ARE 

SHIFT Energy develops and delivers the world’s most powerful predictive control systems and analytics tools for central plants. These plants represent one of the single biggest opportunities to reduce energy use, water use and CO2 emissions in North America. We help our clients achieve best-in-class central plant performance, reduce energy use, carbon emissions and costs. We optimize the operation, control, and maintenance of central plants across sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, education, commercial real estate and more.

What SHIFT values and rewards:   

• High performers: we value high performers because they make a much bigger impact.
• Candor: we seek honest feedback and welcome different points of view.
• Greatness: we always try to improve ourselves, our team and our decisions.
• Commitment: once we decide, we all commit to the decision and to delivering results. 
• Customer advocacy: we advocate for our customers, and we prioritize their needs 
• Customer knowledge: we learn from our customers to discover new opportunities. 
• Accountability: we are empowered, and we take responsibility for our actions and outcomes.   
• Execution: we execute with precision to achieve great results.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
We are looking for Mechanical Engineers to join our team full-time in Saint John to contribute to the design and development of our central plant control technology. You will be part of a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of experts creating leading-edge control software and analytics tools and integrating them into our existing code base.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING IN THE ROLE: This is a unique role that offers you the chance to experience and impact every aspect of the business from the lab to the customer’s plant and back. In this role, you will:  

• Become a subject matter expert in central plant equipment, controls and operations.
• Build robust models of HVAC and energy storage devices and systems.
• Plan, design, and conduct lab experiments to test and validate models and predictive control technology.
• Develop software to implement models and predictive controls for central plants.
• Support customer projects by assisting with planning and execution of production deployments of control software and systems.
• Monitor production systems to ensure they are delivering strong value to customers—identify blind spots or underperformance and recommend improvements.
• Work with our customers and partners to discover new requirements and opportunities.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot heating and cooling plant systems; identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, proposals, and documentation for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Expand the company’s knowledge base while collaborating with team members specializing in simulation, modeling, and development.
• Support the evolution of product vision and roadmap.

WHAT SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL NEED TO DO THE JOB:    

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Physics or Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong foundation in hydraulic analysis and thermodynamics.
• Proficiency in Python or comparable languages, with the ability to adapt to new programming environments and frameworks.
• Experience with control systems and controller design is preferred.
• Knowledge of mathematical optimization and statistics is considered an asset.

…AND YOU ARE…  

• Curious and passionate about the work you do and the technology you deliver.
• Looking to make an impact – you seek responsibility – you never deflect it.
• Always improving your skills and knowledge to be the best at what you do.  
• Comfortable taking on new problems and challenges.
• A self-starter: you take the initiative and figure things out with minimal supervision.
• A strong analyst with great problem-solving skills: thorough and reliable.
• Able to work in a team: share knowledge and assist other team members.
• A good communicator: you are able to explain your ideas and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Well organized and dependable under pressure: you manage your time effectively.

SHIFT OFFERS YOU:   

• A values-driven workplace where people like you really matter.
• Attractive salary and equity-based rewards program.
• Retirement savings program, health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, and access to e-health care.
• Paid vacation, maternity/parental leave, paid sick leave, and paid MyLife days
• Unlimited training.

Central plant optimization is one of the single biggest opportunities to reduce energy demand, CO2 and water consumption in North America. If this role interests you, and you meet the qualifications, we’d love to hear from you.