Nexight Group is looking for an engineering analyst with proven experience quickly becoming conversant in new technical topic areas, particularly related to advanced materials and manufacturing, engineering research and development, and applications related to energy and sustainability. An ideal engineering analyst will:
- Be knowledgeable about current trends in advanced manufacturing, engineering research and development, and energy-related applications
- Apply their expertise to conduct desktop research efficiently
- Synthesize information to draw meaningful conclusions
- Offer critical analysis
- Analyze and communicate technical information to non-experts, such as executives and policymakers
The engineering analyst will not work directly with manufacturing or industrial systems. This is not an engineering or design position. Rather, the individual will work with industry peers, academic researchers, government clients, and policymakers to:
- Address common stakeholder issues in manufacturing- and energy-related sectors
- Lead research-intensive studies
- Be a subject matter expert
- Engage other experts to critically analyze and recommend solutions
While we don’t seek a flawless writer, the individual must be able to translate and discuss complex topics clearly in both discussions and written products.
Nexight Group is a small consulting firm that works in a diversity of topic areas for a variety of clients in the public and private sectors. Being adaptable, curious, and a critical thinker will be just as important as technical writing skills and subject matter expertise.
Skills
Applicants should have the necessary skills to perform the following job responsibilities:
- Provide technical contributions and conduct and/or manage technical project tasks, including but not limited to the following tasks:
- Research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, analyze trends and future directions, develop insightful summaries of key issues, and similar tasks that require strong critical thinking and analysis of complex problems.
- Effectively synthesize desktop research, expert viewpoints, and own expertise into clear strategies, recommendations, and future directions.
- Conduct interviews and facilitate focus groups of subject matter experts to gather informed and original opinions on topics of study or to clarify meaning of data.
- Rapidly build understanding of specialized, highly technical information in new subject areas and translate complex subjects into plain English for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Research and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, analyze trends and future directions, develop insightful and accurate syntheses and visualizations of key issues, and tackle similar tasks that require strong critical thinking and analysis of complex problems.
- Rapidly build an understanding of specialized, highly technical information in new subject areas and translate that understanding into a format that is accessible for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Assist in facilitating and engaging diverse groups of expert stakeholders to build partnerships, reach consensus decisions, and creatively solve complex problems.
- Develop both detailed and high-level summaries of interviews, meetings, and workshops.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Work location will be Silver Spring, MD, but some remote work and flexible scheduling is permitted.
Summary of Qualifications
Minimum
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science, energy, or related fields
- 2-6 years of full-time profession experience preferably in a technical role, government position, technical consulting role, or other professional services environment
- Experience in analysis and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data
- Experience working in one or more of the following subject areas:
- Advanced materials and manufacturing methods
- Smart manufacturing and digitalization technologies
- Materials data sciences and informatics
- Circular economy and sustainable manufacturing
- Industrial energy use and environmental analyses
- Writing skills that reflect strong critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis capabilities
- Proven track record of performing technical analyses and desktop research of high quality
- Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
- Strict attention to detail with minimal oversight required
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- An entrepreneurial, “roll up your sleeves” spirit that realizes value in all tasks, large and small, likes to learn by doing, and desires continuous improvement and innovation
Preferred
- Master’s degree in science or engineering
- Subject matter knowledge in materials science and engineering, and innovative manufacturing technologies
- Professional experience in a consulting or other professional services environment
- One or more of the following skill sets:
- Strategic planning and communications
- Facilitation and stakeholder engagement
- Quantitative data analysis and reporting
- Research and development project management and portfolio analysis
- Techno-economic analysis
- Experience conducting stakeholder consultations via interviews, focus groups, or facilitated workshops
- Experience facilitating diverse groups to reach consensus or collaborate on actionable pathways forward