Building Performance Engineer

Role Overview

Responsibilities

Requirements & Qualifications

Benefits

Salary Information

We have an exciting opening for a Building Performance Engineer to join our team at A2 Efficiency. This role involves working on innovative research projects related to high-performance HVAC and envelope strategies, analyzing building systems for energy efficiency, and contributing to the development of energy codes and efficiency programs. Additionally, the position will involve consulting on new and existing buildings to support integrated design solutions.

This position will be actively involved in researching the future of building energy codes, identifying the technologies required to fully decarbonize buildings, and supporting policy development. A significant part of this role will include detailed energy modeling research, ensuring complex technologies are accurately and credibly represented in energy simulations.

This position requires strong mechanical engineering skills, particularly in HVAC system development, data analysis of building energy and system operations, and parametric modeling for system performance evaluations. Experience working with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is a plus.

High-Level

  • Developing accurate and rational building energy calculations and advanced HVAC and DHW systems using building analysis techniques, parametric modeling, and energy modeling software.

  • Utilize data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to analyze and communicate building system operations and energy trends.

  • Conduct research into energy efficiency, building energy codes and standards, and industry innovations.

  • Conducting research through literature reviews, subject interviews, and technical analysis concerning building energy efficiency technologies, codes, and standards.

  • Supporting mechanical engineering designs and decisions related to high-performance HVAC and envelope systems.

Day-to-Day

  • Create and manage energy modeling, operational trend analysis, and data analysis reports.

  • Maintain organized project repositories following company standards.

  • Complete energy compliance or certification forms and maintain project documentation.

  • Submit accurate and detailed weekly timesheets.

Soft Skills

  • We are a fully remote team and therefore the job requires participating in online meetings with visual and audio connection from a private workspace.

  • Create and lead presentations and structured meetings between consulting firms for select projects.

  • Foresight into the next step in the work you are doing and ability to schedule time for help and key inputs needed.

  • Ability to lead a conference call effectively.

  • Ability to develop complex energy modeling environments and track digital files accurately.

  • Ability to actively engage clients with questions and answers to drive discussions and decision-making.

High-Level

  • Developing accurate and rational building energy calculations and advanced HVAC and DHW systems using building analysis techniques, parametric modeling, and energy modeling software.

  • Utilize data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to analyze and communicate building system operations and energy trends.

  • Conduct research into energy efficiency, building energy codes and standards, and industry innovations.

  • Conducting research through literature reviews, subject interviews, and technical analysis concerning building energy efficiency technologies, codes, and standards.

  • Supporting mechanical engineering designs and decisions related to high-performance HVAC and envelope systems.

Day-to-Day

  • Create and manage energy modeling, operational trend analysis, and data analysis reports.

  • Maintain organized project repositories following company standards.

  • Complete energy compliance or certification forms and maintain project documentation.

  • Submit accurate and detailed weekly timesheets.

Soft Skills

  • We are a fully remote team and therefore the job requires participating in online meetings with visual and audio connection from a private workspace.

  • Create and lead presentations and structured meetings between consulting firms for select projects.

  • Foresight into the next step in the work you are doing and ability to schedule time for help and key inputs needed.

  • Ability to lead a conference call effectively.

  • Ability to develop complex energy modeling environments and track digital files accurately.

  • Ability to actively engage clients with questions and answers to drive discussions and decision-making.

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Architectural, or Civil Engineering (coursework in building simulation, thermodynamics, and thermal systems preferred).

  • 5+ years of experience in energy efficiency or related mechanical engineering fields (experience in energy modeling, energy auditing, or commissioning preferred).

  • BEMP certification is highly preferred; LEED AP, PE, or RA is a plus.

  • Experience with supporting mechanical engineering design and HVAC systems.

  • Experience with data analysis related to building energy trends, including cleaning and interpreting operational data.

  • Experience with Tableau or Power BI for data visualization is a plus.

  • Strong proficiency in parametric modeling techniques and development of detailed HVAC system configurations.

  • Familiarity with building codes and standards (Title 24, IECC, IMC, ASHRAE 90.1/62.1/55, LEED).

  • Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Sharepoint).

  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

  • and located in the U.S. while conducting work.

  • Remote position with annual in-person company meetings

  • 11 paid holidays + 3 weeks paid Vacation & Sick Leave

  • Dedicated Creative/Research Time Budget

  • Continuous Professional Development Support & Allowance

  • Company-paid 50% Health Insurance (Medical and Dental)

  • 401(k) Plan with up to 3% Employer Contributions

  • Annual Bonus & Success Sharing Bonus Program

  • Compensation is based on experience, education, and skill level.

  • Employees working 24+ hours per week are eligible for benefits.

More Information

Working at A2 Efficiency

Project Examples & Key Clients

Career Progression Path

At A2 Efficiency, our role often revolves around serving as professional translators of high performance, demystifying the principles of efficiency for a variety of clients. While many people can crunch numbers, transforming those figures and explaining them to inspire action is where true skill lies.

As a small yet mighty company, we empower new employees by offering them the chance to work closely with seasoned industry professionals, paving the way for them to become recognized experts in building systems optimization and energy efficiency strategies. We hold a foundational belief that great consultants are crafted with care and intention, not simply found. Our commitment to nurturing our team's development ensures that we not only grow as individuals but also excel as a consultancy known for its exceptional service.

Additionally, we emphasize corporate transparency and literacy within our firm. We provide our staff with the opportunity to deeply understand the inner workings of our business and the critical elements involved in managing a thriving consulting practice.

  • Support of California Utilities on research into low-energy HVAC for non-residential buildings in energy codes.

  • Support for California compliance software enhancements, developing requirements to enhance code compliance software, and to advance algorithms and limits.

  • Support partner design engineering firms as a detailed energy modeler.

This role offers a structured path for growth, leading to opportunities in developing and managing research projects, conducting in-depth literature reviews and industry expert interviews, and presenting findings and recommendations. Engineers in this role will develop expertise in combining data analysis, research methodologies, and knowledge of cost-effective zero-carbon building strategies to drive innovation and policy development.

Typical progression takes 2 to 3 years, with advancement dependent on achieving key milestones, including:

  • Mastery of project management techniques to deliver work effectively.

  • Strong data analytics and storytelling capabilities.

  • Ability to create and refine detailed EnergyPlus and parametric energy modeling environments.

  • High proficiency in writing and delivering technical reports and presentations.