Building Performance Engineer / Energy Modeler

Smith Seckman Reid - Sarasota, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Sarasota, FL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Building Performance Engineer / Energy Modeler at Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) plays a crucial role in consulting on high-performance building design projects. This position involves managing individual projects, maintaining client relationships, and collaborating with team members to promote sustainable building practices that enhance occupant health and wellness. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in energy modeling and a passion for innovative building solutions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates closely with architects, engineers, and other project team members during design/construction meetings to develop potential energy conservation measures and simulation models.
• Analyzes, reviews, and/or consults on energy-related systems found in architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and specifications.
• Develops building energy models and cost-benefit analyses to aid in high performance design and to assess compliance with LEED rating systems, energy codes, and utility incentives.
• Clearly communicates analysis results to project teams in written, graphical, and presentation format.
• Develops a professional rapport with colleagues and clients through proactive communication.
• Regularly reviews industry trends as well as code and policy updates/addendums.
• Actively attends internal and external training and other educational opportunities to obtain knowledge in necessary technical areas.
• Shares lessons learned and drives innovation in internal tools, processes, and practices.
• Manages individually assigned projects by monitoring the budget and schedule as well as maintaining communication to ensure the project is completed successfully.
• Assists in procurement and pursuit of new work and new clients; maintains existing client relationships.
• Assists with calculations to document various credits in the LEED or other green building rating systems.
• Provides comments and technical reports on sustainability goals to design teams, clients, and/or contractors.
• Attends project meetings, client meetings, and occasional site visits to monitor progress and coordinate project requirements.
• Assists team management in the training of less experienced colleagues on LEED documentation and processes.
• May participate in conducting building energy audits/assessments, including development of energy savings and cost estimates for energy conservation measures.
• Utilizes Automated Fault Detection and Diagnostics (AFDD) software as a part of Building Performance Monitoring projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or related technical discipline
• 3+ years of design consulting experience with focus on HVAC design and energy modeling
• Submission of energy models to the GBCI for at least five (5) LEED projects
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and strong inter-personal skills
• Strong experience with energy modeling software such as IESVE, Trane TRACE, eQUEST, or similar software
• Knowledge of building science, energy systems and controls, and the ability to develop strategies to reduce energy consumption
• Knowledge of standards, codes, and rating systems associated with sustainability and energy performance
• Ability to anticipate potential problems and proactively communicate as appropriate
• Strong sense of curiosity and self-motivated desire to understand how and why things work
• Thoroughness and attention to detail
• Strong desire to constantly improve speed and efficiency in accomplishing work
• Time management skills
• Project management skills
• Technical writing skills
• Judgement and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Self-motivation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple, simultaneous projects

Nice-to-haves

• Accreditation as a LEED AP
• Professional Engineer Licensure (or working towards)
• ASHRAE BEMP certification
• Working knowledge of computer-aided design tools (e.g. Revit)
• Experience with programming VBA or Python
• Experience with CFD (e.g. MicroFlo, CONTAM)
• Experience writing, reviewing, and presenting client project proposals

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous contribution to employee-owned Health Savings Account
• 401(k) with matching up to the full IRS maximum
• Tuition reimbursement
• Variety of other employee incentives and wellness programs