Building Performance Specialist

Bring your engineering passion, collaboration, and expertise to HGA!

The Building Performance Specialist/Engineer will have the opportunity to support all HGA offices and market sectors, supporting project teams and addressing a range of building performance and energy optimization inquiries through all phases of design, construction, and operation. This position will participate in all the Building Performance Group's services, including commissioning, retrocommissioning, energy modeling, building envelope review, renewable energy and microgrid design, and geothermal design as project work and experience allows. Your work will greatly help to differentiate and expand HGA's commitment to industry-leading sustainable design.

At HGA, the Building Performance Group performs the following:

Leads commissioning efforts from design to construction in building MEP systems
• Leads Retrocommissioning projects at existing facilities to improve energy and utility cost performance
• Designs renewable energy systems, including solar PV and battery energy storage
• Leads decarbonization planning efforts
• Performs energy modeling/analysis to deliver high quality sustainability advice to design teams in a time effective manner
• Understands how building HVAC and electrical systems operate, and is familiar with and designs high performance systems using heat pumps and geothermal technologies
• Participates in developing effective training materials for architects and engineers to achieve high building performance

1. identify and document high performance opportunities for existing and new construction buildings through commissioning and retrocommissioning;
2. assist design teams to increase design projects' energy performance;
3. assist design teams with strategy and compliance with energy-related documentation such as code, LEED, and region-specific programs such as Minnesota B3 and California Title 24;
4. collaboratively identify opportunities and develop appropriate and effective performance studies;
5. execute a wide range of simulation workflows including climate analysis, energy benchmarking, occupant comfort criteria (thermal, daylighting and glare), facade and envelope optimization and conceptual energy modeling;
6. clearly communicate the findings/results to project teams through effective documentation and visualizations;
7. assist with planning study projects;
8. interact and communicates effectively and professionally with other team members;
9. show flexibility and adaptability to change within a fast-paced, team environment, often with tight deadline;
10. support an internal network charged with advancing HGA's sustainability practice by:

    • researching emerging tools and assisting in the development of new workflows;

    • assisting in ongoing office-wide training efforts to elevate our internal knowledge and support a network of experts in all HGA offices; and

    • collaborating with an internal team of building performance practitioners.

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in architectural engineering or mechanical engineering
• PE license preferred
• 3 -6 years' experience in engineering, sustainable design, energy analysis, or commissioning
• LEED AP credential and/or ASHRAE credentials and/or CABEC Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) preferred
• Familiarity or experience with the new and existing building energy performance services such as commissioning & retro-commissioning
• Experience with digital building performance analysis tools such as OpenStudio, Trane Trace, eQuest, EnergyPlus, IES, DesignBuilder, TRNSYS, Climate Consultant, Ladybug and Honeybee for Grasshopper, DIVA for Rhino, COMFEN, WUFI, Therm, etc.
• Knowledgeable in building certification programs (LEED, LBC, WELL), building energy codes, and ASHRAE Standards such as 55, 62.1, 90.1 and 209.
• Knowledge and experience with economic grants and incentive programs preferred
• Working knowledge of architectural production software: AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch-Up, Rhino and/or related software
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA's robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $53,300 - $72,100.

HGA is a place where you can do your best work. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. Equally important is our commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity and diversity where we encourage your originality, respect the need for flexibility and work-life balance, and empower your desired career growth. HGA is a national award-winning interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering. Learn more about us here.

Equity

Equity is a living, breathing part of who we are and what we do at HGA. Our goal is to ensure that every employee brings their authentic self to work, feels a sense of belonging and works collaboratively to support each other.

Sustainability

We are committed to meeting our clients' sustainability goals as well as challenging our industry. We aim to develop the expertise and research to push beyond net zero energy to net positive energy; from a neutral effect on health, safety, and resources to a positive one. As the need and desire for sustainability environments grow, so does the focus on high-performance buildings with sound data that we can share back with clients and our design teams.

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Location: Milwaukee, WI