Building Envelope Architect/Engineer

University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Charlotte is seeking a Building Envelope Architect/Engineer to serve as the primary technical authority on the physical integrity of the campus environment. The role involves establishing design standards, conducting forensic engineering, and ensuring long-term maintainability of facilities.

Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering, with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Preferred skills include advanced knowledge of building science, design integration, and proficiency in forensic engineering and code compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in building science.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• All degrees from appropriately accredited institutions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority on campus building integrity.
• Establish and enforce DCM standards focused on building science.
• Direct the BECx process and diagnose system failures.
• Develop asset management plans for facilities maintenance.
• Protect university interests during renovations.

Skills

Building science analysis

Forensic engineering

Thermodynamics

Moisture dynamics

Airflow management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering

Tools

Building Enclosure Commissioning

North Carolina International Building Code

Job description

Building Envelope Architect/Engineer

This position is a "bridge" role. Success requires the ability to transition seamlessly from high‑level design meetings with external architects to the mechanical rooms and rooftops with our skilled trade technicians. We are looking for a technical authority who is equally comfortable reviewing blue‑prints as they are conducting site‑walks with our Envelope, Interiors, and Elevator shops.

Responsibilities

The Building Envelope Architect/Engineer serves as the university's primary technical authority on the physical integrity and performance of the campus built environment. Key functions include:

• Technical Governance: Establishing and enforcing Design and Construction Manual (DCM) standards with a focus on building science and code compliance.
• Quality Assurance & Forensics: Directing the Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) process and performing forensic engineering to diagnose and remediate system failures such as water intrusion or air barrier leaks.
• Lifecycle Management: Developing asset management plans and acting as a liaison between external design firms and internal maintenance operations to ensure facilities are durable, cost‑effective, and maintainable.
• Strategic Oversight: Protecting university interests during renovations by maintaining the integrity of fire ratings, thermal boundaries, and acoustic separations while championing a "Total Building Performance" strategy.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering and five years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform complex building science analysis and forensic investigations. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Advanced building science knowledge: thermodynamics, moisture dynamics, and airflow management for building envelopes in humid subtropical climates.
• Design‑to‑Ops integration: experience coordinating with skilled trades (paint, flooring, carpentry, elevators) to ensure long‑term maintainability.
• Forensic engineering proficiency: diagnosing and resolving water intrusion, air barrier failures, and flooring substrate issues.
• Code mastery: North Carolina International Building Code (NC IBC), NC Energy Conservation Code, and ASME A17.1 safety code for elevators.
• Communication & negotiation: ability to negotiate technical material selections with external design firms to protect university lifecycle interests.

Certifications & Licenses

Required: Valid driver’s license; some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) and industry‑specific credentials such as Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP), Registered Roof Observer (RRO), or Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP).