Building Optimization Engineer

HEAPY; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Built for People, Not Just Projects

Thrive with HEAPY Benefits

401(k) with competitive contributions

Annual bonus potential 10-15%

Open PTO and paid sick time

Wellness Week

Annual wellness benefit

Professional development stipend

Job summary

HEAPY in Cleveland, OH is seeking a Senior Level Commissioning/Optimization Engineer or Administrator to join our Colleague First culture. You will perform HVAC commissioning, energy studies, and optimization projects to improve building performance.

This role offers opportunities to mentor teammates, lead client engagements, and advance your career within a collaborative, design-forward environment that emphasizes sustainability and measurable energy savings.

Qualifications

• This role requires a 4-year engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent experience.
• Typically 6–9 years of related experience in retro-commissioning/commissioning HVAC and MEP systems.
• FE Certification or pursuit of CEM, CxA, CPP or similar credentials is preferred.
• Advanced degrees or PE licensure are valued for higher-level roles.

Responsibilities

• Perform HVAC commissioning activities, including control sequencing to maximize system functionality.
• Conduct energy studies and audits of existing and new building systems.
• Verify installation, testing, and functional performance of systems.
• Lead energy calculations, plan investigations, and report findings.
• Mentor teammates and lead client engagements with clear, actionable recommendations.
• Identify energy conservation measures and work with design teams to implement improvements.
• Stay informed on energy codes, incentives, and technologies to benefit clients.

Skills

HVAC commissioning

Energy studies

MEP systems

FE Certification

CxA/CPP

Professional Engineer

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Instrumentation

Energy models

Testing equipment

Job description

Building Optimization Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cleveland, OH

Reporting To: Nicholas Pavlak

Description

Join Our Growing Team Powering a Sustainable, Well, and Resilient Future.

Do you want to be part of a team that creates inspiring spaces daily? Do you want to join a company creating solutions to build a sustainable, well, and more resilient society? Are you looking to join a Colleague First culture where your strengths are not only supported, but your growth is as well?

If so, now is the perfect time to join HEAPY - a growing firm driven by innovation, purpose, and people. We’re expanding to meet the needs of our clients and communities, creating exciting new roles and growth opportunities along the way.

At HEAPY, our Colleague First approach means we invest in your career, well-being, and success. We’re committed to building a more sustainable world through thoughtful design and collaborative partnerships, and we’re looking for team members who want to grow with us while making an impact.

HEAPY is seeking a Senior Level Commissioning/Optimization Engineer or Administrator to join our Colleague First culture. You’ll be empowered to do meaningful work, develop lasting relationships, and be part of a team where your ideas, growth, and authentic self are truly valued.

The Senior Level Commissioning/Optimization Engineer or Administrator performs a variety of assignments related to HVAC commissioning, Monitoring-based Commissioning, and Commissioning/Validation, Facility Optimization, Energy Assessment, Energy Conservation, Energy Studies, and Measurement Verification projects while fostering a collaborative approach to all activities and working effectively with other practice colleagues.

This role offers the opportunity to grow your commissioning or optimization career while contributing to meaningful projects in a trusted, long-standing HEAPY market.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a 4-year engineering or similar technical degree from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent working knowledge/experience in a technical role in the built environment, such as a Commissioning Technician, HVAC Technician, or Energy Specialist.
• Typically requires 6 - 9 years of related experience (or equivalent working knowledge/experience/advanced degree in engineering) related to retro-commissioning/commissioning HVAC and MEP systems in the Built Environment.
• Working knowledge of various computer software packages, instrumentation, and testing equipment.
• Ideally, possesses a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certification and is working toward or has achieved CEM (Certified Energy Management) accreditation, CxA, CPP, or similar accreditations.
• For higher-level achievement, other relevant engineering education and credentials are typically desired, such as but not limited to: PE (Professional Engineer) and appropriate commissioning certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs HVAC Commissioning activities, including checking controls and sequencing to maximize system functionality.
• Engages in energy studies, including audits and analysis of existing and new building systems (HVAC, lighting, envelope, etc.).
• Performs system installation, verification, and functional performance testing.
• Performs onsite validation and review of equipment and controls to identify proper operation and/or opportunities to improve performance.
• Prepares energy calculations, utility rate structures, testing procedures, plans, or reports involving HVAC, lighting, standby power, and other energy-consuming or producing equipment, components, or systems.
• Verifies that owners’ project requirements are met from project design through operations.
• Leads by example in hitting client deadlines and performing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Leverages MEP system knowledge to identify and quantify energy conservation measures (ECMs), working with design teams to recommend efficiency improvements.
• Reviews and provides feedback on energy models that simulate building performance and energy usage, ensuring compliance with measurement and verification standards.
• Mentors and supports colleagues in their technical development and professional growth at the request of the Operations Manager or Practice Technical Leader.
• Leads clients’ engagements by translating technical findings into meaningful recommendations, project scopes, and business cases.
• Performs life cycle cost analyses and evaluates project cash flow and incentive opportunities, preparing clear, visually compelling reports and presentations for internal teams, owners, and decision-makers.
• Stays informed of evolving energy codes, policies, incentives, and technologies to keep our clients ahead of the curve.
• Supports documents and submittals for client pursuits of LEED, Energy Star, and other relevant designations/certifications.
• Additional responsibilities as requested/needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to remain sedentary at a workstation for long periods of time while operating a keyboard and using a computer screen.
• Ability to communicate in person, electronically, and via phone with other individuals.
• Possession of Reliable transportation to and from the project.
• Ability to work in all elements of indoor and outdoor environments, which include heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, etc.
• Ability to access all areas of the job site with activities that include ascending and descending stairs, scaffolding, ladders, navigating elevation changes, etc.
• Capable of working in physical positions that may include maneuvering oneself into different positions traditionally achieved by kneeling, sitting, standing, squatting, bending over, etc.
• Ability to move, transport, or position items weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to apply established protocols and practices in a timely manner.
• Ability to gather, organize, and evaluate information related to projects and calculations (such as energy calculations, percentages, numerical reasoning, etc.).

NOTE

This job description is not designed to state or indicate that the listed responsibilities are the only duties to be performed by the colleague in this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. All responsibilities and requirements listed are considered essential and may be modified to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals who request such modification due to disabilities. This document does not create an employee contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

HEAPY Benefits

• Built for People, Not Just Projects - a collaborative, colleague-first culture where you can do your best work
• Thrive with HEAPY Benefits - premium medical, dental & vision coverage designed with you in mind
• Invest in Your Future - 401(k) with competitive contributions to help you plan ahead
• Be Rewarded for Your Impact - 10-15% annual bonus potential tied to company performance and your contributions
• Own Your Time - open PTO and paid sick time that gives you the flexibility to recharge when you need it
• Wellness Week - we hit pause the final week of the year so you can rest, reset, and reflect
• Feel Your Best - annual wellness benefit bonus focused on your overall well-being
• Grow with Purpose - annual professional development stipend to support your career goals