Building Performance Analyst

Populous; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 89,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k)

FSA/HSA

Paid time off

Continuing education benefits

Job summary

Populous in Denver is seeking an early-career Building Performance Analyst to help advance decarbonization and climate resilience across projects. You will use energy modeling to evaluate building performance and support high-performance design solutions.

Working with architects, engineers, and sustainability specialists, you will analyze energy use, comfort, and code compliance, documenting assumptions and communicating findings to project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in Building Science, Architecture, or related field.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience with building physics knowledge.
• Experience with energy modeling or environmental simulation tools.
• Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct energy, carbon, and environmental performance analyses.
• Develop and maintain energy models using industry tools.
• Evaluate passive design strategies, envelopes, and energy systems.
• Assess energy efficiency, electrification, renewables, and storage.
• Analyze thermal comfort and climate-responsive design.
• Evaluate energy code requirements and targets.
• Support cost-benefit analyses of energy and carbon reduction measures.
• Collaborate with design teams to identify performance improvements.
• Document modeling assumptions, methodologies, and results.
• Prepare technical reports, graphics, and presentations.

Skills

Building science

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor's or master's in Building Science/Architecture/Architectural Engineering/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

IES-VE

EnergyPlus

OpenStudio

ClimateStudio

Rhino

Grasshopper

Ladybug Tools

Honeybee

Revit

SketchUp

Job description

We design the places where people love to be together — and we can’t do it without you.

Populous is all about people — it’s in our name. Attracting and retaining talented people who are passionate about their work is what makes us thrive.
As a global firm, we have established roots in cities across the world, uncovering the very best local talent. The diversity of our team is our greatest strength and one of the most powerful sources of our creativity.
We believe in supporting each other, coming together as a team to make sure everyone is fulfilled professionally, creatively, and personally.

Why Work With Us

Culture

Populous is built around the core values of integrity, entrepreneurial creativity, excellence and enjoyment. There are many milestones and celebrations along the way — yours and ours — and we share in these special moments together.
We also reach beyond our offices to help make our local communities stronger, from engaging with university students and taking part in urban clean‑up projects, to partnering with sports charities and promoting sustainable design.

Understanding people is what Populous is all about — and that begins with the people in our team. That’s why we have designed a comprehensive benefits program to support your employee experience at Populous and your life outside of work, including flexible work environments.
From CrossFit in London, to the Noosa Triathlon in Australia to mental health check‑ins in the Americas, we have all kinds of initiatives to help you keep mind and body in top condition.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging

With more than 1,600 colleagues in 33 offices spanning four continents, we value the incredible range of talents, beliefs, experiences and perspectives of every person that makes up our team. You bring your authentic self and we’ll set the stage for you to succeed.

Professional Development

Populous is a team of people that are emotionally connected to their work. We wouldn’t have it any other way. From mentor programs and cross‑disciplinary design charettes to global conferences, you will have a wealth of opportunities to innovate and learn, shaping your career to meet your personal goals.

Our commitment to innovative design has earned us the top spot in architecture on Fast Company’s list of the world’s 50 most innovative companies.

“We are a team of fans, dreamers, thinkers and doers. We come together to amplify the magic of fandom and break barriers for the future of sports and entertainment.”

What happens when you provoke designers to bring to life a digital footprint?

Tapping the Power of a Global Knowledge Network

We design places where people love to be together.

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.

We’ve designed and delivered some of the world’s most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground‑breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.

What We Offer:

Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking an early‑career Building Performance Analyst with a strong foundation in building science, energy modeling, and environmental design to help advance building decarbonization and climate resilience.

The successful candidate will use analytical and simulation tools to evaluate building performance and inform high-performance, low-carbon, and climate-responsive design solutions. This role involves close collaboration with architects, designers, sustainability specialists, and building services engineers. We value strong technical fundamentals, analytical curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is closed.

What Your Day Could Consist Of:

• Conducting building energy, carbon, and environmental performance analyses.
• Developing and maintaining building energy models using industry‑standard simulation tools.
• Evaluating passive design strategies, building envelopes, and energy systems.
• Analyze energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and storage opportunities.
• Assessing thermal comfort, climate-responsive design, and resilience strategies.
• Evaluating energy code requirements and building performance targets.
• Supporting cost-benefit analyses of energy and carbon reduction measures.
• Collaborating with design teams to identify and evaluate performance improvements.
• Documenting modeling assumptions, methodologies, and results.
• Preparing technical reports, graphics, and presentations to communicate findings.
• Contributing to internal research, modeling workflows, and best practices.

Requirements For Success:

• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to apply building science fundamentals to real‑world design challenges.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to explore new tools, methods, and solutions.
• Ability to translate technical analysis into clear, practical recommendations for design teams.
• Effective collaboration with architects, engineers, and other disciplines.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, continuous learning, and professional growth.

Essential Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Building Science, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience, including academic research, internships, or professional practice. A specialized master's degree is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of building physics, heat transfer, and thermal comfort.
• Foundational knowledge of HVAC systems, building envelopes, and passive design.
• Experience with building energy modeling or environmental simulation tools.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate practical recommendations.
• Familiarity with architectural drawings and building design processes.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred

• IES-VE (preferred), EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, ClimateStudio, or similar tools.
• Rhino, Grasshopper, Ladybug Tools, Honeybee, Revit, or SketchUp.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 55, IECC, California Title 24, IgCC.
• Knowledge of daylighting, natural ventilation, and thermal comfort analysis.
• Understanding of operational carbon, electrification, and climate resilience.
• Familiarity with LEED (v5), ILFI, WELL, or similar sustainability frameworks.
• Experience with Python, parametric modeling, or data visualization.
• We welcome candidates with strong technical fundamentals and a desire to learn. Prior experience in our specialized project sectors is not required.
• Travel may be required.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation:

• The projected salary range for this opportunity is $89,000 - $95,000 annually.

In accordance with Colorado law, the posted salary range represents a good faith estimate of the compensation for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, including bonuses.

A comprehensive benefits package is available for this position. We strive to offer our staff a competitive benefits package at a low cost to employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), FSA/HSA, paid time off, and continuing education benefits. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company

No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Designmagazine’s Top 100 Giants

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C