Building Sustainability Specialist

CRB; San Diego (CA); Remote; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CRB is seeking a Senior Building Sustainability Specialist focused on HVAC and decarbonization strategies for high-performance buildings. This role combines engineering expertise with innovative problem-solving to achieve sustainability goals in demanding environments. You'll lead projects in the life sciences and food industries, ensuring compliance and performance while mentoring junior staff and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in HVAC system design.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in sustainable design.
• Experience with energy-efficient, low-carbon HVAC solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC and central plant system decarbonization strategies.
• Evaluate advanced building systems and HVAC options.
• Guide internal teams in interpreting energy modeling outputs.

Skills

Leadership

Energy Efficiency

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Company Description

CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our more than 1,600 employees provide best-in-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution.

Job Description

CRB is seeking a Senior Building Sustainability Specialist with a focus on HVAC and Decarbonization to lead sustainability and decarbonization strategies for complex, high-performance buildings. This position is ideal for a mechanical engineer or HVAC-focused sustainability expert with a passion for solving the toughest challenges in energy and carbon reduction—particularly in technically demanding environments such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, laboratories, and GMP facilities.

You will work alongside some of the world’s most advanced clients, many of whom have made bold sustainability and ESG commitments. These clients are actively seeking innovative strategies to decarbonize their high-tech, process-intensive campuses without compromising operational performance. This role is an opportunity to help them succeed—guiding projects that balance technical rigor, energy efficiency, resilience, and regulatory compliance.

Typical tasks and deliverables that are executed by or under the supervision of the Senior Building Sustainability Specialist include decarbonization roadmaps, developing energy reduction strategies, conducting LCCAs, Sustainability Charettes and goal setting, design and performance assessments, green building certifications, technology evaluations, water and waste reduction, and coordination with manufacturers and trade partners. Project work includes directing strategy development for all levels of planning and design, such as feasibility studies, conceptual and schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and operational transition.

This individual is a subject matter expert in energy and building decarbonization, with deep technical expertise in HVAC systems (including electrified district systems) and a strong understanding of how mechanical strategies contribute to broader sustainability goals. They collaborate closely with other sustainability specialists, as well as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and process engineers, to support the development of integrated project strategies and the completion of energy, carbon, and systems evaluations. Their specialized knowledge, combined with broad industry experience, enables them to provide critical input from early planning through execution—ensuring that design decisions align with client goals, technical requirements, and long-term performance. In addition to mentoring staff, developing best practices, and performing quality reviews, this individual may also represent CRB externally through technical publications and presentations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC and central plant system decarbonization strategies for complex building types, with a focus on life sciences, biotech, and food manufacturing.
• Evaluate advanced building systems. HVAC options and district energy solutions, including heat recovery, electrification technologies, and thermal storage systems.
• Partner with clients to set and achieve aggressive carbon reduction goals—translating those into practical design strategies through every project phase.
• Acts as Project Manager including proposal development, strategy identification, man-hour planning, and project scheduling for the discipline scope of work on advanced-level projects.

• Supports CRB’s Seller – Doer model and performs business development activities.
• Conduct client facing charettes and workshops to assist in sustainability goal setting.
• Delivers high quality sustainability projects incorporating advanced solutions across project goals related to energy, decarbonization, water, waste, embodied carbon, material health, and others.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to integrate sustainability and mechanical design solutions from master planning through construction.
• Guide internal teams in interpreting energy modeling outputs and applying them to decision-making.
• Conduct system performance assessments and LCCA to support technical and business decision-making.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to internal best practices for HVAC-focused sustainability solutions.
• Present technical strategies to clients, helping them navigate decarbonization in high-stakes, high-compliance environments.
• Leads advanced project sustainability programming and master planning with minimal or no support from senior leadership.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in HVAC system design or mechanical engineering in the built environment.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in sustainable design.
• Demonstrated success delivering energy-efficient, low-carbon HVAC solutions for complex buildings.
• Experience with HVAC electrification, central utility plant design, and/or district energy networks.
• Familiarity with the unique demands of high-tech environments such as labs, cleanrooms, or GMP spaces.
• LEED AP, WELL AP, PHIUS CPHC, or similar credential preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills in client-facing roles.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE, CEM, BEMP, or other HVAC-focused professional credential.
• Experience in Life Sciences (Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Laboratory) or Food & Beverage industry projects.
• Experience with advanced energy and sustainability technology applications in R&D labs, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and/or consumer products.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

#LI-REMOTE

Position Type

Full Time and Exempt

Our Commitment to You

We understand the considerations for joining a new company extend beyond minimum qualifications and job responsibilities. CRB is committed to your long-term personal and professional growth through training opportunities, focused Communities of Practice, career path guidance and mentorship by a strong network of passionate, knowledgeable and energetic professionals.

Benefits

CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.

CRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/D/V

CRB is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. Employment is contingent on background screening.

CRB does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of CRB without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of CRB. Please, no phone calls or emails.

CRB offers a complete and competitive benefit package designed to meet individual and family needs.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.