Commissioning Energy Specialist (Building Performance Optimization)

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,943,000 - 158,113,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center is seeking a technically skilled Commissioning & Energy Performance Specialist to support energy efficiency, infrastructure reliability, and building system optimization across the campus. The role focuses on retro-commissioning, performance validation, and advanced troubleshooting of MEP systems, building automation platforms, and recurring facility problems.

The ideal candidate brings deep field knowledge, strong diagnostic skills, and the ability to translate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline; 5 years of hands-on experience in commissioning or energy management.
• Or a minimum of 10 years of directly related experience in commissioning, retro-commissioning, building automation diagnostics, or energy management.
• 5 years of experience with building automation platforms (Siemens, ALC, JCI).
• Solid understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems; ability to interpret trend data and energy metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform retro-commissioning and re-commissioning across critical systems and infrastructure.
• Analyze trend data and system performance in Siemens, ALC, and JCI platforms.
• Conduct field investigations and diagnostics for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
• Utilize field instrumentation to collect real-time data and validate operation against design intent.
• Identify performance issues and generate reports with root-cause analysis and recommendations.
• Track energy performance over time and quantify savings using kWh, therms, BTUs.
• Create and manage corrective action tickets and coordinate with Facilities and contractors.
• Ensure verification that improvements meet expected energy outcomes and maintain documentation.

Skills

Trend data analysis

Field instrumentation

Technical writing

Reporting skills

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline

Minimum 10 years of directly related commissioning/energy management experience

Tools

Siemens

Automated Logic (ALC)

Johnson Controls (JCI)

Job description

Job Description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Med Ctr Engin-Management

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits.

Pay Range: $38.02 - $55.18 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:

Rush University Medical Center is seeking a technically skilled and solutions-oriented Commissioning & Energy Performance Specialist to support energy efficiency, infrastructure reliability, and building system optimization across the campus. This role will focus on retro-commissioning, performance validation, and advanced troubleshooting of MEP systems, building automation platforms, and recurring facility problems.

The ideal candidate will bring deep field knowledge, strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate technical findings into measurable performance outcomes. They will work closely with operations teams and service contractors to validate energy savings, track systems performance, and ensure long-term reliability of building infrastructure.

This position plays a critical role in supporting high-performance building goals and identifying opportunities through trend analysis in platforms like Siemens, Automated Logic (ALC), and Johnson Controls (JCI). A strong understanding of field instrumentation, data analysis, and work order systems is required. Consideration will be given to candidates who bring experience with AI-enabled diagnostics or novel monitoring experience for aging building stock.

Other information:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline and 5 years of hands-on experience in commissioning, retro-commissioning, building automation diagnostics, or energy management. In lieu of education a minimum of 10 years of directly related experience in commissioning retro-commissioning, building automation diagnostics, or energy management will be considered.
• 5 years of experience with building automation platforms including Siemens, ALC, or JCI.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems and operations.
• Demonstrated skill using field instrumentation and diagnosing complex technical problems.
• Ability to interpret trend data, diagnose performance issues, and calculate energy performance metrics.
• Excellent technical writing and reporting skills.
• Familiarity with work ticketing systems and maintenance operations.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Certified Commissioning Professional (e.g., BCxA, ACG, NEBB, or ASHRAE credential).
• Experience working in healthcare, laboratory, or other mission-critical facilities.
• Exposure to AI tools, energy modeling software, or automated diagnostics platforms.
• Experience with long-term performance tracking, dashboarding, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles, energy codes, and efficiency rebate programs.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to Lift up to 25lbs
• Ambulate large campus, occasionally regional locations

Responsibilities:

• Lead and perform retro-commissioning and re-commissioning activities across critical systems and infrastructure.
• Analyze trend data and system performance within Siemens, ALC, and JCI building automation platforms.
• Conduct field investigations and diagnostics for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
• Utilize field instrumentation to collect real-time data and validate system operation against design intent and performance standards.
• Identify performance issues and generate detailed reports with findings, root cause analysis, and recommendations.
• Track energy performance over time and quantify savings using appropriate metrics (kWh, therms, BTUs, etc.).
• Create and manage corrective action tickets for repair needs and coordinate with Facilities and contractors to ensure resolution.
• Validate that performance improvement actions are completed and that intended energy outcomes are achieved.
• Support the maintenance of commissioning documentation, test protocols, and system-level reporting.
• Troubleshoot recurring problems such as leaks, control irregularities, and temperature/humidity inconsistencies.
• Recommend innovative monitoring or control techniques to extend system life and improve building resiliency.
• Support compliance with sustainability, energy efficiency, and reliability goals for the medical center.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Position Commissioning Energy Specialist (Building Performance Optimization)

Location US:IL:Chicago

Req ID 26399