Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Specialist

WSP; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA seeks an Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Specialist to lead energy efficiency, building performance, retro-commissioning, decarbonization, and mechanical building systems projects for commercial, institutional, and industrial clients.

You will oversee the full project lifecycle, manage budgets and schedules, mentor engineers, and communicate findings to diverse audiences while maintaining a strong client focus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 3-5+ years in mechanical engineering, building systems, or sustainability consulting.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, hydronic, plumbing, and building performance optimization.
• Experience with building design, construction, and commissioning practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle from planning to closeout, ensuring timeliness and budget adherence.
• Manage schedules, budgets, resources, invoicing, and financial performance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams of engineers and sustainability professionals.
• Review analyses, calculations, designs, and reports for quality and compliance.
• Mentor and develop engineering staff and support professional growth.
• Develop client relationships, identify growth opportunities, and support proposals.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Technical writing

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Client management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's Degree (preferred)

Professional Engineer (PE) license (preferred)

LEED Accreditation or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP USA is seeking a highly motivated Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Specialist to lead the delivery of energy efficiency, building performance, retro-commissioning, decarbonization, and mechanical building systems projects for commercial, institutional, and industrial clients. This role combines technical expertise, project leadership, client relationship management, financial oversight, and team development to ensure successful project execution and exceptional client service.

Your Impact

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the full project lifecycle from planning and scope development through execution, commissioning, and closeout.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resource allocation, invoicing, and financial performance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams of engineers, sustainability consultants, planners, and technical specialists.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with contractual and quality requirements.
• Develop and oversee project scopes, risk mitigation strategies, and client deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical expertise in:
  • Mechanical building systems
  • HVAC and air distribution systems
  • Hydronic systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Building performance optimization
  • Energy efficiency programs
  • Retro-commissioning
  • Building decarbonization initiatives
• Review technical analyses, engineering calculations, designs, reports, and recommendations.
• Support the development of innovative, data-driven solutions that improve energy performance and reduce operational costs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, regulations, and industry best practices.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineering and sustainability professionals.
• Coordinate workloads and resources to maximize project efficiency and employee development.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Support professional growth through training, career development planning, and achievement of performance objectives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

Client & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships as a trusted advisor.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client engagements and support business growth initiatives.
• Participate in proposal development, project scoping, and client presentations.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Financial & Operational Management

• Monitor project financial health, including revenue, profitability, utilization, and invoicing.
• Track project progress against scope, budget, and schedule.
• Support forecasting and resource planning activities.
• Exercise sound business judgment and responsible stewardship of company resources.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 3-5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, building systems, energy efficiency, sustainability consulting, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • HVAC systems
  • Hydronic systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Building performance optimization
  • Energy efficiency and decarbonization strategies
  • Building design, construction, and commissioning practices
• Proficiency with engineering and project management software, including AutoCAD and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and client management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility for licensure.
• Master's Degree in Engineering, Sustainability, Building Science, or related field.
• LEED Accreditation, Energy Management Certification, or equivalent sustainability credential.
• Experience with Revit and building performance modeling tools.
• Experience with healthcare, science & technology, commercial, or institutional facilities.
• Active participation in relevant professional organizations.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $94,400 - $125,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.