Energy Engineer (Energy/Utilities Engineer 3)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking an Energy Engineer (Energy/Utilities Engineer 3) to lead ESPC projects across Washington state, collaborating with public agencies, schools, and universities. The role emphasizes energy life cycle cost analyses and performance contracts, delivering sustainable, efficient built environments.

You will manage life-cycle projects, supervise construction and commissioning, and support client approvals with strong technical and communication skills, in a home-based

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of combined experience and/or education in energy engineering, energy auditing and analysis, project management, ESPC, construction management, or related fields.
• Two (2) years of this experience must be at the professional level.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) or Energy Manager in Training (EMIT) certification required or to be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to manage complex projects, analyze energy flows, and communicate clearly with negotiation and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Manage energy engineering and ESPC projects through their life cycle.
• Drive project development, audits, and contract reviews.
• Oversee project costs, negotiate fees, and review invoices.
• Supervise construction, manage commissioning, and approve client recommendations.
• Review ELCCA reports for client approval and lifecycle costs.

Skills

Energy engineering

Project management

ELCCA analysis

Energy auditing

Energy efficiency

Education

Engineering or hard sciences degree

Job description

Energy Engineer (Energy/Utilities Engineer 3)

Monday - Friday | 8AM - 5PM | HYBRID

NOTE: The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. Additionally, this is a home-based hybrid position, with the requirement to come into the office and travel to project sites as needed.

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES)

provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES’ mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future. Learn more about DES.

The Facility Professional Services (FPS) Division

provides professional public works project management, energy efficiency and facility planning services to effectively meet the needs of its customers in support of their service to Washington.

About the Opportunity

As an Energy Engineer, you will provide critical project management and technical assistance for Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) public works projects across Washington. Working directly with state agencies, school districts, higher education, and municipalities, you will manage performance contracts and perform Energy Life Cycle Cost Analysis (ELCCA) reviews to support resource efficiency. In this role, you will help our client agencies optimize their built environments, directly contributing to a more just, sustainable, and energy-efficient future for all Washingtonians.

Some of what you’ll enjoy doing includes:

• Manage energy engineering and ESPC projects throughout their entire life cycle.
• Drive marketing, project development, audits, and contract reviews.
• Oversee project costs, negotiate fees, and review and approve invoices.
• Supervise construction, manage commissioning, and make formal recommendations for client approval.
• Review and make recommendation for approval of ELCCA (Energy Life Cycle Cost Analysis) reports to facility owners.
• Complete other assignments and duties assigned by the Energy Program Manager, the FPS Assistant Director, and the DES Director or Chief Operations Officer.

Required Qualifications

• Possession of (or agreement to obtain within 6 months of hire): Engineer in Training (EIT) or Energy Manager in Training (EMIT) certification.
• Six (6) years of combined experience and/or education that demonstrates competency related to this role.
  • Qualifying education will be in engineering, environmental science, or the hard sciences.
  • Qualifying experience will be in energy engineering, energy auditing and analysis, project management, energy savings performance contracting, construction management, utility engineering, resource conservation management, and/or building commissioning. Related experience may be accepted, and will be in the fields of architecture, civil or structural engineering, engineering management, or natural resource management.
  • Two (2) years of this experience must be at the professional level.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Manage complex engineering projects from start to finish, working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Analyze energy flows, evaluate energy technologies, and resolve technical issues in facilities.
  • Communicate clearly through writing and speaking while using strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies

• Take action to learn and grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.
• Take action to meet the needs of others: Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities. Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

Background Check Notice

Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Enterprise Services, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Washington Fair Chance Act

We are committed to providing equitable access to employment opportunities. If a criminal background check is required for employment at an agency, it will occur only after a conditional offer of employment has been made and accepted. Applicants are not required to disclose criminal history during the hiring process prior to a conditional offer. Criminal history will not automatically exclude an applicant from consideration and will be reviewed on an individual basis consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the position.

Learn more about the Washington Fair Chance Act: Washington Fair Chance act guide.

Opportunity for All

The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.