Energy Engineer - Entry (D.C.)

Steven Winter Associates; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Steven Winter Associates seeks a Building Operations Analyst to improve efficiency and sustainability of multifamily, commercial, and institutional buildings in the Mid-Atlantic region. The role covers commissioning, energy audits, retrofit implementation, and program development.

You will perform systematic commissioning, HVAC testing, and energy analysis to support high-performing, energy-efficient buildings while contributing to SWA’s environmental stewardship and client-facing project work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial or environmental engineering or related science including thermodynamics coursework.
• Experience with building HVAC systems (through school or work experience).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Commissioning of new construction, tenant interior, and retrofit projects.
• Energy assessments, audits, building retuning and retro-commissioning.
• Delivery of technical training and research projects.
• Project management and client communication.

Skills

HVAC systems experience

Thermodynamics coursework

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/industrial/environmental engineering or related science

Job description

Work Authorization: Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Steven Winter Associates (SWA) does not sponsor employment-based visas (e.g., H-1B, OPT, etc.) for this position, now or in the future.

Why Steven Winter Associates?

At SWA, you’re not just joining a company, you’re joining an employee-owned team committed to making buildings healthier, more sustainable, and lower-carbon.

• Be part of a collaborative, and supportive environment where your ideas matter.
• Work on real projects, seeing the impact of your work in the field and in communities.
• Learn from experienced building science professionals.

Why This Role Matters

SWA’s Building Operations, Decarbonization & Efficiency (BODE) team is dedicated to improving building performance through commissioning, energy auditing, retrofit implementation, research, and program/policy development services to multifamily, commercial, institutional, cultural/art center, and community buildings in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

The mission of this role is to drive operational efficiency and sustainability through the optimization of building systems, verification of best practices, and implementation of energy efficiency measures. Through performing systematic commissioning, and executing HVAC testing, this role supports high-performing, energy-efficient buildings that reduce consumption, lower costs, and advance SWA’s environmental stewardship goals.

The proposed annual salary range for this position is $65,000–$75,000 based on a 40-hour work week. The final salary may vary depending on confirmed job-related skills and experience.

Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Perform Project Work For

• Commissioning of new construction, tenant interior, and retrofit projects.
• Energy assessments, audits, building retuning and retro-commissioning.
• Delivery of technical training and research projects.

Complete Technical Project Work Including

• Technical review/testing
• Energy analysis and documentation
• Performance analysis
• Project management
• Client communication
• Business development/industry involvement

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial or environmental engineering or related science degree and coursework in thermodynamics.
• Experience with building HVAC systems (through school or work experience)
• Understand common HVAC systems and emerging high-performance alternatives.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Preferred Knowledge

• Energy Auditing
• Building Commissioning
• Energy Modeling (mid-level)
• Energy Data Analysis
• LEED Rating Systems.
• Utility billing analysis and energy savings spreadsheet calculations.
• ASHRAE standards and guidelines.
• DC area construction codes, specifically: 2017 DC Energy Code, 2021 IECC, and ASHRAE 90.1-2022.
• Building Energy Performance Standards and benchmarking with ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
• Green Bank financing requirements for the Washington, D.C. region.

Other duties

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to type, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand.

When performing field work, employees must be able to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, and work safely in typical construction-site environments. This position also requires close and distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional overnight travel may be required (Less than 10%). Frequent local field visits in the Office Metro area will be necessary (estimated at 40-50%). A valid and clean driving license is required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Recent hires may be required to work in-office five days per week during onboarding, with potential for a hybrid schedule with supervisor approval. Under SWA’s current policies, all team members are expected in the office at least three days per week, with flexibility based on job duties and site work.

EEO Statement

SWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

DEI Statement

SWA is a workplace where we are aware and welcoming of the ways in which we are all diverse as evidenced by a culture of listening and understanding. We endeavor to create a workplace where people feel empowered to act; a safe place where people are open to discussing different views; ongoing education opportunities around diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to build a culture of belonging and accountability.

What to Know

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) is a proud employee-owned firm that’s been transforming the built environment for over 50 years. Our mission is to make buildings more sustainable, energy-efficient, accessible, healthy, and resilient, not just with better structures, but to the communities they serve. Working with architects, engineers, developers, owners, and project teams, our team of consultants is always pushing boundaries, collaborating, and problem-solving to deliver solutions that benefit people and the planet.

Join us and become part of a company where your work helps shape a better built environment and where your voice matters. For further information on Steven Winter Associates, please visit http://www.swinter.com.