Lead Energy Engineer

RKB Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RKB Group is seeking an Energy Engineer to lead building energy audits and write professional reports for commercial and multifamily NYC projects. The role emphasizes surveys of HVAC, lighting, and envelope systems, and completing Local Law 87/97 related tasks with NYSERDA coordination.

The candidate will develop decarbonization project plans, engage manufacturers and vendors for HVAC/heat pump solutions, and coordinate with owners on complex energy projects in NYC.

Qualifications

• Strong communication with owners, managers, and contractors.
• Highly organized project management and documentation.
• Proficient in Excel, energy modeling, and project management software.

Responsibilities

• Assess existing building systems (HVAC, controls, lighting, envelope) to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Evaluate energy-efficient technologies for site conditions.
• Perform detailed energy and carbon savings calculations (Local Law 97) and define financial benefits.
• Present solutions and project plans to building owners.
• Track project progress in databases and provide status updates to owners and NYSERDA.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Excel

Energy modeling

PM software

Vendor management

Education

College degree in energy engineering

Tools

Energy modeling software

Job description

*Candidate must be located in the NYC area.

We are seeking an Energy Engineer to be the Lead Engineer at RKB Group on projects for commercial and multifamily residential buildings in NYC. The role will primarily be performing building energy audits and writing professional-level reports (with limited AI use).

The ideal candidate will have direct experience conducting building surveys of mechanical/HVAC, lighting, and envelope systems, completing Local Law 87 reports, and retro-commissioning buildings. Experience as a NYSERDA On-site Energy Manager is a plus.

The candidate should have experience writing decarbonization project plans from scratch based on existing equipment configurations and conditions. They will work with manufacturers and vendors to implement HVAC and heat pump solutions, building controls optimizations, and envelope improvements, etc. to help buildings meet Local Law 97 requirements.

Strong communication skills are essential—the candidate will coordinate directly with owners and should have proven experience managing these relationships professionally.

Job Responsibilities

• Assess existing building systems (HVAC, controls, lighting, envelope) to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Evaluate energy-efficient technologies and their suitability for site conditions.
• Perform detailed energy and carbon savings calculations (Local Law 97) and define financial benefits.
• Present solutions and project plans to building owners.
• Track project progress in databases and provide status updates to owners and NYSERDA.

Experience Requirements

• Proven experience in Energy Engineering (Mechanical and/or Electrical) and Project Management.
• Strong understanding of commercial and residential building systems, including controls and commissioning processes.
• Familiarity with NYC Local Laws, energy codes, and utility incentive programs.
• Demonstrated success in managing vendors and contractors.
• In-depth knowledge of energy, building, and construction codes.

Skills Requirements

• Strong communication skills; able to coordinate with owners, property managers, and contractors.
• Highly organized; capable of managing complex projects and documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, energy modeling, and project management software.
• College degree with demonstrated experience in energy engineering.