Lead Sustainability Engineer

RMF Engineering, Inc.; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Paid holidays

401K plan

Job summary

RMF Engineering, Inc. is seeking a technical leader for sustainability initiatives focusing on HVAC design optimization and energy modeling. This role requires collaboration with project teams to guide energy efficiency goals and a strong background in mechanical engineering.

The ideal candidate must have over 5 years of experience, expertise in energy modeling software, and knowledge of relevant building codes. A commitment to sustainability and excellent leadership skills are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering focused on energy modeling.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and standards related to energy efficiency.
• Basic understanding of building automation system controls.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in HVAC design optimization.
• Support a team of energy modeling experts and auditors following ASHRAE standards.
• Analyze local, state, or federal ordinances for compliance pathways.

Skills

Energy modeling

HVAC design optimization

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

IESVE

Job description

This role is located in one of our RMF offices in either: Boston, MA, Charleston, SC, or Northfield, MN. Job Type: On-site.

RMF Engineering is an innovative, top‑ranked, national engineering firm that specializes in providing design and engineering services for all aspects of building and utility infrastructure construction. RMF offers a balanced benefits package that centers on a stable and professional working environment, which includes above‑standard health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and a 401K plan.

Vision and Goals

In response to the industry‑wide movement toward more sustainable building and utility systems, combined with prevalent sustainability requirements from our clients, RMF established a formal sustainability practice in 2022 and hired a Director of Sustainability to develop and oversee a company‑wide sustainability strategy. Our focus in this area, combined with our strong history of existing relationships and engineering excellence, allows RMF to add great value to clients who are focused on ambitious energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Position Overview

This individual will have a deep understanding of building science with functional knowledge of building energy modeling and building controls. They will be responsible for driving building‑level sustainability initiatives from project conception through completion, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of technical excellence while achieving client‑specific energy and sustainability goals. They will regularly interface with the project team, including RMF's individual discipline leads, as well as the architect, owner, and other project stakeholders to guide the energy and sustainability aspects of design. This position will harness the range of our MEP building design expertise and amplify firm‑wide sustainability knowledge to serve these clients well and position RMF as the go‑to firm for these efforts.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in HVAC design optimization, energy modeling, and decarbonization analysis, collaborating with architects, engineers, and building owners to support sustainable strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies or design strategies and deliver innovative solutions to client energy goals while maintaining implementable and operable designs.
• Support a team of energy modeling experts and building energy auditors following ASHRAE standards, including lifecycle cost and economic viability analyses of energy efficiency measures.
• Understand sustainability certification programs such as LEED, Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, and Passive House and articulate the MEP impacts of each to architects and owners.
• Analyze local, state, or federal ordinances (e.g., Boston's Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure, Georgia Peach, or New York City's Local Law 97) and brief owners on compliance pathways through HVAC and/or other building systems design. Identify utility or government‑sponsored incentives to offset capital costs of energy/emissions savings projects.
• Stay current with building codes and sustainable design practices and how they intersect and/or reconcile with client‑driven design standards and sustainability certifications.
• Ensure high‑quality project documentation and reporting.
• Guide and mentor RMF teams on sustainable design practices, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing to maintain high standards of work quality.
• Strengthen client relationships through effective communication and project management, identify new business opportunities, and network at industry events to drive business growth.
• Collaborate with the Director of Sustainability and company leadership to develop and implement building MEP aspects of corporate sustainability strategy, training, and initiatives.
• Travel and perform field work in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, tunnels, and other mechanical spaces that may require climbing ladders and stairways.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Architecture, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on energy modeling, simulation, and sustainable design principles and application.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and standards related to energy efficiency.
• Experience with energy modeling software such as IESVE or similar tools.
• Basic understanding of building automation system controls strategy and design principles.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Benefits

A stable and professional working environment is offered with a competitive salary, excellent employee benefits, which include health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and a 401K plan. We are an equal opportunity employer and take pride in the diversity and dedication of our staff.