Passive House Specialist - Project Manager/Field Verification

Ettinger Engineering Associates; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

Ettinger Engineering Associates in New York, NY, is looking for a mid- to senior-level Passive House Specialist. In this full-time role, you will lead high-performance building projects and ensure compliance with Passive House certification. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field, along with PHIUS CPHC or PHI Certified Passive House Designer certification and at least 5 years of experience in high-performance building design. A hybrid work model is offered, along with competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in high-performance building design and project management.
• Proven experience delivering Passive House projects.
• Strong understanding of building enclosure systems and mechanical systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-performance and Passive House projects from design through construction.
• Advise project teams on Passive House and sustainable strategies.
• Manage project documentation and compliance with Passive House standards.

Skills

Project management

Energy modeling

Building science

Sustainability strategies

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, building science, or a related field

PHIUS CPHC or PHI Certified Passive House Designer

Tools

PHPP

WUFI Passive

THERM

Job description

Ettinger Engineering Associates (EEA), a leader in sustainable MEP/FP and civil engineering design, is seeking a mid- to senior-level Passive House Specialist to lead and deliver high-performance building projects across our growing portfolio.

This role goes beyond modeling – you’ll lead projects from early design through construction, driving performance, coordinating teams, and ensuring what gets built meets Passive House certification and energy targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage large‑scale multifamily high‑performance and Passive House projects from design through construction.
• Lead Passive House (PHI/PHIUS) certification efforts, including documentation, modeling, and QA/QC.
• Advise project teams on Passive House and sustainability strategies, including building systems, enclosure assemblies, materials, constructability, and site improvements.
• Recommend energy efficiency and resiliency strategies supported by engineering analysis, building science, and simulation tools.
• Perform and/or oversee energy modeling (PHPP, WUFI Passive, THERM, Flixo, or equivalent) to evaluate and validate design decisions.
• Track and manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with internal staff and external design and construction teams to maintain schedule and performance targets.
• Conduct architectural and engineering design reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to project teams.
• Review drawings, specifications, and construction submittals for compliance with Passive House, energy codes, and program requirements.
• Advise on certification pathways and requirements, including Passive House, ENERGY STAR, Enterprise Green Communities, and LEED.
• Perform construction‑phase services including site inspections, field verification, and performance testing oversight.
• Maintain working knowledge of evolving technologies, materials, and best practices in high‑performance building design.
• Stay current with ASHRAE standards, NYC/NYS energy codes, and incentive programs (e.g., NYSERDA, HPD, HCR).
• Prepare and manage documentation for program compliance and coordinate with certifiers and program administrators.
• Contribute to improving internal tools, workflows, and deliverables through proactive problem‑solving and process refinement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, building science, or a related field.
• PHIUS CPHC or PHI Certified Passive House Designer required.
• 5+ years of experience in high‑performance building design and project management.
• Proven experience delivering Passive House or equivalent high‑performance projects through construction.
• Strong understanding of building enclosure systems, air barriers, thermal bridging, and mechanical systems integration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and communicate effectively with diverse teams.
• Experience with PHPP, WUFI Passive, THERM, or similar tools.

Preferred Qualifications – Field Testing and Verification

• Hands‑on experience with blower door testing (whole‑building and compartmentalization).
• Experience with enclosure air leakage testing and ASTM and Passive House protocols.
• Familiarity with duct leakage testing and airflow verification.
• Experience conducting or interpreting infrared thermography (IR scanning).
• Knowledge of ventilation commissioning and balancing (ERV/HRV systems).
• Experience performing construction inspections to verify air barrier continuity, insulation quality, and system installation.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve field performance issues to meet certification targets.

Come join Ettinger Engineering and work in a growing, fast‑paced, open/friendly environment where your contributions are always recognized.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10018