Principal Consultant- Building Science

Rimkus; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rimkus in Jersey City, NJ seeks an experienced Principal Consultant, Building Science to lead building enclosure projects, provide technical oversight, and grow the practice regionally. You will manage high-value investigations, develop repair designs, and mentor junior staff while ensuring client satisfaction and profitability.

Responsibilities include leading investigations of water intrusion, facade deterioration, roofing failures, and climate-related durability issues; delivering

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of commercial and residential building enclosure systems and their performance characteristics.
• Experience evaluating, designing, and rehabilitating roofing, waterproofing, exterior walls, curtain walls, and air/vapor barrier systems.
• Strong report writing, presentation, and project management skills.
• Ability to develop business opportunities and lead client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex investigations of building envelope failures and water intrusion.
• Develop technically sound repair recommendations, restoration designs, and construction documents.
• Perform condition assessments, reserve studies, and building enclosure investigations.
• Provide QA/QC oversight of reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Direct construction administration activities, including site observations and contractor coordination.

Skills

Building envelope

Waterproofing

Roofing systems

Facade assemblies

Air barriers

Moisture management

Thermal performance

Project leadership

Client relationships

QA/QC

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture/Engineering

Job description

As an experienced and highly respected technical leader, the Principal Consultant, Building Science serves as a subject matter expert in building enclosure systems, restoration design, and consulting services. This individual leads complex projects, provides technical oversight and quality assurance, develops client relationships, and contributes to the growth of the Building Science practice within their region. The Principal Consultant is responsible for managing high-value and technically challenging assignments involving building envelope systems, including roofing, waterproofing, facades, glazing systems, air and vapor barriers, and exterior wall assemblies. This role requires a strong combination of technical expertise, business development acumen, project leadership, and professional judgment. The Principal Consultant works under minimal supervision, exercising initiative and independent decision-making while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction and supporting practice growth. The successful candidate will bring an existing book of business or have a proven ability to quickly develop and grow a client base within the target market. Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert for building science, building enclosure, restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic consulting projects. Lead and manage complex investigations involving building envelope failures, water intrusion, moisture-related issues, facade deterioration, roofing failures, and waterproofing deficiencies. Develop technically sound repair recommendations, restoration designs, specifications, and construction documents for existing and new construction projects. Perform and oversee condition assessments, due diligence evaluations, reserve studies, and building enclosure investigations. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and client communication. Provide peer review and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) oversight of reports, drawings, specifications, and other technical deliverables. Review, seal, and approve professional documents in accordance with applicable licensing requirements. Conduct constructability reviews and third-party peer reviews of plans, specifications, and building enclosure designs. Direct construction administration services, including site observations, contractor coordination, and review of project progress and compliance. Provide technical consultation and expert analysis in support of insurance claims, litigation matters, arbitrations, and dispute resolution assignments when required. Research applicable building codes, industry standards, historical code requirements, and regulatory compliance issues. Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and fee estimates for prospective projects. Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships that result in repeat business opportunities. Support business development initiatives through networking, client meetings, industry involvement, presentations, and marketing activities. Contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives within the Building Science practice. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level consultants. Review project financial performance, including budget management, invoice review, and project profitability. Ensure project deliverables meet company standards for technical accuracy, professionalism, responsiveness, and timeliness. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES Advanced knowledge of commercial and residential building envelope systems and their performance characteristics. Extensive experience evaluating, designing, and rehabilitating: Roofing systems Waterproofing systems Exterior wall and cladding assemblies Curtain wall and glazing systems Air and vapor barrier systems Thermal insulation systems Building enclosure interfaces and transitions Strong understanding of moisture management, thermal performance, air leakage, and building durability principles. Proven ability to diagnose complex building enclosure failures and develop practical repair solutions. Comprehensive knowledge of current and historical building codes, industry standards, and best practices. Strong technical report writing and presentation skills. Excellent project management, organizational, and client relationship skills. Demonstrated ability to develop business opportunities and grow client relationships. Strong leadership, collaboration, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and responsiveness.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, or a related technical discipline required. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in building envelope consulting, building science, restoration design, foren