Project Development Engineer - Energy

Employment Resource Group; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy solutions firm based in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Project Development Energy Engineer. This strategic, client-facing role involves driving energy-focused initiatives from concept through validation. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in energy engineering, with expertise in building energy modeling and auditing. Responsibilities include leading energy assessments, developing budget-conscious solutions, and contributing to long-term energy strategies while strengthening client relationships. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in building systems, operations, or energy engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in building energy modeling and analysis.
• Proven experience conducting investment-grade energy audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site energy assessments and facilitate discussions with clients.
• Translate energy opportunities into budget-conscious solutions.
• Contribute to long-term energy strategy development for client facilities.

Skills

Building energy modeling

Client-facing communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Analytical follow-through

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

eQUEST

DOE2

Trane TRACE

Job description

The Project Development Energy Engineer is a strategic, client-facing leader responsible for driving energy-focused initiatives from early-stage concept through technical validation and measurable results. This role provides executive-level oversight of building energy strategy, investment-grade analysis, and performance verification while serving as a critical bridge between sales vision and engineering execution. The position requires a forward-thinking professional who can balance innovative energy solutions with financial and operational realities, delivering measurable savings and long-term value across client facilities. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, this individual plays a central role in strengthening client relationships, advancing energy strategy, and contributing to sustained business growth.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead on-site energy assessments and facilitate high-level discussions with clients to establish technical credibility and trusted advisory relationships.
• Translate conceptual energy opportunities into technically sound, budget-conscious solutions in partnership with sales and design teams.
• Conduct building energy modeling and detailed analysis using industry-standard tools to evaluate system performance and savings potential.
• Perform investment-grade energy audits and develop measurement and verification plans to ensure guaranteed savings are achieved.
• Oversee utility tracking, energy reporting, and administration of sustainability programs such as LEED and Energy Star.
• Support performance-based project delivery approaches, including energy savings calculations and financial evaluations.
• Contribute to facilities master planning and long-term energy strategy development for institutional and K‑12 environments.
• Drive measurable energy savings outcomes across multiple facilities while maintaining alignment with client operational and financial objectives.
• Strengthen repeat business and client referrals through consistent delivery excellence and proactive problem solving.
• Collaborate closely with Madison-based operations to integrate energy engineering initiatives into broader organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in building systems, operations, or energy engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in building energy modeling and analysis using tools such as eQUEST, DOE2, Trane TRACE, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in utility tracking, LEED and Energy Star administration, and comprehensive energy reporting.
• Proven experience conducting investment-grade energy audits and measurement and verification activities.
• Strong client-facing communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence early-stage project decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with performance contracting and ESCO‑style project delivery preferred.
• Background in energy analysis, utility evaluation, or energy savings calculations preferred.
• Experience working with institutional or K‑12 facilities preferred.
• Client-focused mindset with strong analytical follow-through, proactive problem‑solving ability, and capacity to manage multiple priorities in dynamic environments.