Project Development Engineer - Energy and Mechanical Systems

JD Ross Energy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Ross Energy seeks a Project Development Engineer to lead energy and mechanical systems modernization projects for institutional and commercial clients. You will evaluate existing building systems, identify improvement opportunities, and develop energy savings concepts.

Responsibilities include performing energy analyses, modeling, and life-cycle cost evaluations; designing HVAC central plants, controls upgrades, and building automation solutions; and partnering with clients to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in HVAC, MEP, energy engineering, building systems, or facility infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of central utility plants, chilled water systems, boiler systems, air handling equipment, pumping systems, and building automation controls.
• Experience performing energy audits, engineering evaluations, life-cycle cost analyses, and energy savings calculations.
• Familiarity with performance contracting, energy services, or ESCO environments is highly desirable.
• Experience with energy modeling software such as eQuest, HAP, TRACE, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of Measurement & Verification (M&V) methodologies is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing building systems and identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
• Develop Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) and facility improvement solutions for institutional, municipal, healthcare, higher education, and K-12 facilities.
• Perform engineering assessments, energy analyses, and savings calculations for mechanical and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
• Design and develop solutions involving HVAC systems, chilled water plants, boilers, controls, airside and waterside equipment, and building automation systems.
• Create project concepts, technical narratives, engineering documentation, and energy savings models.
• Partner with clients and internal stakeholders to develop practical, cost-effective solutions that deliver measurable results.
• Support project implementation teams by providing technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

HVAC systems

MEP

Energy engineering

Building automation

Central plant optimization

Energy audits

M&V

Life-cycle cost

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Energy Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering

Tools

eQuest

HAP

TRACE

Job description

Project Development Engineer | Energy & Mechanical Systems

We're partnering with a well-established energy services organization that is looking to add a Project Development Engineer to its growing team. This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex building and energy challenges, working directly with clients, and developing innovative solutions that improve facility performance and reduce operating costs.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in HVAC systems, central plants, building automation, energy engineering, and MEP infrastructure who wants to play a leading role in shaping high-impact energy and facility modernization projects.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Evaluate existing building systems and identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
• Develop Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) and facility improvement solutions for institutional, municipal, healthcare, higher education, and K-12 facilities.
• Perform engineering assessments, energy analyses, and savings calculations for mechanical and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
• Design and develop solutions involving HVAC systems, chilled water plants, boilers, controls, airside and waterside equipment, and building automation systems.
• Create project concepts, technical narratives, engineering documentation, and energy savings models.
• Partner with clients and internal stakeholders to develop practical, cost-effective solutions that deliver measurable results.
• Support project implementation teams by providing technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in HVAC, MEP, energy engineering, building systems, or facility infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of central utility plants, chilled water systems, boiler systems, air handling equipment, pumping systems, and building automation controls.
• Experience performing energy audits, engineering evaluations, life-cycle cost analyses, and energy savings calculations.
• Familiarity with performance contracting, energy services, or ESCO environments is highly desirable.
• Experience with energy modeling software such as eQuest, HAP, TRACE, or similar platforms.
• Working knowledge of Measurement & Verification (M&V) methodologies is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification preferred.

If you've worked on HVAC retrofits, central plant optimization, building automation upgrades, energy audits, controls modernization, or performance contracting projects, we'd love to speak with you.