What are the responsibilities and job description for the Energy Engineer position at Salas O'Brien?
Department: Energy / Sustainability
Full-Time: Non Exempt
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
The Energy Engineer is responsible for performing building energy modeling, audits, and technical analysis to support high-performance building design, decarbonization strategies, and energy efficiency improvements across a variety of project types. This role evaluates mechanical, electrical, and building envelope systems for both new construction and existing facilities.
The Energy Engineer collaborates with clients, internal design teams, and external stakeholders to deliver accurate analyses, clear documentation, and actionable recommendations. This position supports sustainability and compliance objectives including LEED, ENERGY STAR, local energy codes, life-cycle cost analysis requirements, and owner-driven energy performance goals.
Responsibilities
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. Up to 25%
Location: Buffalo, New York Office
Compensation & Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $65,000 – $72,500 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Full-Time: Non Exempt
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
The Energy Engineer is responsible for performing building energy modeling, audits, and technical analysis to support high-performance building design, decarbonization strategies, and energy efficiency improvements across a variety of project types. This role evaluates mechanical, electrical, and building envelope systems for both new construction and existing facilities.
The Energy Engineer collaborates with clients, internal design teams, and external stakeholders to deliver accurate analyses, clear documentation, and actionable recommendations. This position supports sustainability and compliance objectives including LEED, ENERGY STAR, local energy codes, life-cycle cost analysis requirements, and owner-driven energy performance goals.
Responsibilities
- Develop building energy models and simulations for new and existing buildings using DOE-2/eQUEST, EnergyPlus, or similar tools
- Analyze building energy consumption using utility data, benchmarking platforms, and system performance metrics
- Perform spreadsheet-based energy calculations supporting energy conservation measures (ECMs)
- Conduct life-cycle cost analyses (LCCA) for mechanical, electrical, and efficiency upgrade alternatives
- Perform ASHRAE Level I and II energy audits and document findings
- Review HVAC, electrical, controls, and envelope systems to identify efficiency and decarbonization opportunities
- Conduct site visits, field observations, and system verification to support audits, modeling, and commissioning efforts
- Complete LEED energy-related documentation (minimum M/E/P; full set preferred)
- Support ENERGY STAR, Passive House, WELL, and other sustainability or certification program submissions
- Assist with inspections, commissioning tests, and verification activities required for certification programs
- Prepare reports, modeling summaries, audit findings, and owner-required deliverables
- Participate in client meetings, design coordination sessions, and technical discussions
- Communicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Support electrification, decarbonization, and energy code compliance reviews (including NYC Local Laws 84, 87, and 97 where applicable)
- Maintain organized project documentation and ensure QA/QC processes are followed for all deliverables
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, or related discipline)
- 5 years of experience in energy modeling, energy auditing, or building systems evaluation preferred
- Experience evaluating energy performance in existing buildings required
- Preferred credentials include:
- Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) or working toward Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure
- CEM, BEMP, LEED AP, or similar certifications
- Familiarity with ASHRAE standards, energy codes, and certification programs
- Knowledge of NYC Local Laws 84, 87, and 97 highly desirable for applicable markets
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. Up to 25%
Location: Buffalo, New York Office
Compensation & Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $65,000 – $72,500 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Salary : $65,000 - $72,500