Building Performance Analyst I
Is building science your jam? Do you consistently think of ways to push the building performance envelope and help make our planet more sustainable by promoting healthy, comfortable spaces that leave a smaller carbon footprint in the community? If so, we’re looking for you!
O’Brien360’s Building Performance (BP) team is seeking a building analyst whiz with a passion for efficiency and the right mix of technical and people skills that enable them to be equally at ease with a designer, contractor, or building owner.
As one of our Analysts, you will need to bring exemplary intrapersonal communication skills to the table with a facility for working in cross-functional teams, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously and translate written information into practical application.
Our BP team is dedicated to supporting the long-term performance, sustainability, and livability of existing buildings. We understand that the need for efficiency and sustainability doesn’t end once the ribbon is cut and that building performance is an essential factor in a project’s life cycle. Working alongside architects, owners, and mechanical engineers, we will help identify valuable opportunities for increased building performance.
We’re known for coupling technical rigor and clear communication to help clients meet and exceed their goals. Our specialized knowledge of modeling tools, advanced green building rating systems, and innovative technologies allows us to offer clients a high level of technical assistance and analysis with their building performance goals. Areas of focus include energy efficiency, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, water efficiency, and daylighting.
To support the O’Brien360 Vision and Mission, the BP team provides services to many affordable housing providers in the Puget Sound area and some providers in other regions of the state; 70% of our current workload on the BP team is related to affordable housing.
Interested? Let us know what strengths you will bring to the team, where you want to grow, and why you want to work with O’Brien360.
Company Summary
O’Brien360 is a 31-year-old sustainability consultancy based in Seattle and dedicated to integrating sustainable building expertise, thoughtful analysis, and a collaborative approach toward catalyzing positive outcomes in the built environment. From project conception to occupancy, O’Brien360 delivers value and performance to clients across the entire project arc.
Vision
Equitable advancement of the built environment toward positive life cycle impacts
Mission
Integrate sustainable building expertise, thoughtful analysis, and a collaborative approach to catalyze positive outcomes
For more information about O’Brien360 and our green building consulting work, please visit www.obrien360.com.
Responsibilities
• Uphold and advance O’Brien360’s Vision and Mission.
• Promote sustainability with analysis-based design guidance in collaboration with owners and other design team members.
• Model and analyze energy use in new and existing buildings using whole-building energy simulation software such as eQuest, CBECC-Com, OpenStudio, EnergyPlus, etc.
• Leverage whole building energy models and other analyses to inform design of high-efficiency buildings.
• Follow energy simulation guidelines to generate models for code compliance and green
building rating systems, such as LEED.
• Perform evaluations of existing building performance including utility billing analysis, benchmarking, on-site building audits, and other field measurements.
• Perform and document building energy code compliance calculations for component trade-offs and performance-based compliance paths.
• Testing and development of the open-source software tool, CBECC, as well as other potential future applications.
• Produce complete and accurate reports/presentations suitable for both lay and technical audiences.
• Effectively document analysis procedures, assumptions, and results.
• Be proactive in addressing questions or concerns raised by both clients, managers and
co-workers.
• Track progress on tasks such that project status can be effectively communicated to clients and managers at all times.
• Participate as an active member of the Building Performance team to help manage project workflows, improve processes, and market services.
Requirements/Qualifications
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or similar education that covers fundamental thermodynamic principles.
• 1-3+ years of experience performing analysis or design of building systems. An MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline will generally be considered equivalent to one year of experience.
• Demonstrated ability using energy simulation software, specifically eQuest/DOE-2.2 or OpenStudio/EnergyPlus.
• Proficient with MS Excel and other software to analyze and report data.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Motivated to advance both personal and company knowledge in the field of building performance analysis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially with technical information.
• Ability to interact on a professional level with design and construction professionals.
• A strong work ethic and efficient work style, including the ability to work well both independently and collaboratively.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office, including advanced skills with Excel and Word; and the ability to work efficiently and effectively with computer programs to compile well-organized documents. Fast, accurate typing skills are required.
Experience and credentials that are also valuable:
• EIT-certified
• Professional engineer license, preferably in WA, OR, or CA.
• Knowledge and understanding of building energy codes, specifically Washington State/Seattle Energy Code, California Title 24, and ASHRAE Standard 90.1.
• Architectural, HVAC, lighting, or plumbing design experience.
• Building energy auditing or commissioning experience.
• Knowledge of regular expressions and one or more computer scripting languages – preferably Ruby, Python or VBA.
• Experience with other analysis tools commonly used in our industry, such as Radiance, WINDOW/THERM, CFD.
• LEED AP or familiarity with LEED and other green building standards.
Important skills for working remotely:
Due to the current circumstances of working from home full-time during COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, these skills are especially important for success in this position:
• Be able to engage effectively with clients and other staff through online tools, including chat, email, telephone, and video conferencing.
• Be conscientious of your screen presence when on video conferencing, maintaining a professional appearance and background.
• Be able to work independently and be accountable to other team members and the company.
• Be comfortable with setting up your computer and home workstation, and troubleshooting computer issues, with the assistance of our remote IT personnel.
• Be transparent and proactive with your team or supervisor about issues with your home-work environment so that they can be quickly addressed.
Benefits and Job Details
• Full-time, exempt salaried position. Salary range 69,000 – 80,000 annually.
• Work schedule is flexible but requires 4 days in the office/field
o The work hours are flexible but generally 9-5 availability is expected, other than fieldwork
scheduling.
o In normal circumstances, we work in a LEED Gold historic building, but due to COVID-19, our staff currently works remotely. This will continue to be evaluated based on public health guidelines and staff needs.
• Company-paid health and dental insurance, plus employee paid Aflac insurance available
• Paid time off starting at 3 weeks, 11 paid holidays and 8 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• Company-paid ORCA pass, plus Zipcar account for company travel
• Generous company contributions to 401K after 1 year
• Minimum of $500 per employee per year toward professional development
• Minimum of $250 per employee per year toward matching donations
Application Instructions
To apply, please send a single file, in PDF or Microsoft Word format to info@obrien360.com. Please use your full name (last name first) as the file name and use “Building Performance Analyst I Job Application” as your email subject.
This file should be no more than 3 pages and include:
• a cover letter that describes how you heard about the job, why you are interested in it, and why you are strong candidate.
• a one-page resume that highlights your relevant experience
• three references (email address and telephone number)
The position will be open until filled.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Equal Opportunity Statement:
O’Brien360 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Just™ organization. We value our employees and strive to create an environment focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, free from discriminatory employment practices or personnel actions. We evaluate all applicants based on their qualifications, and will never discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual preference, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.