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Building Energy Modeling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Partner Energy

Energy Engineer III

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Perform and oversee whole-building energy modeling using industry-standard software * Lead commissioning and retro-commissioning investigations, testing, and implementation support * Evaluate energy ...

Partner Energy

Energy Engineer III

Torrance, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $130K/yr

Perform and oversee whole-building energy modeling using industry-standard software * Lead commissioning and retro-commissioning investigations, testing, and implementation support * Evaluate energy ...

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Building Energy Modeling information

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$31

$51

How much do building energy modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for building energy modeling in California is $31.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an energy modeler do?

An energy modeler develops computer simulations to analyze a building's energy use and efficiency. They use specialized software to optimize design features, reduce energy consumption, and ensure compliance with energy codes, often working with architects and engineers throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the highest paying job in renewable energy?

In renewable energy, senior roles such as Renewable Energy Project Director or Chief Sustainability Officer tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of project management, finance, and technical aspects of renewable energy systems.

What is building energy modelling?

Building energy modeling is the process used by building energy modelers to simulate a building's energy consumption and performance using specialized software. It helps optimize energy efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with standards by analyzing factors like insulation, HVAC systems, and building orientation. Proficiency in tools such as EnergyPlus or eQuest and understanding of building codes are essential for this role.

What are the typical daily tasks and work environment for a Building Energy Modeling professional?

As a Building Energy Modeling professional, your typical day involves gathering and analyzing building data, constructing simulation models, and running energy performance scenarios. You'll use specialized software to assess factors like HVAC systems, insulation, lighting, and occupancy patterns to recommend efficiency improvements. Most work is done in an office setting, collaborating closely with engineers, architects, and sustainability consultants, though occasional site visits may be required. The role offers opportunities to work on diverse projects, ranging from new construction to retrofits, and often involves presenting findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What is a Building Energy Modeling job?

A Building Energy Modeling (BEM) job involves using specialized software to simulate a building’s energy performance, assessing factors like heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation. Professionals in this field help optimize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with energy codes and green building standards. They work on new constructions, retrofits, and system upgrades to improve sustainability. Typical tasks include analyzing energy consumption, running simulations, and providing recommendations for energy-efficient design improvements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Building Energy Modeling position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Building Energy Modeling, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, architecture, or a related field, combined with analytical skills and experience in energy simulation. Familiarity with specialized software such as EnergyPlus, eQUEST, IES VE, and relevant certifications like LEED or BEMP is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These competencies help ensure accurate modeling, effective collaboration with project teams, and compliance with energy codes or sustainability goals.

How much does energy modeling cost?

The cost of energy modeling for building energy modeling professionals typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per project, depending on the building size, complexity, and level of detail required. Larger or more complex projects may incur higher fees, and some professionals charge hourly rates between $50 and $150. Costs can also vary based on the software tools used and the project's scope.
What are the most commonly searched types of Building Energy Modeling jobs in California? The most popular types of Building Energy Modeling jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Building Energy Modeling jobs in California? For Building Energy Modeling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Building Energy Modeling jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Building Energy Modeling jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Building Energy Modeling jobs? Cities in California with the most Building Energy Modeling job openings:
Building Energy Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Energy Modeling job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,404 per year, or $31.9 per hour.
Los Angeles Based Graduate Intern - Building Energy Modeling and Analysis

Los Angeles Based Graduate Intern - Building Energy Modeling and Analysis

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$44K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Posting Title
Los Angeles Based Graduate Intern - Building Energy Modeling and Analysis
Location
Remote
Position Type
Intern (Fixed Term)
Hours Per Week
40
Working at NLR
Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.
At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.
Job Description
The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) leads research, innovation, and strategic partnerships to deliver integrated solutions for an affordable and secure energy future. This position will be within NLR's Building Technologies and Science Center at its California location in Los Angeles. Our researchers are working with stakeholders to evaluate innovative electrical upgrades to Rooftop Unit (RTU) technologies that can enhance energy resilience and reduce energy conversion losses.
This position is looking for a graduate student intern who has a solid background in first-principle and building energy modeling and analysis of building energy systems.
This is a hybrid position based in the Los Angeles, CA metropolitan area. The successful candidate must reside in California for the duration of the internship.
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • Modeling building energy systems, energy storage systems, and integration with DOE prototypical building models
  • Designing control algorithms and simulation studies under various utility rate structures
  • Performing data analytics, and in-depth technoeconomic analysis
  • Working independently and collaborating with the project team members.

Communicating research ideas, contributing towards technical documentation and/or the production of research publications
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Graduate: Earned a master's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate + PhD: Completed master's degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
Please Note:
• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
  • Completed a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering or related field, or currently enrolled in a master's or PhD in these fields
  • Must reside in California for the duration of the internship
  • Demonstrated knowledge or experience in building sciences, building energy systems, thermal and/or electrochemical energy storage, and building controls
  • Experience in modeling, simulation, and control of building energy systems
  • Proficiency in building energy modeling and simulation tools (e.g., EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, Modelica)
  • Demonstrated experience in programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB Ruby), and version control (e.g., GitHub)

Preferred Qualifications
  • A strong candidate will have prior research experience with DOE prototypical building models and/or thermal energy storage technologies
  • Demonstrated track record of producing research publications
  • Engineer in Training (EIT)

Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $44,500 - $71,200
NLR takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.
Drug Free Workplace
NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Reasonable Accommodations
E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.

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