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Building Energy Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Building Energy Simulation Engineer information

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How much do building energy simulation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for building energy simulation engineer in the United States is $32.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a building energy simulation engineer do?

A Building Energy Simulation Engineer uses specialized software to model and analyze the energy performance of buildings. Their work helps architects, engineers, and building owners understand how design choices, materials, and systems will impact energy consumption, comfort, and sustainability. They may simulate heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation systems to optimize efficiency and ensure compliance with energy codes and green building standards. This role is crucial for reducing energy costs and minimizing the environmental footprint of buildings.

How does a building energy simulation engineer typically collaborate with architects and other design professionals during project development?

Building Energy Simulation Engineers work closely with architects, mechanical engineers, and sustainability consultants throughout the design process. They provide detailed energy modeling and simulation data to inform design decisions, optimize building performance, and ensure compliance with energy codes and sustainability certifications. This role often involves participating in design meetings, reviewing plans, and translating complex simulation results into actionable recommendations for the project team. Effective communication and teamwork are key to aligning the simulation outcomes with the overall project goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building energy simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Energy Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, energy modeling principles, and a relevant degree such as in engineering or architecture. Proficiency in simulation software like EnergyPlus, eQUEST, or IES VE, along with familiarity with building codes and certifications such as LEED, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate energy modeling, effective collaboration with project teams, and the delivery of energy-efficient building solutions.

What is the difference between Building Energy Simulation Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectBuilding Energy Simulation EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications like LEED AP or energy modeling certificationsRequires mechanical engineering degree, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting companies, energy modeling software environmentsManufacturing, construction, or design firms, CAD and simulation tools
Industry UsageBuilding design, energy efficiency, sustainability projectsHVAC systems, machinery, product design

The Building Energy Simulation Engineer focuses on modeling and analyzing building energy performance to optimize efficiency, while the Mechanical Design Engineer concentrates on designing mechanical systems like HVAC, ensuring functionality and compliance. Both roles require engineering expertise but serve different aspects of building and mechanical system development.

More about Building Energy Simulation Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Building Energy Simulation Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Building Energy Simulation Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Building Energy Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,285 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Sustainable Design Engineer Leader, Mission Critical

Hksinc

Orlando, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview:

A primary managerial position in whole-building dynamic thermal and energy building simulation models for various building types and scales and shares responsibility for project successes. Recognized ability to impact revenue and growth. Manages the firm's resources (people, processes and tools) and assignments with proficiency, fluency and aptitude. Teaches and mentors staff and effectively embodies and expresses the firm's values and mission. Advances enterprise level objectives for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Responsibilities:

  • Oversees the whole-building dynamic thermal and energy building simulation models for various building types and scales, including advanced mechanical systems evaluations, architectural response to enhancing daylighting, lighting control systems and detailed thermal and moisture response of building facade components
  • Understands business constraints and opportunities when developing energy modeling related service proposals
  • Manages the detailed engineering analysis for the purpose of minimizing energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions related to a building's architectural design, construction and operation
  • Manages the comfort studies, life cycle costs analysis, energy simulation, daylight simulations, solar shading analysis and renewable energy evaluation to provide analysis-based recommendations that inform design and operational decisions made by architects, engineers, contactors and operators
  • Supports DesignGreen team and Enterprise leadership to expand and further integrate design performance, building energy modeling and building operation modeling for all projects across the firm, including informing design decisions by predicting a building's performance with respect to energy efficiency, passive and active design strategies, building massing, daylight availability, glare control, shading analysis, thermal comfort, natural ventilation, mechanical systems alternatives, loads analysis, renewable energy systems integration and similar design factors/elements throughout the project's life cycle
  • Confidently predicts a building's anticipated energy use and corresponding energy savings, as compared to a standard baseline by applying whole-building energy simulation and verify performance through industry standard calibration procedures for post-occupancy evaluations
  • Oversees the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for design alternatives with a keen understanding of appropriate economic analysis parameters relevant to the project
  • Leads and/or assists design teams to promote integrative sustainable strategies and leverage complex data sets to support design decisions and research
  • Leads and/or assists with specialized project and enterprise research activities including but not limited to energy, environmental, carbon and general sustainability issues
  • Authors professional publications/journals (prime investigator) and identifies areas of opportunity (innovation) to increase energy efficiency by utilizing new or existing technologies, provide creative market transformation ideas, and/or innovative implementation strategies
  • Advances enterprise level Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts such as the AIA 2030 Commitment and the United Nations Global Compact
  • Oversees technical reports and presentation materials
  • May collaborate with HKS Research to lead and manage the development and use of indoor environmental sensors and instrumentation for the purposes of research, diagnostics, and post-occupancy evaluations
  • Participates in or leads team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines
  • Travel may be required

Qualifications:

  • Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred
  • Professional engineering licensure preferred
  • Typically 10+ years of experience
  • Modeling credentials such as ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP), Building Energy Simulation Analyst (BESA), or equivalent preferred
  • Sustainable design accreditation preferred
  • Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360, Energy Plus, EnergyPro preferred
  • Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and InDesign graphic software preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferred
  • Experience in LEED submission and regulatory compliance energy modeling
  • Familiarity with computational design and parametric modeling preferred
  • Familiarity with energy modeling preferred
  • Knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines
  • Strong knowledge in interpreting and applying high-performance building standards such as ANSI, ASHRAE, IESNA and ASTM as well as building energy codes such as IECC and T24
  • Strong knowledge of architectural building systems
  • Working knowledge of building physics, energy transfer, mechanical design, system control strategies and economics is required
  • Knowledge of QA/QC and specification process
  • Knowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documents
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
  • Ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships
  • Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
  • Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
  • Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

Base Salary Range: $104K - $130K annually - Chicago, Denver, Richmond, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Washington DC locations only

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the above locations only. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran