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Building Physics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Altanova

Senior Building Performance Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We welcome candidates with a strong technical background who bring a deep understanding of building physics, engineering, and a robust modeling understanding. Joining our sustainable real estate team ...

Altanova

Senior Building Performance Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

We welcome candidates with a strong technical background who bring a deep understanding of building physics, engineering, and a robust modeling understanding. Joining our sustainable real estate team ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Baltimore, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Duluth, GA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Brownsville, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Chester, PA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Bryan, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

New Orleans, LA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

El Paso, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Minneapolis, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Saint Paul, MN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes building physical intuition alongside mathematical skills and connects physics concepts to everyday experiences, sports, engineering, and technology applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

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Building Physics Engineer information

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$17

$32

$52

How much do building physics engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for building physics 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 is a building physics engineer?

A Building Physics Engineer is a professional who applies principles of physics to the built environment, focusing on how buildings interact with energy, heat, air, moisture, and light. Their work involves optimizing building performance for energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and sustainability. They use simulation tools and modeling techniques to assess thermal performance, acoustics, ventilation, and daylighting in new and existing structures. Building Physics Engineers often collaborate with architects and other engineers to ensure that buildings meet regulatory standards and environmental goals.

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

As a Building Physics Engineer, you will work closely with architects, structural engineers, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) consultants throughout a project's lifecycle. Your main responsibility is to provide expertise on thermal performance, energy efficiency, daylighting, acoustics, and indoor environmental quality. This often involves attending design meetings, reviewing building models, running simulations, and giving actionable feedback to ensure that the design meets sustainability and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and the ability to translate complex technical findings into practical recommendations are key to successful collaboration in this role.

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

A Building Physics Engineer needs a strong background in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and energy modeling, typically supported by a degree in engineering or building science. Familiarity with simulation tools such as IES VE, EnergyPlus, and CFD software, as well as relevant certifications like LEED or CIBSE, is often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help professionals collaborate effectively with architects and other engineers. These skills ensure sustainable, efficient, and comfortable building designs that meet regulatory standards and client needs.

What is the difference between Building Physics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectBuilding Physics EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Building Services, Architecture, or Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction projects, sustainable building consultingManufacturing, HVAC, automotive, energy systems
Industry UsageBuilding design, energy efficiency, environmental comfortMechanical systems, machinery, thermal systems

Building Physics Engineers focus on optimizing building performance, energy efficiency, and environmental comfort, often working closely with architects and sustainability teams. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, designing and analyzing mechanical systems like HVAC, engines, and machinery across various industries. While both roles require engineering credentials, Building Physics Engineers specialize in building-related systems, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical applications.

More about Building Physics Engineer jobs

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

The top searched job categories for Building Physics Engineer jobs are:

Building Physics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Physics Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,285 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer

Astera Institute

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$160 - $210/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Astera

Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.


Unlike traditional non‑profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high‑velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.


Position Summary

The Astera Institute is seeking a Nanoelectronics & Device-Physics Engineer to design the electrostatic drive and the field‑effect position sensor for a nanoscale actuator, and own its fabrication process and electrical characterization. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a full‑time position.


Responsibilities

  • Design the electrostatic drive stack — the patterned electrode, insulating (high-k) dielectric, and compliant polymer that deflect the charged DNA‑origami plate — to targets of roughly 10 nm of plate displacement and about 100 pN of force at low drive voltage, and validate the dielectric's long‑term reliability.


  • Design a field‑effect (FET) sensor that reads the mechanism's position electrically, including the low‑noise readout needed to resolve nanometer‑scale motion for closed‑loop control.


  • Define the full device stack — patterned electrode, high-k dielectric, compliant polymer, and the DNA‑origami actuator — and direct its fabrication (including electron‑beam lithography) at cleanroom partners.


  • Characterize the finished device on the bench: voltage–displacement response, reversibility and hysteresis over many actuation cycles, and force/displacement by single‑molecule AFM.


  • Ensure the measurement toolchain can actually resolve the quantities being measured.



Qualifications and Experience

  • PhD or MS in electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a related field, grounded in semiconductor device physics.


  • Experience with high-k dielectrics and thin‑film stacks, FET or biosensor charge sensing, and low‑noise electrical measurement.


  • Cleanroom process design and working familiarity with electron‑beam lithography (running or directing fabrication).


  • Comfort at the bench with nanoscale electromechanical characterization; AFM experience is a plus.


  • Ability to partner closely with molecular‑design and controls colleagues on a tightly integrated device.



Location

This position is on site at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time‑to‑time for in‑person collaboration and work.


Compensation

The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.



  • See the Benefits Summary.



Cultural Alignment

  • Surprising problem‑solver – you love finding unexpected solutions to problems we don't even know we have, and see options where others only see constraints.


  • Bias to action – you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.


  • High standards, internally driven – you hold yourself to the bar of building world‑class public goods without benchmarking against others.


  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship – you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.


  • Embrace the tools that define great work today – Astera is building for an AI‑driven future and equips the team accordingly; we see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras.


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