Building Science Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Department: Building Science

Lerch Bates is seeking a Building Enclosure Associate Consultant to join our Building Science team. This role is ideal for professionals looking to expand their expertise in building envelope consulting, enclosure design, and building enclosure commissioning (BECx) while developing into a fully independent Consultant role.

As an Associate Consultant, you will support and manage projects involving new construction and major renovation work, collaborating with Senior Consultants and project teams to deliver technical solutions that improve building performance. You will gain hands-on experience in design review, quality assurance, field testing, client communication, and project management while building technical depth and leadership skills.

About Lerch Bates:

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment.

We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB. 

What You’ll Do:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed in this position. They are not intended to prescribe or restrict the assignments that management may make.

Project Delivery & Technical Development

• Support and participate in building envelope consulting and building enclosure commissioning (BECx) projects for new construction and major renovations
• Review architectural drawings and enclosure details with emphasis on air, water, thermal, and vapor control systems
• Evaluate building enclosure components including curtain walls, storefront systems, glazing systems, exterior wall assemblies, and waterproofing systems
• Participate in design review meetings and present technical observations and recommendations
• Develop technical knowledge through collaboration with Senior Consultants, Directors, and project teams

Field & Project Responsibilities

• Participate in design, pre-construction, and construction phase meetings
• Lead or support pre-construction meetings focused on enclosure coordination and performance risks
• Conduct quality assurance site observations and serve as a representative for Lerch Bates on project sites
• Perform or assist with building envelope field testing including ASTM E783, ASTM E1105, AAMA 501.2, ASTM E779, and related testing procedures
• Develop a strong understanding of building enclosure installation sequencing and performance impacts
• Support management of active projects to maintain quality, responsiveness, schedules, budgets, and client satisfaction

Client Communication & Project Coordination

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and project teams
• Communicate project status, observations, risks, and recommendations proactively
• Support project tracking, documentation, scheduling, and reporting activities
• Participate in project reviews and internal coordination meetings
• Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client relationships

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related discipline
• 3–4 years of experience within architecture, engineering, construction, building science, or related industries
• Working knowledge of building envelope systems including roofing, waterproofing, exterior cladding, glazing systems, sealants, weather barriers, and air/water barriers
• Understanding of building enclosure installation sequencing and construction practices
• Strong technical writing, communication, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while contributing within a collaborative team environment
• Strong client communication and relationship-building skills
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Bluebeam
• Experience with AutoCAD and Revit preferred

Why Work with Lerch Bates?

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Be more than just an employee…

Lerch Bates is 100% employee-owned! Our employee-owners bring a distinct “we own what we do” brand of technical consulting to every project and partnership. When you work with us, you join a company with an ownership mindset. Expect responsibility, service, and performance in everything we do. So, what does that mean for you? After a certain service time, you are eligible for stock ownership, which essentially works as an additional wealth accumulation and/or retirement account! 

Core Values

Ownership • Community • Integrity • Respect • Optimism

Working Environment:

This role involves both physical and mental demands and may be performed in various settings, including offices, construction sites, and confined spaces like elevator pits. Tasks often require frequent movement in multiple directions. Lerch Bates will provide reasonable accommodations upon request through Human Resources.

Physical Demands:

This role requires regular sitting, talking, and hearing in meetings and by phone. Employees must navigate tight spaces, climb ladders, move around construction sites, take measurements, and travel by car, air, or rail. Duties may involve working at heights and in confined spaces, using hands for tasks like typing and operating elevator components, and applying up to 30 lbs. of force. Close visual attention is also required.

Mental Demands:

This position requires strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Employees must interpret complex information, apply mathematical and logical reasoning, quickly learn new skills, and manage detailed, multitask workloads under shifting deadlines. Regular interaction with executives, colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders is also expected.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use. A conditional offer of employment will be rescinded if a candidate fails either the background check or the drug test. This requirement is mandated by federal regulations applicable to our government contracting obligations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.