Contract Remote Energy Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Resource Innovations is seeking an Energy Engineer to join our growing team and support a variety of retro-commissioning, building tune-up, and other C&I energy efficiency programs. This position may be remote, with a preferred location in Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas, Wisconsin, or other states in the Midwest or Eastern U.S.

Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we're constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we're leading the charge to power change.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and conduct commercial and industrial energy efficiency projects, including retro-commissioning (RCx), virtual Cx, building tune-up (BTU), energy audits, HVAC optimization, and other utility program offerings.
• Responsibilities may include remote data analysis, desktop engineering review, savings calculations, measure validation, economic analysis, incentive review, field investigation, and documentation of project scope and implementation requirements.
• Conduct RCx and Virtual Cx projects by analyzing building automation system data, interval meter data, utility data, and operational trends to identify no-cost and low-cost energy savings opportunities.
• Use the company's virtual energy management software platform to review facility performance, identify operational issues, and develop actionable recommendations. Training on the software platform will be provided.
• Present and discuss findings with customers, contractors, trade allies, utility program staff, and internal team members. Clearly explain identified opportunities, operational impacts, implementation requirements, potential savings, and recommended next steps.
• Support ongoing enhancement of the company's Cx software platform by providing user feedback, identifying opportunities to improve workflow and functionality, assisting with quality checks, and, when applicable, supporting software updates or analytical tool development using Python.
• Review retro-commissioning and building tune-up project submissions, including technical reports, savings calculations, measure assumptions, implementation documentation, and measurement and verification results to confirm alignment with utility program requirements and engineering best practices.
• Develop and review engineering calculations to quantify energy and cost savings using spreadsheets, utility program tools, BAS trend data, interval meter data, Python-based analysis, and/or energy modeling software.
• Evaluate energy impacts for measures related to HVAC systems and controls, lighting, compressed air, refrigeration, boilers, pumps, motors, process systems, and other facility energy-using systems.
• Conduct measurement and verification activities to establish facility operating conditions, confirm project implementation, and verify energy savings.
• Activities may include installing data loggers, collecting BAS trend data, performing functional performance tests, capturing BAS screenshots and equipment photos, reviewing equipment operation, and discussing implementation details with customers and contractors.
• Prepare clear and concise technical reports summarizing energy assessment findings, VCx and RCx opportunities, recommended measures, savings calculations, project costs, incentives, simple payback, implementation details, and operational impacts.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to support successful project delivery, maintain project schedules and budgets, and help customers maximize the value of utility energy efficiency programs.
• Deliver technically sound, high-quality engineering services and deliverables that demonstrate accuracy, objectivity, clarity, and practical understanding of commercial and industrial facility operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Science, or a related technical field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in commercial and industrial (C&I) energy efficiency, retro-commissioning, energy audits, building tune-up, utility program implementation, or related technical project work.
• Working knowledge of C&I building systems, including HVAC, building automation systems, controls, boilers, pumps, motors, and other facility energy-using systems.
• Experience analyzing energy data, utility bills, interval meter data, BAS trend data, or equipment operating data to identify energy savings opportunities.
• Strong communication, technical writing, analytical, organizational, and self-management skills, with the ability to clearly present technical findings and coordinate with customers, contractors, trade allies, utility program staff, and internal team members.
• Ability to develop, review, and clearly document engineering calculations, energy savings estimates, project economics, and measure assumptions using spreadsheets, utility program tools, and/or other analytical methods.
• Interest in sustainability and passionate about making a meaningful impact on the environment.

Preferred skills, education and experience

• Experience with retro-commissioning, monitoring-based commissioning, virtual energy management, HVAC optimization, building tune-up, or other energy management projects.
• Experience conducting on-site or remote energy assessments, M&V activities, BAS trend reviews, data logging, functional performance testing, field verification, or implementation verification.
• Familiarity with common operational energy conservation measures, including scheduling optimization, setpoint adjustments, supply air temperature reset, static pressure reset, chilled water and hot water reset, economizer optimization, demand control ventilation, and other HVAC control strategies.
• Familiarity with utility energy efficiency programs, technical reference manuals, incentive calculations, measurement and verification practices, and project documentation requirements.
• Experience reviewing technical reports, savings calculations, M&V documentation, implementation evidence, and customer-facing deliverables for RCx, building tune-up, energy audit, or utility incentive projects.
• Experience using energy analysis tools, spreadsheet-based calculators, data visualization tools, or Python for energy analysis, automation, or software platform enhancement.
• Familiarity with relevant energy efficiency codes and standards, such as IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE Guideline 14, ASHRAE 62.1, ASHRAE 55, or applicable federal equipment efficiency standards.
• Experience managing multiple projects, budgets, deliverables, schedules, and stakeholder relationships.

Benefits

About Resource Innovations

Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we're constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we're leading the charge to power change.

Resource Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Resource Innovations complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company does work.

Compensation & Benefits

Resource Innovations offers competitive salaries based on a candidate's skills, experience and qualifications for the position.  The compensation range for the base salary for this position is $70,000-$95,000. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus.  The stated salary represents the expected compensation for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education and location. 

At Resource Innovations, we believe supporting our people is essential to delivering impact. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes three weeks of paid vacation annually, paid holidays, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, an employee assistance program, commuter benefits, and additional supplemental offerings.

 Employment with Resource Innovations is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check and reference check. If applicable to the position, a pre-employment drug screen may also be required.

 The above job description and job requirements are not intended to be all inclusive. Resource Innovations retains the right to make changes or adjustments to job descriptions and/or job requirements at any time without notice.