Decarbonization Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Work Authorization: Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Steven Winter Associates (SWA) does not sponsor employment-based visas (e.g., H-1B, OPT, etc.) for this position, now or in the future.

Why Steven Winter Associates? At SWA, youre not just joining a company, youre joining an employee-owned team committed to making buildings healthier, more sustainable, and lower-carbon.

• Be part of a collaborative, and supportive environment where your ideas matter.
• Work on real projects, seeing the impact of your work in the field and in communities.
• Learn from experienced building science professionals.

Why This Role Matters: Steven Winter Associates (SWA) is seeking a highly technical and strategic engineer to contribute to the growth and evolution of our Building Decarbonization Research & Pilots practice.

This role sits at the intersection of technical implementation, applied research, and market transformation. You will lead complex decarbonization projects spanning electrification, measurement and verification (M&V), emerging technologies, market and cost assessments, and implementation strategies for multifamily and commercial buildings.

You thrive in ambiguous environments, solving real-world implementation challenges and translating technical findings into clear, actionable guidance for clients, programs, and industry stakeholders. The role also supports industry thought leadership, client relationship development, and the evolution of SWAs decarbonization services.

The proposed annual salary range for this position is $110,000 - $155,000 based on a 40-hour work week. Final compensation may vary based on the selected candidates confirmed job-related skills, qualifications and experience.

• The final title and level for this position will be determined based on the selected candidates experience, leadership capabilities, and overall alignment with organizational needs.

Responsibilities: Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Technical Project Leadership & Delivery (55-70%)

• Lead complex building decarbonization projects including market research, field studies, pilot evaluations, retrofit design, and measurement and verification (M&V) from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Develop implementation-focused solutions to technical and operational challenges.
• Translate technical findings into actionable recommendations for clients, utilities, public agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Manage project financial performance, scope, and delivery quality.
• Collaborate with utilities, government agencies, program administrators, and industry partners to advance decarbonization and market transformation goals.
• Develop frameworks, tools, templates, and technical resources to improve delivery consistency and quality.

Industry Leadership & Business Growth (10-20%)

• Represent SWA at technical conferences, technical working groups, industry events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Contribute to white papers, case studies, presentations, and other thought leadership materials.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, utilities, public agencies, and industry partners.
• Identify opportunities and create proposals for new business opportunities aligned with SWAs mission and growth strategy.

Team Collaboration & Leadership (15-30%)

• Mentor and support technical staff across project delivery, field investigations, and analytical work. Formal supervisory responsibilities may be included depending on experience and interest.
• Support internal knowledge-sharing and technical training initiatives.
• Provide technical review and guidance across SWAs decarbonization and building performance projects.

Who You Are: You are an analytical and collaborative problem-solver who enjoys bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation. You are leader who can comfortably navigate complex projects across technical, operational, and stakeholder groups.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years in building decarbonization, energy efficiency, applied research, building systems consulting, or MEP building systems consulting.
• Bachelors degree in engineering, Building Science, Architecture, or related technical field.
• Professional Engineering License.
• Demonstrated experience leading technically complex projects through implementation.
• Deep technical knowledge of building HVAC, domestic hot water, controls, and/or electrical systems.
• Proven experience with building electrification projects, M&V strategies and execution, pilot programs, or applied building performance research.
• Proven experience reviewing technical analyses, engineering documentation, and field performance data.
• Proven experience in retrofit design.
• Strong project management and client management experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with multifamily building decarbonization and retrofit implementation.
• Familiarity with NYC, Massachusetts, Mid-Atlantic climate and energy policies, utility programs, and market drivers.
• Experience working with NYSERDA, utilities, public agencies, or market transformation initiatives.
• Experience developing technical guidance, market assessments, or implementation frameworks.
• Existing industry relationships and external visibility within the building decarbonization sector.
• Experience mentoring or training technical staff.
• Experience with CAD, Power BI, Python.

Application Process:

• A cover letter is requested for consideration outlining interest.
• Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be invited to complete a 30-minute technical assessment to evaluate their skills. Selected candidates will proceed to up to 3 rounds of interviews, with the final round including a presentation.
• If you meet at least 75% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
• SWA is committed to inclusion and will provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee may be required to lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Travel Requirements: Occasional overnight travel may be required (Less than 15%). Frequent local field visits in the Metro area will be necessary (estimated at 15-30%).

Working Environment: Recent hires may be required to work in-office five days per week during onboarding, with the potential for a more flexible schedule following completion of training and supervisor approval. Under SWAs current policy, team members are expected in the office at least three days per week, with additional flexibility based on job duties and fieldwork requirements.

This is a hybrid position that includes office, remote, and field-based work. Responsibilities include project meetings, technical analysis, site visits, and field investigations at active construction sites and occupied buildings.

Some local and occasional overnight travel may be required.

Benefits & Perks: SWA invests in our people, and weve designed a benefits package tailored to meet the needs of our team to include medical, dental, vision, 401k (with match), commuter benefits, etc.

Company Principles: Be visionary. Foster camaraderie. Take ownership. Think holistically. Improve the built environment.

SWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer all qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): SWA is a workplace where we are aware of and welcoming of the ways in which we are all diverse as evidenced by a culture of listening and understanding. We endeavor to create a workplace where people feel empowered to act; a safe place where people are open to discussing different views; ongoing education opportunities around diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to build a culture of belonging and accountability.

What to Know: At Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) our mission is to make buildings more sustainable, energy-efficient, accessible, healthy, and resilient, not just with better structures, but to the communities they serve. Working with architects, engineers, developers, owners, and project teams, our team of consultants is always pushing boundaries, collaborating, and problem-solving to deliver solutions that benefit people and the planet.

Join us and become part of a company where your work helps shape a better built environment and where your voice matters. For further information on Steven Winter Associates, please visit http://www.swinter.com.