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Embodied Carbon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Establishes and maintains SES standard analysis reporting and visualization formats for both operational and embodied carbon. * Performs reviews of energy models and other key deliverables from ...

Stay abreast of evolving industry trends, code updates, and sustainable design best practices, including embodied carbon reduction and high-performance buildings. Responsibilities * Bachelor's degree ...

Sustainability Engineer - Wayne, PA

Wayne, PA · On-site

$82K - $101K/yr

Net Zero Energy/Carbon Road Mapping * Whole building life cycle assessment/embodied carbon modeling * Green building certification support (LEED, WELL, Green Globes, etc) * Renewable energy analysis

... and embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new ...

... embodied carbon reduction, speed of construction, or product performance. * Assist the Business Development Manager and contractors with logging changes, updating quantities, and adjusting estimates ...

Energy Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

... embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Perform energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new construction.

Energy Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

... embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Perform energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new construction.

$100K - $150K/yr

... and embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new ...

$100K - $150K/yr

... and embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new ...

$75K - $120K/yr

... embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Perform energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new construction.

... and embodied) carbon impact and healthier real estate for our clients. Key Responsibilities: * Lead the energy auditing and commissioning processes for (major) renovation projects and new ...

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Embodied Carbon information

See salary details

$41.5K

$112.9K

$164.5K

How much do embodied carbon jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for embodied carbon in the United States is $112,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Embodied Carbon vs Building Energy Modeler?

AspectEmbodied CarbonBuilding Energy Modeler
FocusQuantifies carbon emissions from material extraction, manufacturing, and constructionAnalyzes energy consumption and efficiency during building operation
CredentialsEnvironmental certifications, sustainability trainingBuilding science, HVAC, or energy modeling certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, sustainability consultancies, construction projectsArchitectural firms, engineering consultancies, building owners

Embodied Carbon and Building Energy Modeler roles both contribute to sustainable building design but focus on different lifecycle stages. Embodied Carbon assesses emissions from materials and construction, while Building Energy Modelers optimize operational energy use. Both are essential for reducing a building's overall environmental impact.

What is embodied carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions produced during the entire lifecycle of a building material, product, or structure, excluding operational emissions. This includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, maintenance, and eventual disposal or recycling. Understanding and reducing embodied carbon is crucial in the construction and building industry for minimizing overall environmental impact and meeting sustainability goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in embodied carbon assessment, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in embodied carbon assessment often encounter challenges such as limited access to reliable material data, rapidly evolving industry standards, and integrating carbon evaluations into early design decisions. These challenges can be addressed by staying updated with the latest databases (e.g., EPDs), engaging with cross-functional teams early in projects, and participating in ongoing training or industry forums. Effective collaboration with architects, engineers, and suppliers also helps ensure accurate and actionable assessments, leading to more sustainable project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embodied Carbon Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embodied Carbon Specialist, you need expertise in sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon accounting, and a relevant degree in environmental science, engineering, or architecture. Familiarity with LCA software tools like One Click LCA, SimaPro, or GaBi, as well as knowledge of green building certifications such as LEED or BREEAM, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals translate technical results into actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders. These competencies are vital for reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and infrastructure, meeting regulatory requirements, and supporting sustainable development goals.
More about Embodied Carbon jobs
What cities are hiring for Embodied Carbon jobs? Cities with the most Embodied Carbon job openings:
What states have the most Embodied Carbon jobs? States with the most job openings for Embodied Carbon jobs include:
Infographic showing various Embodied Carbon job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,891 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Sustainable Design Specialist

SOM

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

  • Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

  • Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

  • Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

  • Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

  • Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

  • Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities

  • Act as point of contact for SOM design teams to integrate sustainable design strategies throughout design stages.

  • Performs environmental analysis across multiple projects including by not limited to: energy simulation, UTCI & thermal comfort, visual comfort, natural ventilation and CFD analysis.

  • Contributes to development of firm-wide whole life carbon research, analysis and application to projects.

  • Establishes and maintains SES standard analysis reporting and visualization formats for both operational and embodied carbon.

  • Performs reviews of energy models and other key deliverables from external consultants to verify inputs and outcomes and provide clear feedback to design teams on findings.

  • Communicates sustainable design and engineering systems ideas to clients and MEP consultants through visualization, imagery and analyses and is able to sustain technical discussions.

  • Performs thermal and hygrothermal simulations to support research, innovation and project designs.

  • Advise SES global team on current issues and improvements related to performance modeling, codes and environmental analytics, to continually inform direction for SES services.

  • Contributes to project work plans to incorporate relevant analysis at appropriate project stages to inform design processes and outcomes.

  • Conduct research and evaluations of emerging software and technologies that improve high performance design and its incorporation into SES Team workflows.

  • Directly trains and mentors team members and designers on sustainable engineering theory and tools deployment.

  • Demonstrates knowledge in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

  • Contributes to the development of standards and procedures for energy and carbon reduction, including workflow and QAQC.

Leadership Responsibilities

  • Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members' recognized abilities and potential.

  • In collaboration with team members, contributes to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.

  • Actively engages in internal professional development opportunities.

  • Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

  • Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.

  • Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of 4 years of industry experience in Architecture, Building Science, Engineering or related fields.

  • Completion of professional degree in Architecture, Building Science, Engineering or related fields.

  • Demonstrable knowledge and use of USGBC's LEED program(s), WELL, and other green building rating programs.

  • Demonstrable technical knowledge of sustainable strategies, including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, and implementation through building design and construction phases.

  • Proficiency in the following software and applications:

    • 3D modeling: Rhinoceros

    • Whole building energy simulation: IES Virtual Environment, EnergyPlus/OpenStudio

    • Daylight & glare modeling: ClimateStudio, IES Virtual Environment, Ladybug Tools

    • Thermal Comfort Simulation: Ladybug Tools

    • Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

  • Familiarity with the following software and applications:

    • BIM: Revit

    • Building envelope analysis: THERM, WINDOW

    • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

  • Demonstrable knowledge of HVAC systems and their suitability to different applications

  • Passive house certification (PHI or PHIUS acceptable), BEMP and LEED Accredited Professional is preferred.

  • Strong interpersonal, graphic, verbal and written communication skills.

Our Benefits

Health and Wellness:Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
Savings:401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
Work/Life Balance:Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
Professional Development:Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $75,000 to $90,000.

Our Culture

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy

For more about SOM: www.som.com


Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.