Envelope Writer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Department: Existing Building

Lerch Bates is seeking an Associate Building Enclosure Consultant to join our Building Science team. This role is designed for early-career professionals who are looking to build technical expertise in building enclosure consulting, project management, and client services while developing toward an independent Consultant role.

As an Associate Consultant, you will work alongside experienced consultants on projects involving both new construction and existing buildings. You'll gain hands-on experience with building envelope investigations, design review, construction quality assurance, field testing, project coordination, and client communication while contributing to projects that improve building performance, durability, and resilience.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving technical challenges, working in the field, and developing expertise in building science and building enclosure systems.

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.

Technical Development & Project Support

• Develop technical knowledge through hands-on training and mentorship from experienced Consultants, Senior Consultants, and business leaders
• Support building envelope consulting projects involving both new construction and existing buildings
• Participate in proposal preparation, contract development, project planning, design review, construction administration, field observations, performance testing, and client meetings
• Assist with evaluating roofing systems, exterior cladding, waterproofing systems, glazing systems, sealants, weather barriers, and other building enclosure components
• Develop an understanding of building science principles, industry standards, and best practices

Project Management & Client Support

• Support the management of multiple projects while maintaining quality, responsiveness, budgets, schedules, and client satisfaction
• Assist with project tracking, reporting, budgeting, invoicing, and change management documentation
• Prepare technical reports and project documentation
• Communicate project status, observations, and recommendations to clients and internal teams
• Build strong relationships with clients, contractors, architects, consultants, and project stakeholders

Field Services

• Participate in field observations, building enclosure inspections, construction quality assurance activities, and field performance testing
• Travel to project sites throughout the region as needed
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during field activities

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Building Science, or a related discipline preferred
• 1–2 years of experience in architecture, engineering, construction, building science, or a related industry
• Experience with building construction, building envelope systems, field inspections, construction administration, shop drawing review, or performance testing preferred
• Working knowledge of roofing, waterproofing, exterior cladding, glazing systems, sealants, weather barriers, or related building enclosure systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project demands
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Ability to work independently while contributing within a collaborative team environment
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Bluebeam
• Willingness to travel regionally for project work

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 includes a mixture of office and field work, including visits to active construction sites and existing buildings. Fieldwork may involve climbing, confined spaces, and exposure to construction environments. Reasonable accommodation is available upon request.

Physical Demands:

The employee must be able to work at extreme heights using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and in various weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, cold, and wet).

The work environment varies greatly from a general office environment, construction sites and entry into tight spaces which requires the ability to tolerate constant up, down, forward and reversing motions while performing work

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.