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Freelance Building Energy Modeling Jobs in Minnesota

Mechanical Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$78K - $110K/yr

Building energy modeling experience. Our comprehensive Benefits at DLR Group include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also ...

... building or facility. * Manage collision detection across multiple disciplines * Lead modeling ... Prepare BIM models for use in other software, such as programs for fluid flow analysis or energy ...

Experience and interest in sustainable building design. * Energy modeling experience in both Trace 700 and IESVE. * Experience with BIM (e.g. Autodesk Revit MEP) work flow.

Experience and interest in sustainable building design. * Energy modeling experience in both Trace 700 and IESVE. * Experience with BIM (e.g. Autodesk Revit MEP) work flow. DLR Group is an integrated ...

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Freelance Building Energy Modeling information

What is freelance building energy modeling?

Freelance building energy modeling is the practice of creating and analyzing digital simulations of buildings' energy use on a contract or project basis, rather than as a full-time employee. Freelancers in this field use specialized software to evaluate a building’s energy consumption, suggest improvements, and help architects, engineers, and building owners comply with energy codes or achieve certifications like LEED. This work can involve new construction or retrofits and often requires a strong understanding of HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, and local energy standards. Freelance energy modelers typically work remotely or on-site for various clients, providing flexibility and exposure to a range of projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance building energy modeler?

To thrive as a Freelance Building Energy Modeler, you need a solid background in architecture, engineering, or a related field, along with expertise in building science and energy analysis. Proficiency with energy modeling software such as eQUEST, EnergyPlus, or IES VE, and relevant certifications like LEED or CEM, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and effective project management set top freelancers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering accurate models, meeting client requirements, and ensuring energy-efficient building designs.

What are some common challenges freelance building energy modelers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Freelance building energy modelers often juggle several projects with differing deadlines, client expectations, and modeling requirements. One common challenge is efficiently prioritizing tasks while ensuring each project's data accuracy and compliance with relevant codes or standards. Effective communication with architects, engineers, and clients is vital to clarify project scopes and resolve technical questions quickly. Additionally, freelancers must stay organized with documentation and version control to avoid errors as they switch between projects, which can be demanding but also rewarding for those who value variety and autonomy.

What is the difference between Freelance Building Energy Modeling vs Building Energy Analyst?

AspectFreelance Building Energy Modeling
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like LEED AP, Energy Modeling certifications, or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based work often remote or on-site for specific projects
Employer & Industry UsageHired by architecture firms, engineering consultants, or directly by clients for specific projects
Work FocusCreating energy models to optimize building performance, compliance, and sustainability

Building Energy Analysts usually work full-time within organizations, focusing on ongoing energy management, data analysis, and reporting. Freelance Building Energy Modelers specialize in creating detailed energy models for individual projects, offering flexibility and specialized expertise. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment structure and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Energy Modeling jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Building Energy Modeling jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Building Energy Modeling jobs in Minnesota?

For Freelance Building Energy Modeling jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Building Energy Modeling jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Building Energy Modeling jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Freelance Building Energy Modeling jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Freelance Building Energy Modeling job openings:

Lead Sustainability Engineer

RMF Engineering, Inc

Northfield, MN

$96K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

This role is located in one of our RMF offices in either: Boston, MA, Charleston, SC, or Northfield, MN.

Job Type: On-site

RMF Engineering is an innovative, top-ranked, national engineering firm that specializes in providing design and engineering services for all aspects of building and utility infrastructure construction. RMF offers a balanced benefits package that centers on a stable and professional working environment which includes above standard health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and 401K plan.

VISION AND GOALS:

In response to the industry-wide movement toward more sustainable building and utility systems, combined with prevalent sustainability requirements from our clients, RMF established a formal sustainability practice in 2022 and hired a Director of Sustainability to develop and oversee a companywide sustainability strategy. Our focus in this area, combined with our strong history of existing relationships and engineering excellence, allows RMF to add great value to clients who are focused on ambitious energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

As a full-service engineering firm, RMF is well positioned to serve clients with sound guidance and lasting relationships from planning through design, construction, commissioning and beyond. We are passionate about growing our people and our business through these exciting, new opportunities. This position will provide a talented individual with the opportunity to innovate openly, collaborate with a supportive team, and make a real difference throughout our industry.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This individual will have a deep understanding of building science with functional knowledge of building energy modeling and building controls. They will be responsible for driving building level sustainability initiatives from project conception through completion, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of technical excellence while achieving client-specific energy and sustainability goals.  They will regularly interface with the project team, including RMF's individual discipline leads, as well as the architect, owner, and other project stakeholders to guide the energy and sustainability aspects of design. This position will harness the range of our MEP building design expertise and amplify firmwide sustainability knowledge to serve these clients well and have RMF known as the go-to firm for these efforts. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide technical leadership in HVAC design optimization, energy modeling, and decarbonization analysis, collaborating with architects, engineers, and building owners to support sustainable strategies.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies or design strategies and deliver innovative solutions to client energy goals while maintaining implementable and operable designs.
  • Support a team of energy modeling experts and building energy auditors following ASHRAE standards including lifecycle cost and economic viability analyses of energy efficiency measures.
  • Understand sustainability certification programs such as LEED, Living Building Challenge, Green Globes, and Passive House and articulate the MEP impacts of each to architects and owners.
  • Analyze local, state, or federal ordinances (e.g. Boston's Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure, Georgia Peach, or New York City's Local Law 97) and brief owners on compliance pathways through HVAC and/or other building systems design.  Identify utility or government-sponsored incentives to offset capital costs of energy/emissions savings projects.
  • Stay current with building codes and sustainable design practices and how they intersect and/or reconcile with client-driven design standards and sustainability certifications.
  • Ensure high-quality project documentation and reporting.
  • Guide and mentor  RMF teams on sustainable design practices, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing, to maintain high standards of work quality. 
  • Strengthen client relationships through effective communication and project management, identify new business opportunities, and network at industry events to drive business growth.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Sustainability and company leadership to develop and implement building MEP aspects of corporate sustainability strategy, training, and initiatives.
  • Travel and perform field work in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, tunnels, and other mechanical spaces that may require climbing ladders and stairways.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, Architecture, or a related field. 
  • 5+ Years experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on energy modeling, simulation, and sustainable design principals and application. 
  • Strong knowledge of building codes and standards related to energy efficiency.  
  • Experience with energy modeling software such as IESVE or similar tools.
  • Basic understanding of building automation system controls strategy and design principles
  • Exceptional leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. 

Benefits

A stable and professional working environment is offered with competitive salary, excellent employee benefits, which include health and dental insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and a 401K plan.  We are an equal opportunity employer and take pride in the diversity and dedication of our staff.