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Freelance Building Energy Modeling Jobs in Virginia

We strive to continually improve building energy efficiency and therefore, the quality of homes and ... While prior experience with permitting or energy modeling software is a plus, we offer ...

We strive to continually improve building energy efficiency and therefore, the quality of homes and ... While prior experience with permitting or energy modeling software is a plus, we offer ...

Permit Analyst

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$44K/yr

We strive to continually improve building energy efficiency and therefore, the quality of homes and ... While prior experience with permitting or energy modeling software is a plus, we offer ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainable Design Engineer Leader, Mission Critical

Hksinc

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview:

A primary managerial position in whole-building dynamic thermal and energy building simulation models for various building types and scales and shares responsibility for project successes. Recognized ability to impact revenue and growth. Manages the firm's resources (people, processes and tools) and assignments with proficiency, fluency and aptitude. Teaches and mentors staff and effectively embodies and expresses the firm's values and mission. Advances enterprise level objectives for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).

Responsibilities:

  • Oversees the whole-building dynamic thermal and energy building simulation models for various building types and scales, including advanced mechanical systems evaluations, architectural response to enhancing daylighting, lighting control systems and detailed thermal and moisture response of building facade components
  • Understands business constraints and opportunities when developing energy modeling related service proposals
  • Manages the detailed engineering analysis for the purpose of minimizing energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions related to a building's architectural design, construction and operation
  • Manages the comfort studies, life cycle costs analysis, energy simulation, daylight simulations, solar shading analysis and renewable energy evaluation to provide analysis-based recommendations that inform design and operational decisions made by architects, engineers, contactors and operators
  • Supports DesignGreen team and Enterprise leadership to expand and further integrate design performance, building energy modeling and building operation modeling for all projects across the firm, including informing design decisions by predicting a building's performance with respect to energy efficiency, passive and active design strategies, building massing, daylight availability, glare control, shading analysis, thermal comfort, natural ventilation, mechanical systems alternatives, loads analysis, renewable energy systems integration and similar design factors/elements throughout the project's life cycle
  • Confidently predicts a building's anticipated energy use and corresponding energy savings, as compared to a standard baseline by applying whole-building energy simulation and verify performance through industry standard calibration procedures for post-occupancy evaluations
  • Oversees the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for design alternatives with a keen understanding of appropriate economic analysis parameters relevant to the project
  • Leads and/or assists design teams to promote integrative sustainable strategies and leverage complex data sets to support design decisions and research
  • Leads and/or assists with specialized project and enterprise research activities including but not limited to energy, environmental, carbon and general sustainability issues
  • Authors professional publications/journals (prime investigator) and identifies areas of opportunity (innovation) to increase energy efficiency by utilizing new or existing technologies, provide creative market transformation ideas, and/or innovative implementation strategies
  • Advances enterprise level Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts such as the AIA 2030 Commitment and the United Nations Global Compact
  • Oversees technical reports and presentation materials
  • May collaborate with HKS Research to lead and manage the development and use of indoor environmental sensors and instrumentation for the purposes of research, diagnostics, and post-occupancy evaluations
  • Participates in or leads team meetings to discuss project issues, technical issues and coordination with other disciplines
  • Travel may be required

Qualifications:

  • Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred
  • Professional engineering licensure preferred
  • Typically 10+ years of experience
  • Modeling credentials such as ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP), Building Energy Simulation Analyst (BESA), or equivalent preferred
  • Sustainable design accreditation preferred
  • Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360, Energy Plus, EnergyPro preferred
  • Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and InDesign graphic software preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite preferred
  • Experience in LEED submission and regulatory compliance energy modeling
  • Familiarity with computational design and parametric modeling preferred
  • Familiarity with energy modeling preferred
  • Knowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelines
  • Strong knowledge in interpreting and applying high-performance building standards such as ANSI, ASHRAE, IESNA and ASTM as well as building energy codes such as IECC and T24
  • Strong knowledge of architectural building systems
  • Working knowledge of building physics, energy transfer, mechanical design, system control strategies and economics is required
  • Knowledge of QA/QC and specification process
  • Knowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documents
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
  • Ability to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationships
  • Ability to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
  • Ability to collaborate and encourage collaboration in a team environment
  • Ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality

Base Salary Range: $104K - $130K annually - Chicago, Denver, Richmond, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Washington DC locations only

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the above locations only. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran