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Sustainable Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 8+ years of experience * Modeling ...

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of ...

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of ...

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 8+ years of experience * Modeling ...

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of ...

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferred * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of ...

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field * Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 8+ years of experience * Modeling ...

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Sustainable Design Engineer information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do sustainable design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustainable design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sustainable Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectSustainable Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications in sustainability or green building standardsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction companies, green building projects, consultingManufacturing, product design, HVAC, automotive, aerospace industries
Industry UsageConstruction, architecture, sustainable developmentManufacturing, energy, automotive, aerospace

The Sustainable Design Engineer focuses on creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient designs, often working on green building projects and sustainable infrastructure. In contrast, the Mechanical Engineer designs mechanical systems and components across various industries. While both roles require engineering credentials, their work environments and industry applications differ, with Sustainable Design Engineers emphasizing sustainability and environmental impact.

What is a Sustainable Design Engineer?

A Sustainable Design Engineer is a professional who integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into the design and construction of buildings, products, or systems. Their main goal is to minimize negative environmental impacts and promote energy efficiency, resource conservation, and sustainability. They work closely with architects, engineers, and clients to develop innovative solutions that meet sustainability standards and regulations. Sustainable Design Engineers may specialize in areas such as green building, renewable energy, or sustainable materials. Their work helps create healthier, more efficient, and environmentally friendly environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sustainable Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sustainable Design Engineer, you need expertise in environmental engineering principles, green building standards, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by LEED or similar certifications. Familiarity with building information modeling (BIM) software, energy modeling tools, and life-cycle assessment systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication skills help drive innovative and sustainable solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully designing environmentally responsible projects that meet client needs and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges Sustainable Design Engineers face when integrating eco-friendly solutions into existing building projects?

Sustainable Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental goals with budget constraints, retrofitting older structures with modern sustainable technologies, and ensuring compliance with evolving green building regulations. Collaborating effectively with architects, contractors, and clients to prioritize sustainability without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics is key. Creative problem-solving and up-to-date knowledge of sustainable materials and certifications are essential to overcoming these obstacles and delivering successful, eco-friendly projects.
More about Sustainable Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustainable Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Sustainable Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Sustainable Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustainable Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sustainable Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sustainable Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sustainable Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Sr. Sustainable Design Engineer

Hksinc

Dallas, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Overview:

Manages and leads engineering analysis and models for sustainability. 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.

Responsibilities:

  • Manages 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
  • 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
  • Participates in 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
  • Professional engineering licensure preferred
  • Typically 8+ 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: $100K - $125K annually - Chicago & Washington DC locations only

The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the Chicago & Washington DC 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