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Sustainable Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sustainable design accreditation preferred * Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360 ...

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 ...

Sustainable design accreditation preferred * Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360 ...

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 ...

Sustainable design accreditation preferred * Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360 ...

Sustainable design accreditation preferred * Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360 ...

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 ...

Sustainable design accreditation preferred * Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360 ...

Sustainable design accreditation preferred * Familiarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360 ...

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Sustainable Design information

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How much do sustainable design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for sustainable design in the United States is $60.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.63 and $72.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sustainability designer do?

A sustainability designer develops environmentally responsible and resource-efficient designs for buildings, products, or systems. They analyze materials, energy use, and environmental impact, often using tools like CAD software and sustainability standards such as LEED certification to create eco-friendly solutions. Their work supports reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices in various industries.

What careers are in sustainable design?

Careers in sustainable design include roles such as sustainable architect, environmental designer, green building consultant, and eco-friendly product designer. These positions often require knowledge of green building standards like LEED, proficiency with design software, and a focus on environmentally responsible practices.

What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone working in Sustainable Design?

Professionals in Sustainable Design typically engage in tasks such as developing eco-friendly design concepts, analyzing materials and energy use, and ensuring projects meet sustainability standards and certifications. The role often involves close collaboration with architects, engineers, construction teams, and clients to integrate green practices throughout the project lifecycle. You may conduct site assessments, create presentations, and stay current on environmental regulations and technologies. Depending on the organization, work can range from hands-on site visits to office-based modeling and documentation, offering a dynamic and impactful work environment.

Is sustainability a high paying career?

Sustainable design careers can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced professionals with specialized skills in green building, renewable energy, or environmental policy. Salaries vary based on location, education, and experience, with some roles reaching higher income levels in the industry. Certifications like LEED or expertise in sustainable materials can also influence earning potential.

What is a Sustainable Design job?

A Sustainable Design job focuses on creating environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products, buildings, or systems. Professionals in this field incorporate sustainable materials, renewable energy, and resource-efficient practices into their designs. They work in industries such as architecture, product design, urban planning, and engineering to reduce environmental impact. The goal is to balance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability while meeting current regulations and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sustainable Design position, and why are they important?

To excel in Sustainable Design, you need a solid background in environmental science, architecture, or engineering, combined with knowledge of green building principles and sustainability standards. Familiarity with tools such as CAD software, energy modeling programs, and certifications like LEED or WELL is highly valuable. Strong project management, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help you collaborate effectively and drive innovative solutions. These abilities are vital for creating built environments that minimize environmental impact while meeting client and regulatory requirements.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

In 2030, roles heavily reliant on manual data entry, basic manufacturing tasks, and routine administrative functions are expected to decline due to automation and AI advancements. Jobs requiring repetitive tasks that can be automated, such as certain assembly line positions and basic clerical work, may become obsolete as technology improves and AI tools become more widespread.
More about Sustainable Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustainable Design jobs? Cities with the most Sustainable Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sustainable Design jobs? The most popular types of Sustainable Design jobs are:
What states have the most Sustainable Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustainable Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sustainable Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,322 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Sustainable Design Specialist

Sustainable Design Specialist

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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.