Building Science Engineer

The Building Science Engineer (EIT) is responsible for coordinating project activities and junior staff efforts in support of senior RDH project managers who provide clients with building science recommendations and consultative engineering services. Working on existing structures with building enclosure failures, the EIT will lead building enclosure condition assessments and lead subsequent repair and rehabilitation efforts. Working on new structures, the EIT will participate in the design review process, and during construction confirm conformance with the project documents including guiding field testing of various components of the building. Work requires frequent interpretation of data, goals, and objectives and discussion of problems with various individuals or groups to resolve problematic situations.

This position will be based out of Portland, OR with some out of state travel requirements (+/- one trip per week).

This position naturally leads to Professional Engineering licensure and a Project Manager role as experience and responsibilities are increased over time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Condition Assessments

* Independently plan and complete assignments; assist the Group Leader and Project Managers with defining objectives and priorities.* Review documentation including architectural, structural, and mechanical drawings to determine original construction detailing and identify areas of risk for water penetration, air leakage, and/or condensation.* Conduct visual review of the building exterior and interior components, re-evaluating existing conditions and high-risk areas. Exterior reviews are typically conducted from ladders, swing stages, or boatswain's chair (once proper training has been arranged).* Create exploratory openings within the building enclosure to allow for visual review of the underlying components for evidence of decay/deterioration and to evaluate moisture content levels of the wood or gypsum materials.* Use independent judgment; conduct field tests of various building enclosure assemblies, including windows, walls, and skylights; and identify problems and develop testing solutions. Use independent judgement during testing to identify problems and develop testing solutions.* Analyze and prepare written reports and presentations, fully documenting the current conditions, evaluating future risks, and providing recommendations for renewals, rehabilitation, and/or maintenance.

Design Assist and Design Review Roles

* Participate in Design review activities including review to ensure all building science barriers are incorporated and adequately addressed.* Review DD Drawings at various stages for continuity of barriers at key details.* Review DD Specification packages to verify appropriate products are specified and adequate information regarding installation is included.* Research building materials when considering alternative/new materials proposed by designers or requested by contractors for specific, non-typical conditions.* Analyze and prepare written reports and presentations, fully documenting the current conditions, evaluating future risks, and providing recommendations for renewals, rehabilitation, and/or maintenance.

Field Review of New Construction and Rehabilitation Projects

* Review construction activities for conformance to contract documents and overall design intent. Prepare site visit reports.

Provide oversight of EIT's and technologists performing field review.

Review site visit reports for consistency and technical accuracy.* Attend regular site meeting with owner(s), architects, contractors, developers, product manufacturers, and any other relevant parties to discuss progress of the work.* Review manufacture's shop drawings for conformance with the project intent, performance with respect to the various building science principles, and for any scheduling of work issues.* Review and analyze "mock-ups" of various details and assemblies within the scope of work (e.g. window installation, metal flashing transitions, cladding installation procedure, etc.). Use independent judgement on site and make recommendations for modifications to design.* Prepare Site Instructions and/or Proposed Change Orders for items not included in the original contract.* Research building materials when considering alternative/new materials requested by contractors or materials considered for specific, nontypical conditions. Use independent judgement in the evaluation of materials and make recommendations to senior staff for contractor alternate submittals.* Conduct visual review of the building exterior and interior components, re-evaluating existing conditions and high-risk areas.

Exterior review is typically conducted from ladders, swing stages, or boatswain's chair (once proper training has been arranged).

Rehabilitation Project Bid Package Creation

* Create project detail drawings to clearly identify and layout the work.* Consider all material transitions and their performance with respect to water, vapor, thermal, and air.* Consider construction schedule and trades sequencing.* Create project specifications to identify various issues, including acceptable product materials, material delivery to site, site storage of material, quality assurance of work, installation procedures, protection of finished work, etc.* Coordinate drawing and specification packages for continuity and consistency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree in engineering. Preference for majors in architectural, mechanical, civil or similar.* Strong communication skills written, verbal, and sketching.* Some previous construction or project management experience is an asset but not a requirement.* Eligibility for EIT licensure preferred.* Completion of FE and PE Exams, and gathering experience towards PE status (2 yrs).

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

* Strong ability to manage time and projects independently.* Technical knowledge of building enclosure design and construction principals.* Knowledge and application of engineering theory.* Excellent written and verbal communication skills and able to publicly present engineering content to clients.* Ability to draft engineering plans and compile engineering specifications.* Skilled in use of building science modeling software, such as WUFI, THERM, HEAT3 or energy modeling software is an added plus.* Experience with various field-testing procedures including water penetration and performance testing in accordance with ASTM and AAMA standards.* Excellent attention to detail.* Excellent organizational skills.* Good ability to communicate with clients, trades, junior staff, and management.* Good ability to shift focus between changing priorities.

ABOUT US:

RDH is an amazing place to work. A role with RDH is a career commitment to learn and grow alongside inspiring and dedicated people who care deeply about Making Buildings Better.

We are an employee-owned consulting firm with 300 employees in nine offices across North America. Our core area of business is the integration of building science engineering, architecture, and construction management to optimize the performance of buildings. Since our beginnings in 1997, we have become industry leaders in North America and continue to grow as we focus on technical excellence and delivering high-quality projects.

We offer a positive workplace with incredible teams, opportunities for professional growth, development and ownership. As well as your background, we seek alignment with RDH's core values: 1) commit to excellence, 2) act with integrity, 3) work as a team 4) do what it takes, and 5) always learn.

Our collaborative teams fuel our mission of Making Buildings Better. We seek balanced representation in our teams, and to achieve a welcoming and inclusive community for all people who share a passion for our values and mission. We believe diverse thought, ideas, and voices make us great - people of different identities, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, orientations, religions, abilities, education, cultures, and skills. We are committed to equity through building teams based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Additional information on our expertise, projects, and culture can be found at www.rdh.com.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF to hr@rdh.com with the job title and location in the subject line.

No phone calls please. While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please note that only those already entitled to work in the USA legally need apply.
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