Building Performance Engineer

2 weeks ago


Portland, Oregon, United States RDH Building Science Full time

The Building Performance Engineer (EIT) plays a crucial role in orchestrating project initiatives and guiding junior personnel in collaboration with senior project managers at RDH Building Science. This position focuses on providing clients with expert recommendations in building performance and consultative engineering services. In the context of existing structures facing building envelope challenges, the EIT will spearhead condition evaluations and oversee subsequent repair and restoration projects. For new constructions, the EIT will engage in the design review process and ensure compliance with project specifications during the construction phase, including facilitating field testing of various building components. This role necessitates frequent analysis of data, objectives, and discussions with diverse stakeholders to address and resolve issues effectively.

This position is based in a dynamic environment with occasional travel requirements.

As the EIT gains experience and responsibilities, this role naturally progresses towards Professional Engineering licensure and a Project Manager position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Condition Evaluations

  • Independently strategize and execute assignments; assist the Group Leader and Project Managers in defining objectives and priorities.
  • Examine documentation, including architectural, structural, and mechanical drawings, to ascertain original construction details and identify potential risks for moisture intrusion, air leakage, and condensation.
  • Conduct visual inspections of the building's exterior and interior elements, reassessing existing conditions and high-risk zones. Exterior inspections may involve the use of ladders, swing stages, or boatswain's chairs (following appropriate training).
  • Create exploratory openings within the building envelope to facilitate visual inspections of underlying components for signs of deterioration and to assess moisture content levels in wood or gypsum materials.
  • Utilize independent judgment to conduct field tests on various building envelope assemblies, including windows, walls, and skylights; identify issues and develop testing solutions.
  • Analyze findings and prepare comprehensive reports and presentations, thoroughly documenting current conditions, evaluating future risks, and offering recommendations for maintenance, rehabilitation, and renewals.
Design Assistance and Review Responsibilities
  • Engage in design review activities to ensure all building performance barriers are effectively integrated and addressed.
  • Review Design Development (DD) Drawings at various stages to ensure continuity of barriers at critical details.
  • Examine DD Specification packages to confirm that appropriate products are specified and that installation information is adequately provided.
  • Research building materials when evaluating alternative or new materials proposed by designers or requested by contractors for specific, atypical conditions.
  • Compile and present detailed reports documenting current conditions, assessing future risks, and providing recommendations for maintenance, rehabilitation, and renewals.
Field Review of New Construction and Rehabilitation Projects
  • Monitor construction activities for adherence to contract documents and overall design intent. Prepare site visit reports and provide oversight of EITs and technologists conducting field reviews.
  • Participate in regular site meetings with owners, architects, contractors, developers, product manufacturers, and other relevant parties to discuss project progress.
  • Review manufacturers' shop drawings for alignment with project intent, performance concerning various building performance principles, and scheduling issues.
  • Evaluate and analyze mock-ups of various details and assemblies within the project scope (e.g., window installations, metal flashing transitions, cladding installation procedures). Utilize independent judgment on-site and recommend design modifications as necessary.
  • Prepare Site Instructions and/or Proposed Change Orders for items not included in the original contract.
  • Research building materials when considering alternative or new materials requested by contractors or for specific, atypical conditions. Use independent judgment in evaluating materials and make recommendations to senior staff regarding contractor alternate submissions.
  • Conduct visual inspections of the building's exterior and interior components, reassessing existing conditions and high-risk areas. Exterior inspections may involve the use of ladders, swing stages, or boatswain's chairs (following appropriate training).
Rehabilitation Project Bid Package Development
  • Create project detail drawings to clearly outline and specify the work.
  • Consider all material transitions and their performance concerning moisture, vapor, thermal, and air management.
  • Account for construction schedules and trade sequencing.
  • Develop project specifications to address various issues, including acceptable product materials, material delivery to the site, site storage, quality assurance of work, installation procedures, and protection of finished work.
  • Coordinate drawing and specification packages for consistency and coherence.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in architectural, mechanical, civil, or related fields.
  • Strong written, verbal, and sketching communication skills.
  • Previous construction or project management experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
  • Eligibility for EIT licensure is preferred.
  • Completion of FE and PE Exams, and gathering experience towards PE status (2 years).
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
  • Strong ability to manage time and projects independently.
  • Technical knowledge of building envelope design and construction principles.
  • Knowledge and application of engineering theory.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting engineering content to clients.
  • Ability to draft engineering plans and compile engineering specifications.
  • Proficiency in building science modeling software, such as WUFI, THERM, HEAT3, or energy modeling software is an added advantage.
  • Experience with various field-testing procedures, including water penetration and performance testing in accordance with ASTM and AAMA standards.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Effective communication skills with clients, trades, junior staff, and management.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
ABOUT US:

RDH Building Science is a remarkable workplace. A role with us signifies a commitment to learning and growing alongside inspiring and dedicated individuals who are passionate about enhancing building performance.

As an employee-owned consulting firm with a diverse team, we specialize in integrating building science engineering, architecture, and construction management to optimize building performance. Since our inception, we have established ourselves as industry leaders and continue to expand our reach while focusing on technical excellence and delivering high-quality projects.

We foster a positive work environment with exceptional teams, opportunities for professional growth, and development. We seek alignment with our core values: 1) commit to excellence, 2) act with integrity, 3) work collaboratively, 4) do what it takes, and 5) embrace continuous learning.

Our collaborative teams drive our mission of enhancing building performance. We strive for balanced representation within our teams and aim to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all individuals who share our values and mission. We believe that diverse perspectives, ideas, and voices contribute to our success - encompassing individuals of various identities, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, orientations, religions, abilities, education, cultures, and skills. We are dedicated to equity by building teams based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We proudly uphold our status as an equal opportunity employer.

For more information about our expertise, projects, and culture, please visit our website.

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