Energy/HVAC Specialist

Energy/HVAC Specialist

At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary: Epsten Group-a Salas O'Brien company, a leader in sustainable building solutions, seeks an Energy/HVAC Specialist to conduct technical analyses for LEED certification, ensure compliance with ASHRAE standards, and identify energy efficiency improvements. The specialist will provide quality assurance for energy models, support project teams, and contribute to resource development.

Responsibilities:

Core Job Functions:

• Review building designs and operational practices to ensure full compliance with ASHRAE standards and LEED rating systems, providing expert guidance to project teams.
• Perform rigorous quality control and assurance on all team deliverables, maintaining high standards of accuracy and consistency.
• Respond to GBCI feedback, offering technical expertise and clear solutions to address certification requirements and project challenges.
• Develop, refine, and maintain internal resources and reference materials to support ongoing improvements in energy modeling and certification processes.
• Implement enhancements to certification and decarbonization workflows by leveraging analytics, industry feedback, and best practices.
• Liaise with GBCI and USGBC, actively participating in discussions and staying informed about evolving industry trends and standards.
• Share technical knowledge and best practices with colleagues and professional organizations to foster continuous learning and development.
• Manage small teams, oversee project schedules, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and deliverables.
• Conduct detailed energy simulation modeling and load analyses for HVAC systems, supporting the achievement of sustainability certification goals.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation to substantiate compliance with sustainability certification standards.
• Educate project teams on LEED and ASHRAE requirements through written guidance and interactive training sessions.
• Collaborate with energy modeling specialists to ensure reviews are accurate, thorough, and completed within established timelines.

Opportunities for Impact:

• Evaluate departmental workflows to pinpoint opportunities for automation, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making. Deploy AI-powered tools for tasks such as energy modeling, predictive maintenance, and resource allocation to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Aggregate and analyze data from diverse sources (building systems, project management platforms, sustainability metrics) using AI and advanced analytics software. Generate actionable insights to support strategic planning, compliance, and reporting.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated workflows for repetitive tasks (e.g., sustainability reporting, GHG accounting, document management, scheduling) to free up staff time for higher-value work.
• Monitor the performance of AI and software solutions, collect user feedback, and iterate on processes to maximize impact, profitability, and user satisfaction.
• Educate team members on new digital tools and AI capabilities, develop training materials, and foster a culture of innovation and digital literacy within the department.
• Use AI to model and forecast energy usage, optimize building operations, and support decarbonization initiatives. Apply predictive analytics to identify inefficiencies and recommend targeted improvements.
• Stay current with emerging AI technologies, software platforms, and industry trends. Pilot new tools and approaches, evaluate their potential, and scale successful solutions across the department.
• Use AI-driven analytics to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize resource allocation, and support business development efforts through improved forecasting and reporting.

Metrics for Success:

• Complete initial on-boarding training to graduate to official Senior Energy/HVAC Specialist status within six months
• Meet individual review production metrics (quality, efficiency, and timeliness)
• Achieve customer service satisfaction consistent with department goals
• Demonstrate professional growth by advancing foundational and leadership competencies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in building sciences, mechanical/electrical engineering, or energy policy
• Minimum three years' experience in HVAC systems, energy modeling, or related fields
• Familiarity with LEED rating systems (BD+C or ID+C preferred)
• Proficiency with energy simulation software (eQUEST, EnergyPlus, etc.)
• A basic understanding of building design and construction process
• Experience with outdoor air ventilation requirements preferred

Additional Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of energy-related LEED requirements, IECC Code compliance, and decarbonization measures
• Professional licensure (P.E.) and accreditations (CEM, BEMP, LEED AP) preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Commitment to ESG-related assignments for company and clients.

Location: Remote, reporting to Atlanta, GA

Travel: minimal

Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000

Benefits:

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Office Benefits:

• LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, Fitwel 2 Stars, LBC Petal Certification, WELL Health-Safety, WELL Equity, Just. Label, and RESET Air certified office space on the 26th floor of a building with free gym access, secure bike parking, amenities floor, coffee shop, restaurant, and a multitude of local amenities within 1/4-mile walking distance which includes two mass-transit stations
• Twice-Yearly Profit Sharing
• Employee-owned company with option to buy shares
• Medical/Dental/Vision and Pet Insurance
• 401(k) with Safe Harbor match
• HSA/FSA/Dependent Care FSA
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Parental Leave
• 10 days annually for Holidays
• 2 weeks annually for Vacation
• Certifications office closed Christmas Eve through New Years Day
• 1 day annually for Altruistic activities, typically coordinated by the office as a group activity
• Flexible schedule, including option for 4/80 or other
• Summer Fridays – option to complete heads-down work or take PTO during summer months
• Remote work possible or hybrid if near Atlanta Office with option to work remotely full time after 5 years
• Stipend for alternative commuting
• Stipend for wellness activities, such as gym or yoga memberships, weight loss programs, competitive races, etc.
• Stipend for continuing education, professional accreditations, professional memberships, and conference attendance

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.