Associate, Building Decarbonization

Synapse Energy Economics • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Synapse is a consulting company that has been providing rigorous analysis on behalf of public interest clients in the energy sector for more than 30 years. Our work includes expert analysis, reports, and high-impact expert witness testimony in docketed proceedings before public utility commissions across the country and in Canada. Our clients are primarily environmental non-profits, state agencies, federal agencies, and consumer and environmental advocacy groups. Synapse is seeking a building energy professional with in-field experience in building energy projects who is highly motivated to contribute to the advancement of high-impact building decarbonization initiatives at the state, local, or national level. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of building science principles and building electrification technologies, including heat pumps and related HVAC systems. Experience with commercial buildings is preferred. Experience with district thermal energy networks and building performance standards (such as BERDO or BEUDO) is a plus. This role is hybrid and based in Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Requirements

• Degree in Economics, Energy and Environmental Policy, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields
• A relevant bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant industry experience (energy, economics, and/or engineering sector). Graduate education can substitute for an equivalent number of years of industry experience (ex. a one-year master’s program in a relevant degree would substitute for one year of work experience)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work and communicate well in teams
• Ability to multitask and prioritize critical tasks and conflicting requirements

Nice To Haves

• Experience with commercial buildings is preferred.
• Experience with district thermal energy networks and building performance standards (such as BERDO or BEUDO) is a plus.
• Experience conducting energy audits; designing or managing residential and commercial building retrofit projects; evaluating the performance of energy efficiency and building decarbonization measures; conducting building energy modeling; and preparing HVAC load calculations.
• Experience analyzing large building-stock datasets or applying the resulting data and model outputs to building electrification, energy efficiency, load forecasting, grid infrastructure planning, or policy analysis is desirable.
• A master’s degree in building science, economics, physics, engineering or similar field
• Interest in or professional experience with natural gas-sector decarbonization is a strong plus but is not required
• Experience conducting energy audits or designing/managing residential and commercial building retrofit projects, including HVAC load calculations and evaluation of energy efficiency and decarbonization measure performance.
• Experience with building energy modeling and NREL/NLR building-stock datasets, particularly ResStock and ComStock, and applying model outputs to electrification, efficiency, load forecasting, or policy analysis.
• Work experience in a consulting environment
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer-In-Training (EIT)
• Phius Certified Consultant (CPHC)
• LEED Accredited Professional (AP) or Green Associate (GA)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Energy Manager In-Training (EMIT)
• Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
• Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP)

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and research tasks under the supervision of project manager or other team members.
• Conduct building energy modeling and load analysis using datasets and tools such as NREL/NLR ResStock and ComStock to evaluate building electrification, energy efficiency, and thermal network scenarios.
• Support development and implementation of building performance standards for state and municipal clients, including benchmarking data analysis, compliance cost estimation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Research and analyze building decarbonization technologies and strategies along with associated costs, savings, and market barriers.
• Maintain, use, and modify spreadsheet-based tools to analyze energy efficiency technologies, programs, and portfolios.
• Perform economic analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, of energy technologies.

Benefits

• Generous and flexible PTO (35 days)
• Flexible work hours and holidays, and the ability to choose a schedule that works for you
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (EOSP): a tax-deferred retirement plan that offers employees a chance to be partial owners of Synapse.
• Profit-sharing bonuses
• Work-life balance benefit: at the end of the year, salaried employees are compensated for every hour worked over their standard full-time work schedule
• 401K plan; including an employer safe harbor contribution of 3% of your annual salary regardless of individual contributions
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Extensive professional development opportunities
• Cambridge, MA office space with sit-stand desks, lots of meeting space, indoor bike parking, and plenty of nitro cold-brew and kombucha on tap

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level