Building Enclosure Principal Engineer

ECS Ltd•Walnut Creek, CA

About The Position

ECS is seeking a Building Enclosure Principal to join its Pacific Building Science + Infrastructure team in Walnut Creek, California. This client-facing role leads building enclosure consulting projects and provides senior technical expertise in investigations, assessments, commissioning, testing, and design consulting. The role works with clients and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate building envelope performance, support construction quality, and deliver practical consulting solutions across facility types. It includes substantial responsibility for project management, technical execution, and mentoring junior staff. The position provides technical oversight of building science and infrastructure projects, reviews reports and deliverables, and ensures work meets applicable scope, standards, and company policies. It also leads project execution from setup through closeout, overseeing schedules, budgets, staffing, proposals, and quality. The Principal mentors staff and Associate Principals, supports team development, maintains client relationships, and contributes to business development and internal process improvements. The role requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (NCARB), at least 12 years of related building enclosure consulting experience, and a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license. Relevant certifications are preferred but not required. Physical requirements include lifting up to 40 pounds, standing for extended periods, walking on uneven terrain, and working at heights as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (NCARB).
12+ years of related experience in building enclosure consulting, including testing, commissioning (BECx), design review, or forensic assessments.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.
Extensive knowledge of building science and infrastructure principles and applications.
Strong understanding of construction practices, drawings, and site plans.
Extensive knowledge of building codes and standards, including IBC, ASHRAE, ASTM, and SMACNA.
Advanced knowledge of building enclosure systems, including cladding, roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, and related assemblies.
Expertise in testing protocols, field performance, and interpreting results in relation to design and system performance.
Ability to lead projects, mentor staff, and manage multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent project management, consulting, and client relationship skills.
Strong judgment, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and report review.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated success in business development and client growth.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk uneven terrain, and work at heights as needed.

Nice To Haves

IIBEC certification such as RRC, RWC, REWC, RBEC, or CBECxP.
University of Wisconsin–Madison certification such as BECxP or CxA+BE.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and guidance on building science and infrastructure testing and consulting.
Review reports, deliverables, technical work, and field work for accuracy, consistency, quality, and compliance with standards and project requirements.
Oversee building science and infrastructure projects, including subcontractor activities, and maintain awareness of relevant regulations, codes, and industry standards.
Lead project execution from setup through closeout, ensuring deliverables meet scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
Oversee project budgets, review change orders and invoices, and support collection efforts.
Ensure projects are appropriately staffed with trained and qualified personnel and prioritize work across concurrent projects.
Oversee preparation and review of proposals, reports, and change orders; participate in project meetings and resolve technical or administrative challenges.
Mentor and develop junior staff and Associate Principals through assignments, coaching, training, and performance feedback.
Assist senior leadership with staffing decisions and team structure, and promote best practices in technical execution, communication, and client service.
Maintain and expand client relationships and support business development by identifying opportunities and helping develop proposals.
Serve as a key client contact, lead discussions about findings and recommendations, and promote ECS capabilities.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership, host and attend client meetings, and follow up on deliverables and questions.
Contribute to internal initiatives such as improving templates, processes, and technical standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.