Energy Engineer

Salas O'Brien•Buffalo, NY

9h•$65,000 - $72,500

About The Position

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 The Energy Engineer is responsible for performing building energy modeling, audits, and technical analysis to support high-performance building design, decarbonization strategies, and energy efficiency improvements across a variety of project types. This role evaluates mechanical, electrical, and building envelope systems for both new construction and existing facilities. The Energy Engineer collaborates with clients, internal design teams, and external stakeholders to deliver accurate analyses, clear documentation, and actionable recommendations. This position supports sustainability and compliance objectives including LEED, ENERGY STAR, local energy codes, life-cycle cost analysis requirements, and owner-driven energy performance goals.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Energy Engineering, or related discipline)
5+ years of experience in energy modeling, energy auditing, or building systems evaluation preferred
Experience evaluating energy performance in existing buildings required

Nice To Haves

Preferred credentials include: Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) or working toward Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure
CEM, BEMP, LEED AP, or similar certifications
Familiarity with ASHRAE standards, energy codes, and certification programs
Knowledge of NYC Local Laws 84, 87, and 97 highly desirable for applicable markets

Responsibilities

Develop building energy models and simulations for new and existing buildings using DOE-2/eQUEST, EnergyPlus, or similar tools
Analyze building energy consumption using utility data, benchmarking platforms, and system performance metrics
Perform spreadsheet-based energy calculations supporting energy conservation measures (ECMs)
Conduct life-cycle cost analyses (LCCA) for mechanical, electrical, and efficiency upgrade alternatives
Perform ASHRAE Level I and II energy audits and document findings
Review HVAC, electrical, controls, and envelope systems to identify efficiency and decarbonization opportunities
Conduct site visits, field observations, and system verification to support audits, modeling, and commissioning efforts
Complete LEED energy-related documentation (minimum M/E/P; full set preferred)
Support ENERGY STAR, Passive House, WELL, and other sustainability or certification program submissions
Assist with inspections, commissioning tests, and verification activities required for certification programs
Prepare reports, modeling summaries, audit findings, and owner-required deliverables
Participate in client meetings, design coordination sessions, and technical discussions
Communicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Support electrification, decarbonization, and energy code compliance reviews (including NYC Local Laws 84, 87, and 97 where applicable)
Maintain organized project documentation and ensure QA/QC processes are followed for all deliverables