Principal Consultant- Building Science

Rimkus • Jersey City, NJ

23h • $130,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Principal Consultant, Building Science is an experienced technical leader and subject matter expert in building enclosure systems, restoration design, and consulting services. The role leads complex, high-value and technically challenging projects involving roofing, waterproofing, facades, glazing systems, air and vapor barriers, and exterior wall assemblies. The Principal Consultant provides technical oversight and quality assurance, develops client relationships, and contributes to the growth of the regional Building Science practice. The position operates with minimal supervision and requires independent judgment, technical expertise, project leadership, business development capability, and a focus on client satisfaction. The successful candidate will bring an existing book of business or demonstrate the ability to develop and grow a client base in the target market.

The Principal Consultant serves as a technical leader on building science, restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic consulting projects; leads investigations and develops repair recommendations, restoration designs, specifications, and construction documents; and oversees assessments, due diligence evaluations, reserve studies, and building enclosure investigations. The role manages project scope, budgets, schedules, resources, communication, deliverable quality, and financial performance. It also includes document review and approval, construction administration, technical support for claims and disputes, proposal development, client and business development, strategic practice growth, and mentorship of junior and mid-level consultants.

The position combines office work with work at client offices, industrial, construction, and residential sites. Regular hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch. Periods of overtime are required to meet the demands of the position. The stated salary range is $130,000–$190,000, dependent on education, experience, location, and certifications or licensure. The company describes a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, a complete benefits package, and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in building envelope consulting, building science, restoration design, forensic investigation, and/or building enclosure engineering.
• Professional registration as a Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE).
• Demonstrated experience leading complex consulting projects and managing client relationships.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial and residential building envelope systems and their performance characteristics.
• Extensive experience evaluating, designing, and rehabilitating roofing, waterproofing, exterior wall and cladding, curtain wall and glazing, air and vapor barrier, thermal insulation, and building enclosure interface and transition systems.
• Strong understanding of moisture management, thermal performance, air leakage, and building durability principles.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex building enclosure failures and develop practical repair solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current and historical building codes, industry standards, and best practices.
• Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and client relationship skills.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and responsiveness.
• Ability to perform the listed physical activities and travel by motor vehicle to job sites, including lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work required overtime during periods when project demands require it.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with forensic investigations, restoration consulting, building enclosure assessments, and construction administration.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and industry-standard building enclosure analysis tools.
• Demonstrated success in business development, practice growth, or maintaining an established client base.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert for building science, building enclosure, restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic consulting projects.
• Lead and manage investigations of building envelope failures, water intrusion, moisture-related issues, facade deterioration, roofing failures, and waterproofing deficiencies.
• Develop repair recommendations, restoration designs, specifications, and construction documents for existing and new construction projects.
• Perform and oversee condition assessments, due diligence evaluations, reserve studies, and building enclosure investigations.
• Manage multiple projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and client communication.
• Provide peer review and QA/QC oversight of reports, drawings, specifications, and other technical deliverables.
• Review, seal, and approve professional documents in accordance with applicable licensing requirements.
• Conduct constructability reviews and third-party peer reviews of plans, specifications, and building enclosure designs.
• Direct construction administration, including site observations, contractor coordination, and review of project progress and compliance.
• Provide technical consultation and expert analysis for insurance claims, litigation, arbitrations, and dispute resolution when required.
• Research applicable building codes, industry standards, historical code requirements, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and fee estimates for prospective projects.
• Cultivate and maintain client relationships that result in repeat business opportunities.
• Support business development through networking, client meetings, industry involvement, presentations, and marketing activities.
• Contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives within the Building Science practice.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level consultants.
• Review project financial performance, including budget management, invoice review, and project profitability.
• Ensure deliverables meet company standards for technical accuracy, professionalism, responsiveness, and timeliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance, including basic, voluntary, and AD&D coverage.
• Employer-matching 401(k); retirement plan also described as including 401(k) and IRA.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and public holidays.
• Family leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Training and development.
• Opportunities for advancement.

What This Job Offers

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