Sustainable Design Specialist

SOM • Chicago, IL

6d • $75,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of industry experience in Architecture, Building Science, Engineering or related fields.
• Completion of professional degree in Architecture, Building Science, Engineering or related fields.
• Demonstrable knowledge and use of USGBC’s LEED program(s), WELL, and other green building rating programs.
• Demonstrable technical knowledge of sustainable strategies, including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, and implementation through building design and construction phases.
• Proficiency in the following software and applications: 3D modeling: Rhinoceros Whole building energy simulation: IES Virtual Environment, EnergyPlus/OpenStudio Daylight & glare modeling: ClimateStudio, IES Virtual Environment, Ladybug Tools Thermal Comfort Simulation: Ladybug Tools Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
• Familiarity with the following software and applications: BIM: Revit Building envelope analysis: THERM, WINDOW Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Demonstrable knowledge of HVAC systems and their suitability to different applications
• Strong interpersonal, graphic, verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Passive house certification (PHI or PHIUS acceptable), BEMP and LEED Accredited Professional is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as point of contact for SOM design teams to integrate sustainable design strategies throughout design stages.
• Performs environmental analysis across multiple projects including by not limited to: energy simulation, UTCI & thermal comfort, visual comfort, natural ventilation and CFD analysis.
• Contributes to development of firm-wide whole life carbon research, analysis and application to projects.
• Establishes and maintains SES standard analysis reporting and visualization formats for both operational and embodied carbon.
• Performs reviews of energy models and other key deliverables from external consultants to verify inputs and outcomes and provide clear feedback to design teams on findings.
• Communicates sustainable design and engineering systems ideas to clients and MEP consultants through visualization, imagery and analyses and is able to sustain technical discussions.
• Performs thermal and hygrothermal simulations to support research, innovation and project designs.
• Advise SES global team on current issues and improvements related to performance modeling, codes and environmental analytics, to continually inform direction for SES services.
• Contributes to project work plans to incorporate relevant analysis at appropriate project stages to inform design processes and outcomes.
• Conduct research and evaluations of emerging software and technologies that improve high performance design and its incorporation into SES Team workflows.
• Directly trains and mentors team members and designers on sustainable engineering theory and tools deployment.
• Demonstrates knowledge in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Contributes to the development of standards and procedures for energy and carbon reduction, including workflow and QAQC.
• Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.
• In collaboration with team members, contributes to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.
• Actively engages in internal professional development opportunities.
• Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.
• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.
• Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
• 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
• Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
• Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree