Senior Energy Modeler at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

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.

Overview

You will be responsible for leading the firmwide energy modelling effort, by overseeing internal and external energy and carbon models at every design stage to ensure alignment with SOM’s commitment to carbon neutral design and all project goals, priorities and project deliverables. You must be capable of leading clear communication among team members, sub-consultants and clients for sustainable design projects. You will be responsible for monitoring and documenting project energy modelling progress from concept through post-occupancy.  

Position Responsibilities

• Firmwide expert for energy and carbon modelling standards, guidelines and application on all projects.




• Performs energy simulations to assess overall building energy performance (conceptual through post-occupancy) using EnergyPlus and/or spreadsheets 




• Performs basic calculation to assess applicability of renewable technologies and relative energy yields.




• Perform energy efficiency calculations for lighting, ventilation systems and HVAC equipment




• Assist technical reports on building benchmarking




• Perform whole life carbon calculation and embodied carbon calculation are pluses




• Challenges and peer-reviews energy reports from external consultants.




• Actively engaged and remains abreast of carbon policy and potential impacts on energy modeling, with an interest in whole life carbon.




• Inspires, mentors and educates designers on sustainable design and the latest engineering technologies.




• Works independently with little or no supervision to meet project deadlines, budgets and complete internal quality assurance / quality control procedures.

 Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ year of experience in energy modelling and/or mechanical system design   




• Bachelor’s Degree in architecture, engineering, environmental engineering or other related field is required




• Master’s Degree in architecture, engineering, environmental engineering or other related field is preferred




• Strong proficiency with EnergyPlus, and similar energy modeling tool, as well as Revit and CAD




• Demonstrated experience in modeling various HVAC systems in EnergyPlus and similar tools, and calculating overall the building pEUI




• Demonstrated technical knowledge of modelling sustainable strategies, including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.




• Expert knowledge of HVAC systems and heat transfer principles




• Aptitude and drive to analyze complex problems and convey solutions in a clear and concise manner




• Strong organizational skills with ability to effectively shift attention between multiple projects




• Demonstrated knowledge and use of USGBC’s LEED program(s), WELL, and other green building rating programs and energy model submissions.




• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and commitment to work within the integrated design team structure




• Demonstrated technical knowledge of modelling sustainable strategies, including renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.




• Ability to work on multiple projects and assignments firmwide




• Excellent team player




• LEED / WELL Accredited Professional is preferred.




• ASHRAE BEMP certification is preferred.

SOM offers opportunities to work on transformational projects, competitive salaries, health insurance, wellness, retirement and financial and other work/life plans.

At SOM, we welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace. We believe an inclusive environment benefits our employees, our firm, and our community, while also enriching and challenging our own thinking about design. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy and how to apply offline: www.som.com/employment_opportunities_and_policy
 

For more about SOM:  www.som.com (For external posts only if possible)

Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.