Building Performance Engineer

Location: Madison or Milwaukee, WI

About the role

HGA is seeking a Building Performance Engineer to support offices and diverse market sectors across the country. In this role you will collaborate with project teams to address building performance and energy optimization goals throughout all phases of design, construction, and operation, directly supporting HGA’s commitment to industry‑leading sustainable design.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning efforts from design through construction for MEP systems.
• Lead retro‑commissioning projects to enhance performance and reduce energy costs in existing buildings.
• Design renewable energy systems, including solar PV and battery storage.
• Lead decarbonization planning for new and existing facilities.
• Perform energy modeling and analysis to provide strategic sustainability guidance to design teams.
• Apply knowledge of HVAC and electrical systems to design high‑performance solutions such as heat pumps and geothermal systems.
• Develop effective training tools for architects and engineers to advance building performance.
• Identify and document high‑performance opportunities for existing and new construction buildings through commissioning and retro‑commissioning.
• Assist design teams to increase design projects’ energy performance.
• Assist design teams with strategy and compliance with energy‑related documentation such as code, LEED, and region‑specific programs (e.g., Minnesota B3, California Title 24).
• Collaboratively identify opportunities and develop appropriate and effective performance studies.
• Execute simulation workflows including climate analysis, energy benchmarking, occupant comfort criteria (thermal, daylighting, glare), façade and envelope optimization, and conceptual energy modeling.
• Clearly communicate findings and results to project teams through effective documentation and visualizations.
• Assist with planning study projects.
• Interact and communicate effectively and professionally with other team members.
• Show flexibility and adaptability within a fast‑paced, team environment, often with tight deadlines.
• Support an internal network advancing HGA’s sustainability practice by researching emerging tools and developing new workflows.
• Assist in ongoing office‑wide training efforts to elevate internal knowledge and support a network of experts across all HGA offices.
• Collaborate with an internal team of building performance practitioners.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering or mechanical engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in engineering, sustainable design, energy analysis, or commissioning.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Qualifications

• PE license preferred.
• LEED AP credential and/or ASHRAE credentials and/or CABEC Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) preferred.
• Familiarity with building energy performance services such as commissioning & retro‑commissioning.
• Knowledge of building certification programs (LEED, LBC, WELL), building energy codes, and ASHRAE Standards 55, 62.1, 90.1, and 209.
• Experience with economic grants and incentive programs preferred.

Skills

• Proficiency with digital building performance analysis tools: OpenStudio, Trane Trace, eQuest, EnergyPlus, IES, DesignBuilder, TRNSYS, Climate Consultant, Ladybug & Honeybee for Grasshopper, DIVA for Rhino, COMFEN, WUFI, Therm, etc.
• Working knowledge of architectural production software: AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch‑Up, Rhino, or related tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Benefits

• Annual bonus and success‑sharing bonus program.
• 401(k) with guaranteed contribution.
• Paid parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Paid time off (PTO) and short‑ and long‑term disability programs.

Pay

Salary range: $83,200 – $111,400, aligned to the geography of the office. Actual compensation will be based on work experience, education, licensure, and skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.