Daylighting & Building Performance Specialist

About the Role

PAE is looking for a strategic and analytically-minded Daylighting & Building Performance Specialist to join our Regenerative Design Group in our Seattle office. This position will support the design of high-performance buildings through advanced daylighting, solar, and building enclosure analysis. This position leads building performance studies that inform architectural design from early concept through construction. As a B Corp, we measure our success by the health of our planet and communities; in this role, you will be at the forefront of that mission, transforming ambitious sustainability goals into high-performance realities.

About Us

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Lead daylighting, solar access, glare, and visual comfort analysis.
• Develop and evaluate façade and enclosure concepts to optimize daylight, solar control, thermal performance, occupant comfort, and energy use.
• Build parametric analysis workflows.
• Collaborate closely with architects to evaluate massing, orientation, window-to-wall ratio, shading devices, glazing systems, and envelope strategies.
• Perform building performance studies including daylight autonomy, annual sunlight exposure, glare analysis, thermal comfort, and passive design evaluations.
• Support whole-building energy modeling and other building performance analyses as needed.
• Prepare technical reports, graphics, presentations, and design recommendations that clearly communicate performance results to project teams and clients.
• Coordinate building performance analyses with architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines.
• Mentor junior staff in simulation methods and building performance workflows.
• Independently apply engineering judgment to evaluate design options and recommend high-performance solutions.
• Support project quality management, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Perform site visits and post-occupancy evaluations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Building Science, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-7 years of experience performing daylighting, façade, or building performance analysis.
• Demonstrated experience using Rhino, Grasshopper, and Radiance-based simulation tools.
• Experience with Ladybug Tools, Honeybee, DIVA, ClimateStudio, or equivalent software strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of sustainable design standards such as LEED, WELL, Passive House, or similar is preferred.
• Professional registration or certification is preferred but not required.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of daylighting and visual comfort analysis.
• Strong understanding of building enclosure and façade performance.
• Experience with climate-responsive and passive design strategies.
• Experience with Radiance, DIVA, Ladybug Tools, Honeybee, ClimateStudio, or equivalent simulation software.
• Ability to translate technical analysis into clear design recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills & strong attention to detail.
• Experience working collaboratively with architects and multidisciplinary design teams.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit and account contribution.
• Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues.
• Employer-paid commuter/parking stipend.
• Cell phone stipend.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day.
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays, and vacation.

Pay

Hiring base salary range: $92,200-$113,900 annual. This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay. The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity, and geographic location in determining the exact salary offered.