Senior Building Envelope Consultant (Engineer or Architect)

Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model.

About the role

As a Senior Building Envelope Engineer / Consultant, you will lead the planning, evaluation, and delivery of complex building enclosure consulting projects for new construction and major renovation developments. You will partner with architects, owners, developers, contractors, and project teams throughout every phase of project delivery—from design review and enclosure commissioning planning through construction quality assurance, field testing, and project closeout. This role is ideal for an experienced building envelope professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, improving building performance, and helping clients reduce long-term risk through thoughtful design and quality construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead building enclosure consulting projects for new construction and major renovations.
• Perform third-party design reviews of architectural drawings with emphasis on air, water, thermal, and vapor control systems.
• Evaluate roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, glazing, storefront systems, exterior wall assemblies, fenestration, and cladding systems.
• Develop building enclosure Basis of Design (BOD) documents, Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) plans, specifications, and technical recommendations.
• Participate in design workshops, charrettes, and peer review meetings while presenting technical findings and performance recommendations.
• Lead pre-construction meetings focused on enclosure sequencing, constructability, and performance risks.
• Review construction documents, shop drawings, RFIs, and submittals for compliance with project intent.
• Conduct construction quality assurance observations throughout installation.
• Perform and oversee building envelope field testing, including ASTM E783, ASTM E1105, ASTM E779, AAMA 501.2, and related testing protocols.
• Prepare clear technical reports documenting observations, deficiencies, and recommendations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communication.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor for owners, architects, contractors, and project teams.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities to expand services.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, and technical budgets for new opportunities.
• Coordinate project activities with internal consultants and external stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.
• Mentor Consultants, Associate Consultants, Specialists, and technical staff.
• Provide technical review of reports, drawings, testing procedures, and project documentation.
• Support continuous improvement of technical standards, QA/QC processes, and best practices.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and professional development across the Building Science team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Engineering, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Building Science, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in building envelope consulting, building science, enclosure commissioning, façade engineering, roofing, waterproofing, or related disciplines.
• Professional licensure (PE, RA/AIA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Industry certifications such as IIBEC (RRO, RRC, REWC, RBECxP), BECx, Fenestration, Waterproofing, or related credentials are preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of building enclosure systems, including roofing, waterproofing, air barriers, vapor barriers, thermal control, cladding systems, glazing, curtain walls, and fenestration.
• Experience conducting design reviews, construction observations, enclosure commissioning, and field performance testing.
• Strong understanding of enclosure installation sequencing and its impact on project performance.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, and multiple concurrent assignments.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, communication, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to mentor technical staff and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, WUFI, THERM, or similar building science software preferred.
• Ability to travel as needed for project work, field observations, and client meetings.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
• 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

Working Environment

This position is performed in a combination of office, remote, client, and field environments. Regular travel to project sites is required and may include commercial buildings, occupied facilities, active construction sites, industrial locations, rooftops, and other environments where building evaluations, testing, or construction observations are performed. Work may occur indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb stairs and ladders, and navigate active construction sites and existing buildings.
• Access rooftops, traverse uneven terrain, work at elevated heights, and enter confined or restricted spaces as project conditions require.
• Frequent use of computers, keyboards, measuring equipment, and handheld devices.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of equipment and materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, gloves, safety footwear, hearing protection, and fall protection when applicable.
• Travel by automobile and occasional air travel may be required.

Mental Demands

• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret construction documents, building codes, technical specifications, engineering data, and field observations while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project conditions.
• Effective written and verbal communication, technical report writing, client presentations, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Attention to detail is essential.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug test. The drug test includes screening for marijuana, regardless of state or local laws permitting its use.