Senior Energy Modeler / Building Performance Engineer

Senior Energy Modeler / Building Performance Engineer

Remote | Independent Contractor (1099) | Project-Based

Desert Skies Energy is seeking an experienced Senior Energy Modeler / Building Performance Engineer to support ASHRAE 90.1 and IECC performance-based energy compliance projects.

Our primary focus is multifamily construction, including mid-rise, podium, mixed-use, affordable housing, senior housing, and market-rate multifamily. Experience with additional commercial building types is strongly preferred.

This will initially be a remote, project-based 1099 position.

We are looking for someone who can independently develop technically sound whole-building energy models, identify and resolve modeling issues, and produce clear documentation that can withstand AHJ or third-party review.

Position Responsibilities

Desert Skies Energy will work with the modeler to establish project goals, applicable code requirements, proposed envelope strategies, and other project assumptions.

The modeler will be responsible for independently developing the model and supporting documentation, including:

• ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G / Performance Rating Method models
• IECC performance-path models
• Proposed and baseline building models
• Energy-code compliance reports
• Modeling narratives and supporting calculations
• Building envelope modeling
• HVAC systems and controls
• Lighting and lighting controls
• Service water heating
• Renewable energy and PV modeling when applicable
• Energy-use and energy-cost calculations where required
• Responses to AHJ or third-party review comments

Completed models and supporting documents will be returned to Desert Skies Energy for coordination and inclusion within the overall project documentation and permit set.

Required Experience

This is not an entry-level energy-modeling position.

Candidates should have demonstrated experience independently completing whole-building energy models from initial project setup through final documentation and review.

Ideal candidates will have approximately 3 or more years of relevant whole-building energy-modeling experience or at least 5 completed ASHRAE 90.1 performance-modeling projects.

Experience should include:

• ASHRAE 90.1-2016, 2019, and/or 2022
• ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G / Performance Rating Method
• 2018, 2021, and/or 2024 IECC
• Commercial and multifamily whole-building simulation
• Correct development of proposed and baseline models
• Appendix G baseline HVAC system selection and baseline-building requirements
• Building envelope assemblies and thermal characteristics
• HVAC equipment, efficiencies, ventilation, schedules, and controls
• Lighting power and lighting controls
• Service water heating
• Reading and interpreting architectural and MEP construction documents
• Developing and clearly documenting modeling assumptions
• Responding to AHJ, code-reviewer, or third-party review comments

Candidates should understand the distinction between mandatory energy-code provisions and components that may be traded through performance modeling.

Model QA/QC

The successful candidate must be able to do more than produce a model that runs.

The position requires the ability to review and validate model results, including:

• Simulation errors and warnings
• Unmet load hours
• Energy balance and end-use results
• Equipment sizing and system behavior
• Schedules and operating assumptions
• Abnormal or unrealistic energy-use results
• Consistency between construction documents, model inputs, and compliance reports

Candidates should be able to identify when a model is technically incorrect, determine the cause, and make appropriate corrections.

Design and Compliance Analysis

We are looking for a modeler who can also help evaluate practical compliance solutions.

When a project does not initially comply, the modeler should be able to:

• Evaluate alternative envelope, HVAC, lighting, controls, or other design strategies
• Perform sensitivity or design-option analysis when appropriate
• Identify which changes provide the greatest effect on modeled performance
• Clearly communicate the technical reason a project passes or fails
• Recommend practical pathways toward compliance without manipulating assumptions solely to achieve a passing result

Accuracy, consistency, and defensibility are more important than simply producing a passing result.

Modeling Software

Experience with one or more of the following is desired:

• EnergyPlus
• OpenStudio
• IES VE
• DesignBuilder
• eQUEST
• Trane TRACE 3D Plus / TRACE 700
• Carrier HAP
• COMcheck

Experience with detailed whole-building simulation software such as EnergyPlus/OpenStudio, IES VE, DesignBuilder, or equivalent platforms is particularly desirable.

Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to prescriptive COMcheck documentation should identify that separately.

Multifamily Experience

Our strongest need is energy modeling for multifamily buildings subject to commercial energy-code requirements, particularly:

• Group R-2 occupancies
• Mid-rise multifamily
• Podium construction
• Mixed-use multifamily
• Affordable housing / LIHTC
• Senior and supportive housing
• Market-rate apartments

Experience modeling other building types, including office, retail, hospitality, institutional, industrial, or other commercial occupancies, is also highly valued.

Preferred Credentials

The following are strongly preferred but are not absolute requirements:

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A current PE license is a significant advantage.

Candidates currently licensed, or eligible to obtain licensure by comity, in Arizona and New Mexico are especially encouraged to apply.

The ability to review, sign, and seal applicable energy-code documents in Arizona and/or New Mexico would be considered a major advantage.

Other recognized building-performance or energy-modeling credentials will also be considered.

Additional Preferred Experience

Additional experience in any of the following is beneficial:

• LEED energy modeling and review
• Utility incentive programs
• Energy-efficiency studies
• Energy conservation measure analysis
• Existing-building energy analysis
• Calibrated energy modeling
• Measurement and verification
• Utility benchmarking
• DOE / PNNL ASHRAE 90.1 Performance Based Compliance Forms

What We Are Looking For

The right candidate should understand the building and the code, not simply operate modeling software.

We are particularly interested in someone who can:

• Serve as the primary or lead modeler on a project
• Take a model from initial setup through final review
• Identify missing or conflicting project information
• Ask technically relevant questions before making assumptions
• Independently determine appropriate modeling methodologies
• Maintain clear documentation of significant model inputs and assumptions
• Explain modeling decisions to architects, engineers, reviewers, and Desert Skies Energy staff
• Produce professional work that can withstand technical review

Position Structure

• Fully remote
• Independent contractor / 1099
• Project-based assignments
• Compensation determined based on project scope, complexity, experience, and qualifications
• Opportunity for additional assignments as Desert Skies Energy's commercial and multifamily energy-modeling workload grows

To Apply

Please submit a current resume through Indeed.

Selected candidates will receive a follow-up questionnaire requesting additional information regarding modeling experience, software proficiency, representative projects, certifications, and professional licensure.

Work Location: Remote