Energy Engineer - Existing Buildings
About the Role
As building stock continues to grow and electrical and thermal loads increase, improving the performance of existing buildings is one of the most practical ways to reduce energy demand, improve system efficiency, and make better use of the infrastructure already in place. Meaningful progress does not come from new construction alone. It also comes from applying sound engineering judgment to optimize the systems already in service.
Systems West Engineers is seeking an Energy Engineer to support and expand our work in Energy Trust of Oregon Technical Analysis Studies (TAS), Building Performance Standards (BPS), Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx), Monitoring-based Commissioning (MBCx), and Ongoing Commissioning. This position is based in our HQ office, Springfield, OR, and reflects a growing need within our firm to strengthen our technical services in existing buildings and to better serve clients who need practical, data-informed solutions to improve performance, reduce waste, support compliance, and operate buildings more effectively over time.
This position is well suited for someone who can move between the field and the desktop, combining technical analysis with real-world building investigation. The right candidate will be comfortable evaluating building systems, identifying operational and energy performance opportunities, and helping turn findings into actionable recommendations. This position requires in-office/on-site presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and perform Energy Trust of Oregon Technical Analysis Studies (TAS) for commercial and institutional buildings
- Assist with building performance evaluations, energy studies, and technical analyses related to HVAC, controls, lighting, and other building systems
- Participate in and support Building Performance Standards (BPS) compliance and building performance improvement efforts
- Conduct site visits, field investigations, and system observations in occupied and unoccupied existing buildings
- Assist with Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx) projects, including planning, investigation, issue identification, and development of recommended corrective actions
- Support Monitoring-based Commissioning (MBCx) and Ongoing Commissioning efforts through review of BAS trends, interval data, and system performance information
- Help identify operational deficiencies, energy savings opportunities, comfort issues, and optimization measures
- Prepare technical reports, findings summaries, calculation packages, and client deliverables
- Coordinate with engineers, commissioning providers, controls contractors, facility staff, and clients
- Support follow-up verification and implementation review where required
- Maintain strong organization and documentation across multiple projects and service types
What We’re Looking For
- Experience with energy studies, building performance analysis, or related technical work
- Field experience working in existing buildings and with operating building systems
- Understanding of commercial building HVAC systems, controls, and energy performance principles
- Ability to review drawings, sequences of operation, trend logs, and system data
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in both field and office environments
- Strong technical curiosity, attention to detail, and practical problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders
Minimum Qualifications
- 4-year degree with an emphasis on energy management, energy systems, engineering technology, mechanical engineering, building systems, or a related field with a focus on energy studies or building performance
- 5-10 years of relevant professional experience in energy engineering, building systems analysis, facility optimization, or related existing building work.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as needed
- Ability to perform field work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and active building environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Energy Trust of Oregon programs, technical studies, or utility incentive work
- Familiarity with Building Performance Standards
- Experience with Existing Building Commissioning, retro-commissioning, or Monitoring-based Commissioning
- Experience reviewing BAS trends, interval data, and building performance data
- Familiarity with energy analysis tools, spreadsheets, and building system diagnostics
- Knowledge of commercial and institutional building systems, including healthcare, higher education, K-12, or public sector facilities
- Experience working directly with building owners, operators, and facility staff
What Success Looks Like in This Role
A successful candidate in this role will help grow our capabilities in existing building performance services while delivering high-quality technical work for clients. This person will be able to identify meaningful opportunities for improvement, communicate findings clearly, and contribute to practical solutions that improve energy performance, system operation, and long-term building outcomes.
ABOUT US
Systems West Engineers is a multi-disciplinary team delivering thoughtful, technically rigorous solutions to complex MEP building systems, with sustainability at the center of how we think, engineer, and lead. We believe high-performing buildings should reduce carbon, conserve resources, and support healthier communities, and we bring that mindset to every project.
View all openings and complete position details here: https://www.systemswestengineers.com/careers/
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
