Sustainable Design Engineer Leader

Hksinc is seeking a Sustainable Design Engineer Leader in Richmond, VA. The role involves leading energy modeling and engineering analysis for low-carbon buildings, managing resources, mentoring staff, and advancing ESG commitments. Responsibilities include conducting thermal and energy simulations, guiding design decisions, preparing reports, and collaborating on research. The candidate will influence project outcomes from concept to delivery while ensuring efficient energy use and operational performance.
Overview:





A recognized technical and people leader, and an expert in building energy and performance modeling, who helps project teams translate design ambition into measurable outcomes: healthier, more resilient, low-carbon buildings that improve people's lives. Leads building simulation and engineering analysis across diverse project types and scales, shaping decisions from early concept through delivery and post-occupancy verification. Manages assigned resources (people, processes, and tools) with strong business awareness, mentors staff, and advances enterprise ESG commitments in alignment with the Director's integrated, high-performance design strategy at HKS.



Responsibilities:

Leads whole-building dynamic thermal and energy simulations and detailed engineering analysis to inform design, construction, and operations by optimizing energy use, enabling all-electric solutions within integrated performance goals, integrating renewables, reducing GHG emissions, and improving resilience, reliability, and operational cost outcomesDirects advanced mechanical systems evaluations and architectural-performance integration, including daylighting strategy, lighting controls impacts, and detailed thermal/moisture response of facade assembliesGuides design decisions across the lifecycle using analysis of energy efficiency, passive and active strategies, massing, daylight availability, glare and shading, thermal comfort, natural ventilation, mechanical system alternatives, and load conditionsManages delivery of comfort studies, energy simulation, daylight simulation, solar shading analysis, renewable energy evaluations, and performance-based recommendations that inform decisions by architects, engineers, contractors, and operatorsPredicts building energy use and savings versus baseline using whole-building simulation with clear assumptions, verify performance through post-occupancy evaluation using industry-standard calibration proceduresOversees Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for design alternatives, applying appropriate economic parameters relevant to project context and delivery decisionsSupports DesignGreen and enterprise leadership, strengthening early-stage modeling impact on project outcomes and advancing integration of design-performance, energy-modeling, and operations-modeling practices across firmwide project deliveryPrepares and oversees technically rigorous, graphically compelling reports and client-facing presentation materials that translate analysis into actionable design decisionsContributes to project pursuits by shaping energy-modeling scope, developing service proposals aligned with business constraints and opportunities, and differentiating teams through performance-based narrativesCollaborates with firm research leadership to leverage complex datasets that support design decisions and research objectives, and lead or supports specialized research in energy, environmental, carbon, and sustainability topicsSupports development and use of indoor environmental sensors and instrumentation for research, diagnostics, and post-occupancy evaluation in collaboration with research teamsLeads technical and project coordination meetings, surfacing risks early and partnering with project leadership to manage performance, scope, and delivery risks tied to building systems outcomesManages assigned project workload and staffing with the DirectorContributes to resource planning, process improvements, and quality control across tools, templates, and methodologiesFacilitates enterprise training and knowledge sharing on building science fundamentals and energy analysis software applications by developing and curating modeling content and best practices for consistent deliveryFacilitates team self-evaluation to distill lessons learned and scale best practices across the firm in coordination with sustainability leadershipInvests in staff development through mentoring, performance management, and career planningSupports the firm's global practice by engaging perspectives from international offices and promoting consistent standards of integrated, high-performance design excellence



Qualifications:

Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainable Design or related field; advanced degree preferredProfessional engineering licensure preferredTypically 10+ years of experienceModeling credentials such as ASHRAE Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP), Building Energy Simulation Analyst (BESA), or equivalent preferredSustainable design accreditation preferredFamiliarity with design and energy modeling applications such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Radiance, DIVA, REVIT, AutoCAD, Sketchup, IES VE, Sefaira, Insight360, Energy Plus, EnergyPro preferredExperience with Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup and InDesign graphic software preferredProficiency in MS Office Suite preferredExperience in LEED submission and regulatory compliance energy modelingFamiliarity with computational design and parametric modeling preferredFamiliarity with energy modeling preferredKnowledge of sustainability and integrated design guidelinesStrong knowledge in interpreting and applying high-performance building standards such as ANSI, ASHRAE, IESNA and ASTM as well as building energy codes such as IECC and T24Strong knowledge of architectural building systemsWorking knowledge of building physics, energy transfer, mechanical design, system control strategies and economics is requiredKnowledge of QA/QC and specification processKnowledge of building codes and ability to research and apply/incorporate into technical documentsStrong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same timeAbility to manage conflict constructively and build a positive, supportive team environmentAbility to maintain existing client relationships and build new client relationshipsAbility to communicate and present ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writingAbility to problem solve and apply innovative solutionsAbility to effectively meet deadlines at expected qualityTravel may be required

Base Salary Range: 110K - $130K annually - Chicago, Denver, New York, Seattle, Washington DC locations only



The estimate displayed represents the general base salary range of candidates hired in the hicago, Denver, New York, Seattle, Washington DC locations only. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.



HKS offers a comprehensive total compensation & benefits package with health, dental, and vision care coverage, 401(k) plans, life & AD&D insurance, short/long term disability plans, paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, vacation), and much more for benefits-eligible employees. To learn more about our benefits visit this page.











If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.

HKS is an EEO/AA Employer: M/F/Disabled/Veteran