Lead Energy Engineer

Virginia Tech is seeking a Lead Energy Engineer to oversee energy efficiency measures for campus buildings. The role involves managing energy systems, leading HVAC retro commissioning, and ensuring compliance with energy codes. The engineer will work closely with facilities teams and provide oversight on chilled water systems. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. This position is located in Blacksburg, VA, and is not remote.
Job Description

Reporting to the Associate Director for Energy Management (ADEM),
the Lead Energy Engineer (LEE) will use their exceptional
understanding of building HVAC and mechanical systems, building
automation systems (BAS), compressed air systems, refrigeration,
lighting systems, building envelope and electrical systems to
identify, design, develop and implement energy efficiency measures
(EEM) for campus buildings to reduce energy use & costs and
support University sustainability and resource conservation
objectives. The LEE will manage and develop the energy engineer and
student technical energy analyst, leveraging the engineering team’s
capabilities and capacities to meet overall goals and
responsibilities listed herein. The LEE will focus on EEM both
small and large for a wide spectrum of buildings on campus
including but not limited to research laboratories, academic
buildings, and athletic facilities. The LEE will use measurement
and verification (M&V) best practices to assure EEM generates
the projected energy savings.

The LEE will leverage their substantial experience in the field of
energy efficiency & systems optimization to ensure buildings
are working at or towards high performance levels. Utilizing the
BAS, the LEE will lead the HVAC retro commissioning program
utilizing designated internal and external resources.

The LEE provides energy efficiency oversight and support to the
campus facilities systems operations teams ensuring systems are
operating and functioning in accordance with applicable energy
codes and standards.

The LEE provides chilled water system energy efficiency oversight
to the Chilled Water Plant Supervisor, Chilled Water System
Technician and contracted services. The LEE also supports
mechanical engineering of chilled water system design issues.

The LEE shall assist in design review and commissioning with
engineering and construction teams for new and retrofit building
projects.

The LEE completes all routine work assignments and performs all
additional duties as assigned. Maintains a safe and clean working
environment. Consistently meets university needs in a timely and
professional manner with increasingly improved skill. Follows-up on
every project or task to ensure that all items are completed to the
satisfaction of the supervisor. Maintains a responsible attendance
record, punctuality and consistent meeting of deadlines. Builds and
maintains internal and external customer satisfaction with the
products and services offered by the organization. Seeks feedback,
is responsive to stakeholders and takes appropriate action for the
situation.

Performs work in a manner that supports and facilitates the work of
others in Facilities Services and the university community.
Maintains a positive and cooperative working relationship with
members of the facilities department and campus community by
practicing individual dignity, using tact and diplomacy, and always
being respectful and civil. Utilizes respectful communication when
dealing with people in all situations, demonstrating restraint,
fairness and firmness. Works effectively to understand by carefully
listening and working to be understood. Demonstrates restraint,
fairness and firmness with all people in all situations.

Must be able to effectively communicate and successfully interact
with a variety of individuals in a diverse environment at all
levels of the organization. Ability to maintain confidentiality and
work appropriately within the department hierarchy. Communicates
effectively to resolve problems and proactively resolve conflicts
or disagreements in the workplace, makes suggestions and ask
pertinent questions to facilitate effective communication.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in mechanical, industrial or energy engineering
or bachelor's degree in mechanical or industrial engineering and
related professional experience equivalent to an advanced
degree.

• Significant years or related experience in designing and/or
operating commercial HVAC systems, energy systems, or in the field
of energy engineering or energy management.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or ability to receive VA
PE license within one year of employment.

• Excellent knowledge and experience with BAS systems optimization
and HVAC system commissioning

• Expert knowledge of chilled water system design, operation and
optimization

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) by the Association of Energy
Engineers.

• Strong knowledge of HVAC theory and applications for commercial
buildings.

• Experience conducting field measurements and data logging on HVAC
systems.

• Experience developing EEM.

• Experience performing energy saving analysis using ASHRAE
simplified bin methods and spreadsheets.

• Experience using building energy simulation tools such as eQuest,
DOE2, etc.

• Experience working with external contractors for project
pricing.

• Familiarity with International Performance Measurement and
Verification Protocol (IPMVP) guidelines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Must have a valid driver's license.

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work
independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical, industrial or energy
engineering.

• Considerable experience in Energy Performance Contracting for
commercial buildings.

• TAB/Commissioning experience and/or certifications.

• Experience conducting ASRAE Level I/II energy audits for
commercial buildings.

• Experience supporting the implementation of EEM during
construction phase.

• Experience verifying energy savings using regression analysis or
calibrated simulation.

• High level of proficiency using Microsoft Excel.

• Strong knowledge and experience with LEED BD+C
certification

• Prior supervisory experience

Pay Band

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Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

112,000 - 115,000; commensurate with experience

Review Date

March 4, 2025; applications accepted until filled

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal
conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),
Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a
hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be
leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution
that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the
world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated
to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more
than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight
undergraduate
colleges , a school of
medicine , a veterinary
medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university
has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus
in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in
Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and
research
centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech
conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional
development opportunities and university shared
governance . These valuable contributions to university shared
governance provide important representation and perspective, along
with opportunities for unique and impactful professional
development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or
applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including
pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic
information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,
race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or
otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire
about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation
of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected
by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an
accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at
opshr-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10
business days prior to the event.

Advertised: February 27, 2025

Applications close: