PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient.
PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs.
As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.
PAE is looking for a Sustainability & Green Building Lead. This hybrid role can work out of either our San Francisco or New York office. In this role you will be a technical lead and/or project manager within PAE’s Regenerative Design Group to consult on the sustainable design of buildings. You will analyze design options and make recommendations related to wide range of sustainability issues including daylighting, shading, water use, occupant health, sustainable materials, embodied carbon, and more. You will work directly with clients and design teams, and you will manage other members of the Regenerative Design Group working on your projects.
You’ll also be a key staff member leading the administration of green building rating systems including LEED, WELL, Fitwel, Living Building Challenge, and others. This work includes analyzing feasibility of specific credits, advising project teams on the process for certification, and managing the overall documentation process.
For this work you need familiarity with the architectural design process, great critical thinking and analytical skills, plus strong communication skills including visual, verbal, and written communication. Your work will include client-facing meetings.
Partner with engineering and architectural teams to identify sustainability goals, compile design options to meet those goals, test their effectiveness, and make clear recommendations as part of an integrated design process
Conduct façade optimization studies including daylighting, shading effectiveness, glare, peak solar load, and natural ventilation effectiveness
Conduct Life-Cycle Assessment studies (LCA) and advise on methods to reduce embodied carbon
Conduct studies on other topics related to sustainable design, such as water conservation studies, reviews of sustainable materials, energy studies, and more
Lead and manage the design and documentation process for green building rating systems including LEED, WELL, Fitwel, and ILFI’s suite of rating systems. This will include:
Serve as the primary liaison with project teams, clients, consultants, and certifying bodies related to green building rating systems;
Review and track project performance against rating system requirements;
Develop and manage certification documentation, including narratives, calculators, and supporting documents;
Stay up to date with changes and updates to rating systems and share knowledge across teams;
Support internal education and training efforts on sustainability certification
Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
Provide training, guidance, and mentorship for staff
Develop client relationships
Attend client meetings, lead the coordination effort between external and internal project teams
Author project deliverables such as reports, memos, and presentations
Collaborate internally with PAE's MEP design teams and other members of the Regenerative Design team
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sustainability, Building Science, or related field
6+10 years of professional experience in sustainable design consulting or as part of an architecture or engineering team involved in sustainable design
LEED AP with specialty (BD+C preferred)
Experience managing at least 10 projects through LEED certification
Experience working on Living Buildings or Living Future Accreditation (LFA) is a plus
Deep experience in advising project teams on sustainable design solutions
Working knowledge or LEED, WELL, Living Building Challenge, Fitwel, and/or other systems
Strong project management and organizational skills
Serve as a technical resource for the company
Excellent communication, collaboration, and time management abilities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sustainability documentation tools (LEED Online, WELL portal, etc.)
Experience with facade analysis tools such as Grasshopper, Climate Studio, and Radiance is strongly preferred. Experience with Tally or OneClick and IESVE is preferred
Inspire and motivate staff
The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, roles are eligible for additional rewards, including salary increases and annual bonuses based on individual performance. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
Performance Bonus
Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
401k account contribution
Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
Commuter benefit
Cell phone stipend
Life insurance and disability benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation- work hard and take time off when you need it.
Our commitment to pay equity
PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.
To find out more visit our website.
Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at
pae-engineers.com.
Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water.
Fine Print
Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.
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