Senior Energy Engineer

Senior Energy Engineer

Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Energy / Sustainability
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Senior Energy Engineer is a technical and strategic leader within the Energy / Building Performance Engineering team. This role independently leads building energy modeling, performance analysis, and decarbonization strategies across complex project types, supporting both new construction and existing building optimization.

Senior Energy Engineers guide clients toward high-performance, sustainable solutions while mentoring junior engineers, supporting integrated design teams, and advancing the firm’s technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead building energy modeling, audits, and technical studies for new construction and existing buildings
• Develop and evaluate decarbonization, electrification, and energy efficiency strategies across diverse market sectors
• Perform and review complex analytical work to ensure accuracy and alignment with project objectives
• Serve as technical lead on energy-focused projects, providing guidance to clients and internal teams
• Present findings and recommendations through reports, presentations, and project meetings
• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities and contributing to proposals and interviews
• Collaborate with architectural, mechanical, electrical, and sustainability teams to deliver integrated, high-performance solutions
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards, applicable codes, and client expectations
• Conduct site investigations, energy audits, and field observations to validate system performance
• Support commissioning, measurement, and verification activities
• Mentor junior Energy Engineers through technical guidance, modeling support, and professional development feedback
• Contribute to refinement of processes, tools, and best practices within the Energy Engineering group

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Building Science, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in energy modeling, decarbonization planning, or building performance engineering
• Proficiency with energy modeling platforms such as eQUEST, EnergyPlus, Cove.tool, IES-VE, or similar tools
• Strong understanding of ASHRAE standards, building codes, and sustainability frameworks
• Professional certifications preferred, including PE, CEM, BEMP, LEED AP, WELL AP, or similar credentials
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and supporting client relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly

Travel

Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 25-50%

Location: Buffalo, New York

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $87,360 – $120,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development and continuing education support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

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