Position Description
High Performance Building Engineer
Job Category: Fulltime Regular
ExemptOvertimeEligible: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Benefit Based
Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.
Job Summary
The High Performance Building Engineer serves as a technical leader within Caltech Facilities Operations and Services, responsible for optimizing the performance, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of campus buildings and utility systems. The position supports Caltech's mission of scientific discovery and academic excellence by ensuring that campus facilities operate at the highest standards of energy performance, occupant comfort, operational resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Working collaboratively with Operations, Maintenance, Capital Projects, Environmental Health and Safety, researchers, and campus stakeholders, the High Performance Building Engineer leverages advanced analytics, building automation systems, commissioning practices, and engineering expertise to improve the operational effectiveness of laboratories, research facilities, classrooms, housing, and administrative buildings.
The position plays a critical role in reducing energy consumption, improving asset performance, supporting decarbonization initiatives, and advancing Caltech's sustainability objectives while maintaining the stringent environmental requirements necessary for leading-edge research.
Essential Responsibilities
Building Performance Optimization
- Lead continuous commissioning and ongoing commissioning activities across campus facilities.
- Analyze building performance data to identify opportunities for operational improvements, energy savings, and enhanced occupant comfort.
- Develop and implement building optimization strategies for HVAC, lighting, controls, central utility systems, and specialty research spaces.
- Establish building performance benchmarks and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Conduct energy audits and performance assessments of existing facilities.
- Validate and verify performance improvements through measurement and verification methodologies.
Building Automation and Controls
- Serve as a technical resource for campus Building Automation Systems (BAS) and related operational technologies.
- Evaluate control sequences and recommend improvements to maximize efficiency and reliability.
- Collaborate with controls contractors and internal staff to implement optimized control strategies.
- Monitor system alarms, trends, and operational performance to identify deficiencies and corrective actions.
- Support integration of smart building technologies, analytics platforms, and fault detection systems.
Energy Management and Sustainability
- Support implementation of Caltech's energy management and sustainability initiatives.
- Identify, develop, and manage energy conservation measures and utility reduction projects.
- Evaluate building performance relative to sustainability and decarbonization goals.
- Assist with greenhouse gas reduction planning and implementation efforts.
- Support utility budgeting, energy procurement analyses, and demand management strategies.
- Prepare business cases for capital investment in energy-efficiency improvements.
Engineering Analysis
- Perform engineering calculations and analyses related to HVAC systems, thermal performance, ventilation, controls, lighting, and utility infrastructure.
- Model energy consumption and evaluate alternative operational strategies.
- Investigate facility performance problems and develop practical engineering solutions.
- Review design documents for renovations and new construction to ensure operational efficiency and maintainability.
- Provide technical recommendations regarding equipment replacement and lifecycle planning.
Commissioning and Capital Projects
- Participate in design reviews, commissioning activities, functional performance testing, and project closeout procedures.
- Ensure new and renovated facilities meet Caltech's performance standards and owner project requirements.
- Collaborate with project managers to optimize system design and operational outcomes.
- Support retro-commissioning and recommissioning efforts throughout the campus portfolio.
Data Analytics and Reporting
- Utilize energy management software, analytics platforms, CMMS systems, and BAS data to evaluate facility performance.
- Develop dashboards and reports that communicate operational and sustainability metrics.
- Track performance indicators and document achieved savings.
- Present findings and recommendations to campus leadership and stakeholders.
Collaboration and Training
- Work closely with maintenance technicians and facility managers to implement best practices.
- Develop operational standards and performance optimization procedures.
- Provide training and mentoring related to building systems performance and energy management.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field or equivalent experience
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in building systems engineering, energy management, commissioning, facilities engineering, or related fields.
- Experience working with complex institutional, laboratory, healthcare, higher education, or research facilities.
- Experience analyzing and optimizing HVAC and building control systems.
- Experience utilizing Building Automation Systems and energy analytics software.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, chilled water systems, heating systems, ventilation systems, and building controls.
- Understanding of laboratory facility operations and high-performance research environments.
- Knowledge of energy conservation measures and building optimization methodologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and sequence-of-operation documents.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Combination of office and field environments.
- Frequent visits to mechanical rooms, laboratories, utility plants, rooftops, and occupied buildings.
- Occasional lifting of equipment or materials up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- May occasionally respond to urgent operational issues outside normal business hours.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Building Science, Sustainability, or related discipline.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
- Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), BCxP, CBCP, or equivalent commissioning credential.
- Experience with laboratory ventilation optimization and research facility operations.
- Familiarity with Title 24, ASHRAE standards, and California energy regulations.
- Experience with fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) platforms.
- Experience in higher education or research institution facilities management.
- LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential.
- Experience supporting carbon neutrality or campus decarbonization programs.
Required Documents
- Resume.
Hiring Range
$144,900 - $159,200 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.