Associate - Buildings (PEO)

Position Overview

Rocky Mountain Institute is seeking exceptional candidates to fill an Associate position within our Buildings Program's Portfolio Energy Optimization initiative. We are seeking candidates with strong backgrounds in energy analytics who are interested in becoming EnergyPlus experts and leveraging computer programming to automate energy simulation and financial analysis.

Successful candidates will become a team member within RMI's Portfolio Energy Optimization initiative, which is creating a disruptive and scalable approach to commercial building retrofits that have been left behind by the traditional retrofit approach. A primary focus of the initiative is developing a software tool that enables building owners to identify and compare all available energy investments for their properties on an ongoing basis. To this end, we have leveraged tools such as EnergyPlus and Params/Modelkit (along with a host of custom applications) to develop a mass-customized tool capable of evaluating a spectrum of energy projects across a range of building use types. Learn more about our work here:

While Associates at RMI are expected to be generalists capable of contributing to a variety of project teams, this position is dedicated to the Portfolio Energy Optimization team. Applicants with experience relevant to that work will be prioritized.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities for this position will include:

Tool Development:

• Help build new functionality into the tool such as automated quality control procedures, automated reporting, and statistical analysis.
• Populate databases with common building attributes and project-specific attributes to facilitate mass customization.

Project Execution:

• Will be part of the scaling team within PEO. The primary responsibility of the team will be to execute on large portfolio analysis.
• Develop strategies to streamline data collection, energy modelling and reporting.
• Project management - manage tasks, budget, and team members associated with executing projects.
• Collect data and leverage the PEO tool to identify and evaluate the financial viability of projects within a portfolio of buildings.
• Author and present results summaries to clients.
• Support RMI efforts to demonstrate, replicate and communicate the success of projects to industry and donor audiences.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A graduate degree or equivalent professional experience in a field related to the built environment.
• 2+ years of work experience for the Associate level, and 4+ years of experience for the Senior Associate level.
• Expertise in energy simulation, especially EnergyPlus. Experience modeling existing buildings preferred.
• Expertise in python coding to manage and graph large amount of data is highly desired

Additional Qualifications:

• Field experience: Hands-on experience evaluating HVAC and controls via commissioning, retro-commissioning, or energy auditing
• Design experience: Background developing HVAC designs and specifications for an MEP firm or similar
• Expertise in computer programming, especially Ruby or C#
• EIT or licensed PE designation
• ASHRAE BEMP
• AEE Certified Energy Manager

General Qualifications:

• Excellent quantitative analysis and modeling skills; ability to convert raw data into insights.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple work streams.
• Excellent writing skills, visual presentation capability, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfort working with ambiguity.
• High emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a desire to work collaboratively.
• A passion for advancing market-based solutions to climate change.

Location  

This position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, it is expected that these roles be located at one of our U.S. office locations, with a strong preference for Boulder or Basalt, CO. This will be discussed further throughout the interview process. 

 

Compensation

The starting Associate level salary range is $68,000-$75,000 with a 5% bonus target. This is based on experience that will be vetted through the interview process.

 

Benefits  

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance  
• 403b retirement options (5% match immediately)  
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability  
• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)  
• Generous paid time off 
• Parental leave  
• Commuter and wellness benefits  
• Casual work environment  

  

Diversity    

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.  

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this-regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities-is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization, ensuring that we:    

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world's greatest challenges.  
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.  
• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.  

 

 Rocky Mountain Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

 

About Rocky Mountain Institute  

Rocky Mountain Institute transforms global energy use to create a clean, prosperous, and secure low-carbon future. That is our mission. That is our passion. And every day, every member of our team of nearly 280 works relentlessly to achieve it. We are driving the global energy transition from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables by working in partnership with businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs to advance market-based solutions. We achieve this by developing breakthrough ideas, testing and refining them, reshaping markets, and bringing solutions to scale. RMI is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual budget of $70 million and offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing, China.