Ettinger Engineering Associates (EEA), a leader in sustainable MEP/FP and civil engineering design, is seeking a mid- to senior-level Passive House Specialist to lead and deliver high-performance building projects across our growing portfolio.
This role goes beyond modeling – you’ll lead projects from early design through construction, driving performance, coordinating teams, and ensuring what gets built meets Passive House certification and energy targets.
Salary: $75,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Key Responsibilities
- Manage large-scale multifamily high-performance and Passive House projects from design through construction.
- Lead Passive House (PHI/PHIUS) certification efforts, including documentation, modeling, and QA/QC.
- Advise project teams on Passive House and sustainability strategies, including building systems, enclosure assemblies, materials, constructability, and site improvements.
- Recommend energy efficiency and resiliency strategies supported by engineering analysis, building science, and simulation tools.
- Perform and/or oversee energy modeling (PHPP, WUFI Passive, THERM, Flixo, or equivalent) to evaluate and validate design decisions.
- Track and manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating with internal staff and external design and construction teams to maintain schedule and performance targets.
- Conduct architectural and engineering design reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to project teams.
- Review drawings, specifications, and construction submittals for compliance with Passive House, energy codes, and program requirements.
- Advise on certification pathways and requirements, including Passive House, ENERGY STAR, Enterprise Green Communities, and LEED.
- Perform construction-phase services including site inspections, field verification, and performance testing oversight.
- Maintain working knowledge of evolving technologies, materials, and best practices in high-performance building design.
- Stay current with ASHRAE standards, NYC/NYS energy codes, and incentive programs (e.g., NYSERDA, HPD, HCR).
- Prepare and manage documentation for program compliance and coordinate with certifiers and program administrators.
- Contribute to improving internal tools, workflows, and deliverables through proactive problem-solving and process refinement.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture, engineering, building science, or a related field.
- PHIUS CPHC or PHI Certified Passive House Designer required.
- 5+ years of experience in high-performance building design and project management.
- Proven experience delivering Passive House or equivalent high-performance projects through construction.
- Strong understanding of building enclosure systems, air barriers, thermal bridging, and mechanical systems integration.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and communicate effectively with diverse teams.
- Experience with PHPP, WUFI Passive, THERM, or similar tools.
Preferred Qualifications – Field Testing and Verification
- Hands-on experience with blower door testing (whole-building and compartmentalization).
- Experience with enclosure air leakage testing and ASTM and Passive House protocols.
- Familiarity with duct leakage testing and airflow verification.
- Experience conducting or interpreting infrared thermography (IR scanning).
- Knowledge of ventilation commissioning and balancing (ERV/HRV systems).
- Experience performing construction inspections to verify air barrier continuity, insulation quality, and system installation.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve field performance issues to meet certification targets.
