Passive House Specialist – Project Manager / Field Verification

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.

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.

Please submit your resumes and/or cover letters to resumes@ettingerengineering.com. For more information, go to here.