Engineer (Clean Energy Finance)

Background

The New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC), the country’s first local green bank, is a non-profit specialty financier of projects in buildings that save energy and reduce greenhouse gases.  NYCEEC’s team is passionate about its mission to deliver financing solutions and advance markets for energy efficiency and clean energy in buildings.  NYCEEC’s vision is energy efficiency and clean energy financing for buildings to achieve scale and be accessible to all.  For more information: https://nyceec.com.

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Engineering or Director of Engineering will be the most senior member of the engineering team and will be responsible for review, analysis, documentation, and tracking of all energy engineering and related technical aspects of projects financed by NYCEEC, with an emphasis on assessing technical capacities of counterparties and others responsible for project completion and successful operation, and on evaluating and documenting the energy and environmental impacts of projects NYCEEC finances.  The Associate Director of Engineering or Director of Engineering will also provide technical and engineering support and education to NYCEEC staff as needed, as well as guidance on technical and engineering matters in furtherance of NYCEEC’s mission.

 

The designation of the individual as Associate Director of Engineering or Director of Engineering will depend on the prior experience of the individual. In general, individuals with fewer than 10 years of relevant experience are likely to be considered for the Associate Director role, while individuals with 10 years of relevant experience or greater are likely to be considered for the Director role.

 

The NYCEEC team works in a hybrid model, presently in the office at least two days per week and remote the remainder.  NYCEEC’s office is in midtown Manhattan.  This is a full-time position; however, we may consider candidates seeking a more limited (e.g., 32-hour per week) schedule.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct technical due diligence of energy efficiency and clean energy projects under consideration for NYCEEC financing:

• Determine technical eligibility for NYCEEC financing and development status of project
• Evaluate energy savings technologies, scopes of work, calculations, and models
• Validate the reliability of energy and cost savings projections and make recommendations to NYCEEC transaction and risk management team which may include developing a sensitivity analysis and/or discounting projected savings.  Opine on project cost estimates and highlight risks associated with projected costs.
• Calculate projected energy metrics and GHG reductions for NYCEEC reporting purposes
• Evaluate building owner’s, contractor’s and (as applicable) project developer’s capabilities to complete project and make related recommendations to NYCEEC transaction and risk management team which may include further contractor diligence, hiring an owner’s representative or commissioning agent, or seeking 3^rd party engineering guidance
• Perform field inspections to assess project feasibility and building condition
• Review construction documents including proposals, schedules, drawings, and contracts
• Document due diligence findings for credit committee review
• Oversee any staff or consultants responsible for completing the above-listed tasks
• Provide technical review for NYC C-PACE program
• Assist in development of technical aspects of the program.
• Ensure applicant materials meet program criteria.
• Review content and reasonableness of C-PACE applicant project submission materials including: energy audit/feasibility study, auditor qualifications, energy saving or clean energy measures, baseline, design, costs, and analysis. Provide feedback to applicant.
• Review project completion including changes to scope of work and close-out verification.
• Verify post-construction energy data collection per program requirements.
• Oversee any staff or consultants responsible for completing the above-listed tasks
• Monitor the progress of NYCEEC-financed projects under construction:
• Evaluate borrower draw requests: assess percent project complete as it relates to budget and schedule.  Coordinate closely with risk management and legal to support timely and prudent construction advances. 
• Assess physical construction progress by travelling to project site or other means
• Review project schedules and budgets, and contractor invoices and lien waivers
• Track and document completion of project construction.  Communicate outcomes.
• Oversee any staff or consultants responsible for completing the above-listed tasks
• Track and manage energy data
• Establish and maintain energy performance recording and reporting mechanisms
• Ensure that energy data is being collected on projects post-construction completion.  Coordinate energy data collection with NYCEEC business development as needed.
• Evaluate post-implementation energy data and calculate realization rates
• Manage NYCEEC’s engineering function
• Hire and manage any engineering staff
• Oversee procurement and management of engineering service providers / consultants
• Make recommendations for annual engineering budget and manage expenditures to meet budget
• Implement and (as needed) periodically update NYCEEC’s technical/engineering policies and procedures
• Special projects as needed, including collaborating with NYCEEC partners on technical/ engineering methods and procedures, and keeping abreast of relevant energy efficiency and renewable energy policy developments, particularly in New York City and New York State

 

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, or architectural engineering
• At least 5 years of general engineering, construction, or related building experience with at least 3 years of specific energy efficiency experience
• Experience doing energy audits and familiarity with retro-commissioning, and energy modeling (in-depth knowledge is preferred)
• At least 2 years’ experience with building construction processes, controls, and third-party approvals. Strong interest in energy efficiency and building systems.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment and to be able to self-manage, prioritize tasks, and work independently as well as part of a team
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and taking on new projects
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Preferred:

• NYC MEP design, permitting/approvals, and construction knowledge
• Commissioning experience; energy measurement and verification experience
• Familiarity with finance
• Familiarity with database development and management and associated software and/or computer science
• Prior work experience with a start-up or non-profit organization
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Understanding of New York City and State building-related energy efficiency policies

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong drafting and negotiating skills and sound business judgment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to effectively supervise outside counsel and a willingness to “roll up sleeves” as needed to help complete projects and achieve NYCEEC’s mission

Please note that this position description contains a general list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. It is not exhaustive and does not represent a contract for employment.  NYCEEC reserves the right to modify the position description at any time.

 

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $120,000-$137,000 per year for an Associate Director or $135,000-$150,000 per year for a Director (assuming FT employment).  NYCEEC also offers a discretionary bonus based on annual organizational and individual performance.  NYCEEC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off / paid sick leave (starting at up to four weeks each year with increases based on years of service)
• Medical insurance Platinum plan (80-90% of the premium paid by NYCEEC) and Dental (85-90% of the premium paid by NYCEEC)
• Vision and life insurance (100% of the premium paid by NYCEEC)
• 401(k) plan with NYCEEC matching employer contributions
• Pre-Tax Transit Benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave

 

To Apply

Qualified candidates may apply for this position here: https://nyceec.com/careers. Please tell us how you learned of this position, why you are interested in this position at NYCEEC, and what makes you a great candidate for this role.

Please submit your application by March 29, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we recommend applying early. Please be patient as our staff reviews your application. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, recruiters, or search firms, please.

Note: Vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment at NYCEEC, absent approval of a documented medical or religious exemption.

Please DO NOT include photographs with your application. Applications including an applicant’s photograph will be discarded.

 

New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We will work to ensure that our staff and board reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and give members of our own organization and groups that we serve opportunities to have their voices heard.  We will strive to collaborate with the stakeholder groups where we do business.