Passive House Specialist – Project Manager / Field Verification 

Ettinger Engineering Associates (EEA) – Midtown Manhattan, NYC

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 lhildebrand@ettingerengineering.com