Associate, Building Decarbonization

Building Energy Professional Position

Are you passionate about decarbonization and looking to help transform the US energy system? Do you enjoy tackling complicated problems with robust analysis and thoughtful communication? If yes, Synapse has a position for you.

Synapse is a consulting company that has been providing rigorous analysis on behalf of public interest clients in the energy sector for more than 30 years. Our work includes expert analysis, reports, and high-impact expert witness testimony in docketed proceedings before public utility commissions across the country and in Canada. Our clients are primarily environmental non-profits, state agencies, federal agencies, and consumer and environmental advocacy groups.

Synapse is seeking a building energy professional with in-field experience in building energy projects who is highly motivated to contribute to the advancement of high-impact building decarbonization initiatives at the state, local, or national level. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of building science principles and building electrification technologies, including heat pumps and related HVAC systems. Experience with commercial buildings is preferred.

Experience with district thermal energy networks and building performance standards (such as BERDO or BEUDO) is a plus.

This role is hybrid and based in Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Associate will provide economic and technical analyses to support Synapse project work on building decarbonization, with topics spanning building electrification with associated grid infrastructure planning, thermal energy networks, energy policy (such as building performance standards, clean heat standards, and energy code updates), and energy efficiency. This person may also support projects on climate action planning, renewable energy technologies, electricity rates, electric vehicles, resource planning, environmental regulations, electricity markets, and future-of-gas planning.

• Perform analytical and research tasks under the supervision of project manager or other team members.
• Conduct building energy modeling and load analysis using datasets and tools such as NREL/NLR Res Stock and Com Stock to evaluate building electrification, energy efficiency, and thermal network scenarios.
• Support development and implementation of building performance standards for state and municipal clients, including benchmarking data analysis, compliance cost estimation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Research and analyze building decarbonization technologies and strategies along with associated costs, savings, and market barriers.
• Maintain, use, and modify spreadsheet-based tools to analyze energy efficiency technologies, programs, and portfolios.
• Perform economic analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, of energy technologies.

• Experience conducting energy audits; designing or managing residential and commercial building retrofit projects; evaluating the performance of energy efficiency and building decarbonization measures; conducting building energy modeling; and preparing HVAC load calculations.
• Experience analyzing large building-stock datasets or applying the resulting data and model outputs to building electrification, energy efficiency, load forecasting, grid infrastructure planning, or policy analysis is desirable.
• Excellent math and spreadsheet skills, including attention to detail related to unit conversions, discount rates, nominal and real dollars, and other economic principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize and summarize research and analysis.
• Ability to work and communicate well with project managers and team members.
• Ability to manage complex tasks with competing priorities and time requirements.

• Degree in Economics, Energy and Environmental Policy, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields
• A relevant bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant industry experience (energy, economics, and/or engineering sector). Graduate education can substitute for an equivalent number of years of industry experience (ex. a…