Principal | Energy Lead

Company Overview

Buro Happold values an individual’s flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers. The Energy and Decarbonization team specializes in energy system policy, planning, design and delivery at the campus, city and regional scales. We work from visioning to concept strategy through to detailed design and delivery.

The Energy team often works hand‑in‑hand with Buro Happold’s MEP engineers, economists and sustainability consultants to deliver integrated, low‑carbon and resilient energy solutions at every scale.

We are looking for an exceptional Principal to join our Energy Team in the US, building on our strong track record such as New York City’s Roadmap to 80x50, the New York Climate Exchange (NYCX), Geo Micro Districts  work, and Oakland Energy Master Plan to support our clients in navigating the complexities of a rapidly transforming energy sector. As a Principal, you will lead and grow the Energy practice through strategic leadership, business development, and delivery of complex, multi‑disciplinary projects including:

• Energy and infrastructure master plans
• Techno‑economic feasibility studies
• Renewable energy and energy storage system development and designs
• Thermal energy network designs

The successful candidate will drive business growth, lead client relationships at the most senior levels, contribute to the Urban Development Senior Leadership Team, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our rapidly growing global team of over 50 dedicated energy professionals located around the world.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every qualification.

• Manage the strategic development of talent within the Energy team, with a focus on stretching and developing all team members, and act as an inspiring leader in the spirit of Buro Happold culture and competencies
• As Project Director, lead the design, analysis, and consultancy on large and complex energy projects for a wide variety of clients with the continued focus on delivering long‑term benefits and value
• Produce reports, presentations, models, and drawings to an excellent standard as requested by clients
• Actively manage the commercial performance of projects, including risks, resources, and profitability
• Represent Buro Happold to clients, architects, and collaborators at the most senior levels, providing strategic consultancy advice based on deep experience of client needs, energy systems discipline, and relevant sectors
• Lead overall sales activity through an established network of external clients, win new and repeat business in line with agreed work‑winning targets, and support the business development capability of the wider team
• Maintain an external profile by attending conferences and events, developing a presence via social media, and/or publishing thought leadership pieces – providing subject matter expertise to further develop current thinking in energy systems

• Bachelor’s Degree level, or equivalent, in an emphasis on physical science or engineering background
• Advanced degree or research background in energy infrastructure systems or similar preferred
• 15+ years’ experience working on large scale projects in energy infrastructure
• Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification, or similar
• Deep expertise in energy system design including geothermal systems, district heating and cooling, power generation, combined heat and power (CHP), and renewable energy systems
• Comprehensive understanding of the market, supply chain, revenue models, and costs associated with energy systems including geothermal, power/smart grid, district energy, energy storage, and renewables in the US
• Consulting experience
• Experience representing organizations at the most senior levels in client meetings and negotiations
• Demonstrated success collaborating across organizational boundaries to deliver integrated solutions
• Advanced knowledge of energy system modeling tools and techniques
• Strong understanding of energy policy within North America…