Engineering Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

GDS Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging opportunity for an Engineering Assistant in the Energy Efficiency business unit based out of the Northern Massachusetts/Southern New Hampshire region. Qualified candidates will have a basic understanding of home building and construction practices and strong interest in energy efficient residential construction (single and multifamily dwellings).  This is an entry level position with growth potential.  Candidates must possess excellent communications skills in working with internal team members and home builders. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Interact with the individuals on project sites
• On site inspection and data collection of energy efficiency features
• Ability to learn to calculate necessary inputs for completing home energy ratings
• Collaborate with other team members
• Communicate with project lead of project status and schedule
• Tracking and documenting energy efficiency features of new homes through visual verification
• Reviewing construction plans for calculating conditioned floor area and volume of homes and dwellings
• Conducting mid-construction inspections to verify and document energy features (e.g. mechanical equipment, insulation, air-sealing and other building envelope details
• Diagnostic testing and documenting the results upon final inspection (blower door and duct leakage testing)
• Providing in-field technical guidance and support to builders and subcontractors on improving energy performance, health and durability of new residential buildings
• Maintaining flow of data from field to other members of the team
• Maintaining relationships with builders, architects, and property owners

GDS Associates, Inc. is a growing, dynamic, multi-faceted engineering and consulting firm providing energy consulting services to architects, builders and owners of new homes.

The GDS Northeast Region office is responsible for providing energy code support and energy efficiency program support through inspections and diagnostic testing (blower door testing) and the delivery of Home Energy Ratings (HERS Ratings).  Our residential energy efficiency specialists promote healthy, durable and energy efficient homes through plan-review and analysis, inspections and testing throughout the construction process.

• Technical or associate's degree in related field with two (2) years of relevant experience or bachelor's degree in related field with no experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Knowledge/experience in new construction
• Knowledge/experience of building science
• Desire and ability to learn about energy efficient construction, including diagnostic testing
• Must be able to obtain RESNET- Home Energy Rater (HERS) or Rater Field Inspector (RFI) certification
• A desire and ability to learn about energy efficient construction and green building, including diagnostic testing
• Willing to work in a dynamic setting, balancing time spent on construction sites performing inspections and providing necessary documentation
• Experience in residential HVAC (e.g. sizing heating and cooling systems, system installation, troubleshooting and/or duct design)
• Ability to climb ladders (sometimes to heights of 15 feet). Physical ability to lift/carry/use scientific measurement equipment that weighs approximately 20 pounds.
• Physical ability to walk in and around homes in various stages of construction and to enter/work in confining spaces (e.g. residential attics, basements and crawl spaces).
• Flexibility/availability to work extra hours when necessary to meet project requirements
• Physical ability to lift/carry/use scientific measurement equipment that weighs approximately 35 pounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and iOS mobile devices.
• Familiarity or ability to learn appropriate field equipment and technologies
• Ability to travel to project site
• Travel to local project sites will vary from 50% to 100%

GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship.

Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship.

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.