Building Enclosure Associate Principal

Building Enclosure Associate Principal

ECS is seeking a Building Enclosure Associate Principal to join our Midwest Building Science + Infrastructure team in Chicago, IL. In this role, you will manage building enclosure consulting projects and serve as a lead technical consultant on investigations, assessments, commissioning (BECx), testing, and design consulting. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate building envelope performance, support construction quality, and deliver practical consulting solutions across a variety of facility types. This is a client-facing role with regular interaction with owners, architects, contractors, and engineers. The position includes responsibility for project management, technical execution, business development support, and mentorship of junior staff within a collaborative consulting environment.

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Demonstrate strong knowledge across building science & infrastructure consulting services, with advanced competency in a primary discipline.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and assist with complex testing, investigations, and consulting challenges.
• Perform senior-level review of reports, deliverables, and technical work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Support Principal-level review processes in accordance with ECS policies.
• Oversee and support building enclosure investigations, testing programs, and design consulting efforts.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and industry practices, and apply them to project execution.

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Oversee project budgets, including review of change orders, invoices, and support of collection efforts.
• Coordinate staffing and ensure appropriately trained personnel are assigned to projects.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Prepare and review proposals, reports, and change orders.
• Participate in project meetings and provide solutions to technical and administrative challenges.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Mentor and develop junior staff, providing technical training and guidance.
• Supervise staff assignments and support day-to-day execution of project work.
• Assist senior leadership with staffing decisions and team development.
• Promote best practices in technical execution, communication, and client service.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Maintain and grow client relationships while supporting business development initiatives.
• Identify new opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
• Participate in proposal development and contribute to positioning of ECS services.
• Support client interactions related to project findings, recommendations, and deliverables.
• Represent ECS professionally in all client and industry interactions.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality consulting solutions.
• Coordinate with senior staff to ensure effective project setup and execution.
• Participate in client meetings and follow up on deliverables as needed.
• Contribute to internal initiatives, including improving templates, processes, and technical standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (NCARB).
• 8+ years of related experience in building enclosure consulting, including testing, commissioning (BECx), design review, or forensic assessments.
• Licensed or certified in at least one of the following:
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.)
  • Registered Architect (R.A.)
  • IIBEC certifications (RRC, RWC, REWC, RBEC, CBECxP)
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison certifications (BECxP, CxA+BE)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of building science & infrastructure principles and applications.
• Strong understanding of construction practices, drawings, and site plans.
• Working knowledge of building codes and standards (IBC, ASHRAE, ASTM, SMACNA, etc.).
• Experience with building enclosure systems including cladding, roofing, waterproofing, curtain walls, and related assemblies.
• Knowledge of testing protocols and ability to interpret field performance relative to design intent.
• Experience supporting forensic investigations, BECx, and design review activities.
• Proven ability to manage projects and mentor junior staff.
• Strong project management, consulting, and client interaction skills.
• Solid judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to support business development and client growth.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk uneven terrain, and work at heights as needed.

Why Join ECS?

• Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

ECS Core Values: Collaborate, Focus & Lead

The expected pay range for this role and location is $100,000 - $120,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group's Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit:

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.