Building Envelope Specialist

About the Opportunity:

Do you like problem-solving and opportunities to work outdoors while investigating unique buildings? Would you like to develop your hands-on knowledge of building enclosure systems, restore existing building facades, and understand how detailing affects overall performance, durability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort? If so, Walker has an exciting opportunity to cultivate your technical skills as a Building Envelope Specialist in the growing field of Building Enclosure Consulting and Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx).

In this role you will be working with an interdisciplinary team on various structures such as high rises, historic or vintage buildings, hospitals, offices, condominiums, schools, and higher-level education to diagnose and design repairs for enclosure issues such as water infiltration, condensation, air infiltration, deterioration of facades, and much more.

You will investigate existing conditions and configurations of cladding components and apply testing methods such as water testing, air leakage testing, and infrared thermography to identify root causes. For new construction projects, you will support Engineers, Architects, Owners, and Contractors by reviewing enclosure design details, specifications, submittals, mockups, and construction for continuity, constructability, and alignment with project performance requirements. You will also assist with Building Enclosure Commissioning activities from design through construction and occupancy, help prepare Construction Documents under the supervision of a Project Manager, and review implementation of the work through construction site visits and functional performance testing.

Successful candidates will be self-starters, enthusiastic to learn, with well-developed time management and multitasking skills.

Perform on-site condition assessments and construction observations to record existing conditions.

Perform investigations and testing to diagnose building envelope issues using various testing tools and techniques.

Support Building Enclosure Commissioning activities during pre-design, design, construction, and occupancy phases.

Analyze field data and prepare technical reports for clients that summarize the investigation and recommendations.

Work with an interdisciplinary project team to prepare Construction Documents including project drawings and specifications to implement repairs or rehabilitation of a building exterior.

Analyze current building codes to determine its impacts on the project.

Ability to work with a Project Manager to maintain project goals for budget and schedule.

Desire to foster strong technical skills in different enclosure materials such as curtain wall windows, roofing types, brick, stucco, stone and metal cladding systems.

Curiosity to dig deep into problems and apply knowledge of enclosure systems, diagnostic testing and the scientific method under atypical conditions.

Bachelor or better in Architecture or Engineering from ABET or NAAB accredited institution.

5-10 years of previous Building Envelope experience

Working towards licensure in either architecture or engineering with a NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) record or EIT status, or ability to attain it.

Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.

Basic understanding of building enclosure materials, attachments, thermodynamics, insulation, and air barrier systems.

Basic understanding of facade and roofing detailing. Strong technical communication skills (written and verbal).

Ability to work in the office and in the field.

Ability to work from elevated heights such as swing-stage scaffolding, man-lift, ladder or roof.

This role may require occasional travel locally and outside the local area.