How to hire an energy efficiency engineer

How to hire an energy efficiency engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step energy efficiency engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an energy efficiency engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new energy efficiency engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an energy efficiency engineer do?

Post an energy efficiency engineer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an energy efficiency engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An energy efficiency engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, energy efficiency engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of energy efficiency engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Energy Efficiency Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Energy Efficiency Engineer		$29-59
   Renewable Energy Consultant	Renewable energy consultants carry out energy surveys and audits and advise clients on sources of renewable energy. They also advise on sustainable solutions within the built environment and infrastructure sectors... Show more	$29-69
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HVAC
   • Energy Efficiency
   • Data Analysis
   • Energy Analysis
   • Commercial Buildings
   • EQuest
   • Technical Assistance
   • Technical Support
   • Renewable Energy
   • Customer Sites
   • Ventilation
   • Cost Savings
   • Audit Reports
   • Technical Reports

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the storage & shipment of hazardous/universal wastes (PCB ballasts, lamps, batteries, etc . )
   • Approve all material and labor invoices ensuring that charges are base on current material and labor contracts and NYC labor rates.
   • Provide training to clients, universities and chamber of engineers on energy efficiency and HVAC systems.
   • Install metering on injection molds, lighting, compress air, on-site generators, and HVAC systems.
   • Obtain regulatory closure of the site, which is now operate as a recreational property by the BLM.
   • Perform plant audits to implement advance manufacturing, digital design, and sustainability.

   More energy efficiency engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the energy efficiency engineer job description is a good way to get more applicants. An energy efficiency engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an energy efficiency engineer in Missouri may be lower than in Massachusetts, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level energy efficiency engineer. Additionally, an energy efficiency engineer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average energy efficiency engineer salary

   $87,691yearly

   $42.16 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level energy efficiency engineer salary

   $61,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average energy efficiency engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Massachusetts	$106,528	$51
   2	Arizona	$103,212	$50
   3	Connecticut	$102,672	$49
   4	District of Columbia	$102,013	$49
   5	Texas	$101,219	$49
   6	Maryland	$99,961	$48
   7	Illinois	$99,873	$48
   8	New Jersey	$97,885	$47
   9	Virginia	$97,403	$47
   10	California	$96,516	$46
   11	Colorado	$89,422	$43
   12	New York	$87,697	$42
   13	Washington	$86,958	$42
   14	Tennessee	$81,735	$39
   15	Ohio	$81,636	$39
   16	Georgia	$80,819	$39
   17	North Carolina	$78,647	$38
   18	Michigan	$75,840	$36
   19	Missouri	$71,355	$34
   20	Indiana	$68,811	$33

   Average energy efficiency engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	BP America Inc	$132,164	$63.54
   2	NVIDIA	$128,403	$61.73
   3	Osram Sylvania	$116,251	$55.89
   4	Battelle	$106,383	$51.15
   5	Oak Ridge National Laboratory	$103,231	$49.63
   6	CLEAResult	$99,233	$47.71	33
   7	ICF	$96,206	$46.25	17
   8	Eversource Energy	$93,665	$45.03	14
   9	Association For Energy Affordability, Inc.	$89,754	$43.15
   10	B & P Enterprises	$89,245	$42.91
   11	Randstad North America, Inc.	$88,749	$42.67
   12	Johnson Controls	$88,049	$42.33
   13	The Cadmus Group	$86,329	$41.50	1
   14	Nexant	$84,365	$40.56	8
   15	Leidos	$82,516	$39.67	17
   16	TRC Companies	$77,488	$37.25	3
   17	Cenveo	$72,667	$34.94	63

4. Writing an energy efficiency engineer job description

   A good energy efficiency engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an energy efficiency engineer job description:

   Energy efficiency engineer job description example

   ### Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here\! \(https://www\.youtube\.com/watch?v=fHmr45H8xZE\)
   #
   
   **POSITION** : 1\-Energy Efficiency Project Engineer
   
   **DEPARTMENT** : Energy Efficiency
   
   **LOCATION** : Westwood
   
   **STARTING RATE OF PAY** : $45\.17
   
   **CURRENTLY POSTED HOURS** : 7:30AM - 4:00PM
   
   **SCHEDULE** : M\-F
   
   \*\*Union Represented Position\*\*
   
   **REMARKS** :
   
   This position is responsible for site\-specific energy engineering analyses for technical Commercial & Industrial \(C&I\) Implementation projects\. Provides technical quality assurance reviews of energy engineering studies\. Investigates new technologies for Implementation programs and customer facilities\. Serves as a technical liaison for Eversource on commercial and industrial energy efficiency issues\. Provides detailed engineering support for value\-added engineering, procurement and construction projects\. Provides direct technical project management as required\.
   
   **MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS** :
   
   1\. Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical, Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering\.
   
   2\. At least three \(3\) years of experience relating to the performance of duties and responsibilities of this position\.
   
   3\. Basic knowledge in the areas of lighting, HVAC and fluid handling, refrigeration, compressed air systems, as well as background with control methodologies and systems, engineering economic analyses, and manufacturing and industrial processes\.
   
   4\. Demonstrated knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat transfer in relation to energy efficiency in commercial and industrial facilities\.
   
   5\. Familiarity with accepted energy engineering and HVAC industry standards, including applicable energy relevant building codes\.
   
   6\. Proficiency with various computer software applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, relational databases, AutoCad, and various energy simulation tools such as eQuest, AirMaster\+, and MotorMaster\.
   
   7\. Ability to interface effectively and collaborate with clients, peers, project personnel, and all levels of management to develop program\-wide policies and procedures; demonstrated ability to take initiative and accountability for results\.
   
   8\. License to operate motor vehicles\.
   
   **Vaccination Information:** Eversource requires an individual who is newly hired into this position to be fully vaccinated for COVID\-19 by their first day of employment\. If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this requirement, you will need to discuss your concerns with Eversource's HR department after a decision has been made about whether or not to make you a conditional offer of employment\. Eversource does not require applicants to discuss vaccination status prior to receipt of a conditional offer of employment and complies with all applicable laws requiring reasonable accommodation\.
   
   **Emergency Response** : Responding to emergency situations to meet customers' needs is part of every employee's role\. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment\. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location\.
   
   **Worker Type:**
   
   Regular
   
   **Number of Openings:**
   
   1
   
   **EEO Statement**
   
   Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer\. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status\.
   
   VEVRRA Federal Contractor
   
   **Vaccination Information:**
   
   Eversource requires an individual who is newly hired into this position to be fully vaccinated for COVID\-19 by their first day of employment\. If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this requirement, you will need to discuss your concerns with Eversource's HR department after a decision has been made about whether or not to make you a conditional offer of employment\. Eversource does not require applicants to discuss vaccination status prior to receipt of a conditional offer of employment and complies with all applicable laws requiring reasonable accommodation\.
   
   Emergency Response:
   
   Responding to emergency situations to meet customers' needs is part of every employee's role\. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment\. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location\.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find energy efficiency engineers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your energy efficiency engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit energy efficiency engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit energy efficiency engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new energy efficiency engineer

   Once you've selected the best energy efficiency engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new energy efficiency engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an energy efficiency engineer?