Project Engineer

Project Engineer – Energy Efficiency
Location: Hybrid (Newark, NJ with client site visits across New Jersey)
Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

CARIAN is a purpose-driven, woman-owned consulting and advisory firm dedicated exclusively to the power sector. We partner with leading electric and gas utilities to provide strategic advisory and disciplined execution across program management, business intelligence, and field execution oversight. Guided by integrity, trust, excellence, and accountability, our team helps deliver complex capital programs and build the resilient energy infrastructure that communities depend on.

Position Overview

CARIAN is seeking a Project Engineer – Energy Efficiency to support large-scale Commercial, Industrial, and Multifamily energy efficiency programs. This role provides technical engineering oversight, energy savings validation, and quality assurance for projects ranging from small efficiency upgrades to multimillion-dollar capital investments.

The Project Engineer will be responsible for reviewing investment-grade audits, engineering designs, and energy models to ensure technical accuracy, cost effectiveness, and compliance with applicable Technical Reference Manuals and industry standards. The position plays a critical role in protecting program integrity, regulatory defensibility, and the reliability of reported energy savings.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys deep technical analysis, structured QA/QC work, and close collaboration with utility clients, contractors, and engineering firms.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical engineering review of energy efficiency projects, including investment-grade audits, engineering designs, and energy models.

• Validate energy savings estimates using state Technical Reference Manuals, ASHRAE standards, and accepted energy engineering principles.

• Perform QA/QC on small, mid-sized, and large-scale projects to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and cost effectiveness.

• Review projects during and after construction to confirm alignment with approved designs and projected savings.

• Interface with utility stakeholders, customers, vendors, and third-party consultants to ensure program rules and technical requirements are met.

• Standardize complex energy savings analysis methodologies across Commercial & Industrial and Multifamily programs.

• Develop engineering calculators, templates, and technical documentation to streamline reviews and improve technical rigor.

• Support regulatory and management reporting by ensuring technical assumptions and savings calculations are complete and defensible.

• Apply cost and financial reasoning to ensure projects are technically justified and economically viable.

• Work independently while maintaining close coordination with program managers and technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.

• 2-6 years of experience supporting energy efficiency programs or managing construction, HVAC, or mechanical projects in commercial or industrial environments.

• Knowledge of Commercial & Industrial and Multifamily energy efficiency measures and savings methodologies.

• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASHRAE and state Technical Reference Manuals (e.g., NJ TRM).

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and quality.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to client sites within New Jersey.

Preferred:

• Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

• Professional Engineer (P.E.), LEED certification, or Lean Six Sigma certification.

• Advanced Excel skills including complex formulas and VBA.

• Experience with energy modeling tools such as eQUEST, EnergyPlus, TRACE 3D, or similar platforms.

• Familiarity with advanced building controls and related energy savings methodologies.

Why CARIAN?

• Purpose-driven work – Help deliver infrastructure that powers communities.

• Industry reputation – Trusted by leading utilities for our reliability and results.

• Career growth – Opportunities to lead major programs and mentor high-performing teams.

• Collaborative culture – Join a team that values delivery excellence and long-term relationships.

• Competitive total rewards – Strong compensation, full benefits, 401(k) match, and meaningful work.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CARIAN is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire and develop talent based on qualifications, performance, and business needs. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. As a women-owned firm dedicated to the power sector, we are committed to building a team that reflects professionalism, expertise, and integrity at every level.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $80,000 – $110,000 annually, based on a full-time equivalent schedule. This range represents a good-faith estimate at the time of posting; actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base salary, the role includes eligibility for bonus incentives, a comprehensive benefits package, and a company 401(k) match.