Building Performance Analyst

Building Performance Analyst

Location: Kansas City

Who We Are:

We design places where people love to be together.

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.

We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.

What We Offer:

Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking an early-career Building Performance Analyst with a strong foundation in building science, energy modeling, and environmental design to help advance building decarbonization and climate resilience.

The successful candidate will use analytical and simulation tools to evaluate building performance and inform high-performance, low-carbon, and climate-responsive design solutions.

This role involves close collaboration with architects, designers, sustainability specialists, and building services engineers. We value strong technical fundamentals, analytical curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow.

What Your Day Could Consist Of:

• Conducting building energy, carbon, and environmental performance analyses.
• Developing and maintaining building energy models using industry-standard simulation tools.
• Evaluating passive design strategies, building envelopes, and energy systems.
• Analyze energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and storage opportunities.
• Assessing thermal comfort, climate-responsive design, and resilience strategies.
• Evaluating energy code requirements and building performance targets.
• Supporting cost-benefit analyses of energy and carbon reduction measures.
• Collaborating with design teams to identify and evaluate performance improvements.
• Documenting modeling assumptions, methodologies, and results.
• Preparing technical reports, graphics, and presentations to communicate findings.
• Contributing to internal research, modeling workflows, and best practices.

Requirements For Success:

• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to apply building science fundamentals to real-world design challenges.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to explore new tools, methods, and solutions.
• Ability to translate technical analysis into clear, practical recommendations for design teams.
• Effective collaboration with architects, engineers, and other disciplines.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, continuous learning, and professional growth.

Essential Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Building Science, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 0–4 years of relevant experience, including academic research, internships, or professional practice. A specialized master's degree is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of building physics, heat transfer, and thermal comfort.
• Foundational knowledge of HVAC systems, building envelopes, and passive design.
• Experience with building energy modeling or environmental simulation tools.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate practical recommendations.
• Familiarity with architectural drawings and building design processes.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred

• IES-VE (preferred), EnergyPlus, OpenStudio, ClimateStudio, or similar tools.
• Rhino, Grasshopper, Ladybug Tools, Honeybee, Revit, or SketchUp.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 55, IECC, California Title 24, IgCC.
• Knowledge of daylighting, natural ventilation, and thermal comfort analysis.
• Understanding of operational carbon, electrification, and climate resilience.
• Familiarity with LEED (v5), ILFI, WELL, or similar sustainability frameworks.
• Experience with Python, parametric modeling, or data visualization.

Additional Details:

• We welcome candidates with strong technical fundamentals and a desire to learn. Prior experience in our specialized project sectors is not required.
• Travel may be required.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

A comprehensive benefits package is available for this position. We strive to offer our staff a competitive benefits package at a low cost to employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), FSA/HSA, paid time off, and continuing education benefits. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company

No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C

No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C

Find us here - https://populous.com/careers

Instagram: @WeArePopulous

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