Associate, Building Decarbonization

Job Description Are you passionate about decarbonization and looking to help transform the US energy system? Do you enjoy tackling complicated problems with robust analysis and thoughtful communication? If yes, Synapse has a position for you. Synapse is a consulting company that has been providing rigorous analysis on behalf of public interest clients in the energy sector for more than 30 years. Our work includes expert analysis, reports, and high-impact expert witness testimony in docketed proceedings before public utility commissions across the country and in Canada. Our clients are primarily environmental non-profits, state agencies, federal agencies, and consumer and environmental advocacy groups. Synapse is seeking a building energy professional with in-field experience in building energy projects who is highly motivated to contribute to the advancement of high-impact building decarbonization initiatives at the state, local, or national level. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of building science principles and building electrification technologies, including heat pumps and related HVAC systems. Experience with commercial buildings is preferred. Experience with district thermal energy networks and building performance standards (such as BERDO or BEUDO) is a plus. This role is hybrid and based in Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Job Responsibilities The Associate will provide economic and technical analyses to support Synapse project work on building decarbonization, with topics spanning building electrification with associated grid infrastructure planning, thermal energy networks, energy policy (such as building performance standards, clean heat standards, and energy code updates), and energy efficiency. This person may also support projects on climate action planning, renewable energy technologies, electricity rates, electric vehicles, resource planning, environmental regulations, electricity markets, and future-of-gas planning. Job Responsibilities Perform analytical and research tasks under the supervision of project manager or other team members. Conduct building energy modeling and load analysis using datasets and tools such as NREL/NLR ResStock and ComStock to evaluate building electrification, energy efficiency, and thermal network scenarios. Support development and implementation of building performance standards for state and municipal clients, including benchmarking data analysis, compliance cost estimation, and stakeholder engagement. Research and analyze building decarbonization technologies and strategies along with associated costs, savings, and market barriers. Maintain, use, and modify spreadsheet-based tools to analyze energy efficiency technologies, programs, and portfolios. Perform economic analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, of energy technologies. Technical Skills Experience conducting energy audits; designing or managing residential and commercial building retrofit projects; evaluating the performance of energy efficiency and building decarbonization measures; conducting building energy modeling; and preparing HVAC load calculations. Experience analyzing large building-stock datasets or applying the resulting data and model outputs to building electrification, energy efficiency, load forecasting, grid infrastructure planning, or policy analysis is desirable. Excellent math and spreadsheet skills, including attention to detail related to unit conversions, discount rates, nominal and real dollars, and other economic principles. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to synthesize and summarize research and analysis. Ability to work and communicate well with project managers and team members. Ability to manage complex tasks with competing priorities and time requirements. Required Qualifications Degree in Economics, Energy and Environmental Policy, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields A relevant bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant industry experience (energy, economics, and/or engineering sector). Graduate education can substitute for an equivalent number of years of industry experience (ex. a one-year master’s program in a relevant degree would substitute for one year of work experience) Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to work and communicate well in teams Ability to multitask and prioritize critical tasks and conflicting requirements You don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed above. If your skills are transferable or you are near the number of years of experience we seek, please apply. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered. We are looking for a candidate to start working in Fall 2026, in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office on a hybrid basis. Preferred Qualifications Any of the following qualifications will be considered an asset: A master’s degree in building science, economics, physics, engineering or similar field Interest in or professional experience with natural gas-sector decarbonization is a strong plus but is not required Experience conducting energy audits or designing/managing residential and commercial building retrofit projects, including HVAC load calculations and evaluation of energy efficiency and decarbonization measure performance. Experience with building energy modeling and NREL/NLR building-stock datasets, particularly ResStock and ComStock, and applying model outputs to electrification, efficiency, load forecasting, or policy analysis. Work experience in a consulting environment Preference will be given to candidates who hold one or more of the following certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Phius Certified Consultant (CPHC) LEED Accredited Professional (AP) or Green Associate (GA) Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Energy Manager In-Training (EMIT) Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) Working at Synapse Synapse prides itself on its flexible and collaborative working environment. Many staff work in-person in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office, while others are hybrid or fully virtual across the country. Synapse currently supports a hybrid work environment so our staff can find the right mix of support, collaboration, and flexibility. While we prefer employees located locally so we can nurture this environment, we will consider remote candidates where such an arrangement is compatible with our clients’ work. Synapse offers numerous benefits to its employees: Generous and flexible PTO (35 days) Flexible work hours and holidays, and the ability to choose a schedule that works for you Medical, dental, and vision insurance Employee Stock Ownership Plan (EOSP): a tax-deferred retirement plan that offers employees a chance to be partial owners of Synapse. Profit-sharing bonuses Work-life balance benefit: at the end of the year, salaried employees are compensated for every hour worked over their standard full-time work schedule 401K plan; including an employer safe harbor contribution of 3% of your annual salary regardless of individual contributions Employee stock ownership plan Life insurance Short- and long-term disability Employee Assistance Program Collaboration: everybody contributes, asks questions, proposes solutions, and works on interesting research and analysis Extensive professional development opportunities Cambridge, MA office space with sit-stand desks, lots of meeting space, indoor bike parking, and plenty of nitro cold-brew and kombucha on tap Associate position base salary: The Associate base salary range is $64,000-$96,000 annually, based on a full-time schedule. Our beginning base salary range represents the floor for this position and does not include profit-sharing bonuses. Actual salaries will vary from the floor based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. Synapse offers competitive market salaries, based on our primary market of non-profits and government agencies. Our salaries reflect our work for these public interest clients. Please note that Synapse is unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants must have permanent residency status or be otherwise authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. Synapse is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community.