Principal Consultant- Building Science

About the role

As an experienced and highly respected technical leader, the Principal Consultant, Building Science serves as a subject matter expert in building enclosure systems, restoration design, and consulting services. This individual leads complex projects, provides technical oversight and quality assurance, develops client relationships, and contributes to the growth of the Building Science practice within their region.

The Principal Consultant is responsible for managing high-value and technically challenging assignments involving building envelope systems, including roofing, waterproofing, facades, glazing systems, air and vapor barriers, and exterior wall assemblies. This role requires a strong combination of technical expertise, business development acumen, project leadership, and professional judgment.

The Principal Consultant works under minimal supervision, exercising initiative and independent decision-making while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction and supporting practice growth. The successful candidate will bring an existing book of business or have a proven ability to quickly develop and grow a client base within the target market.

Requirements

• Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert for building science, building enclosure, restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic consulting projects.
• Lead and manage complex investigations involving building envelope failures, water intrusion, moisture-related issues, facade deterioration, roofing failures, and waterproofing deficiencies.
• Develop technically sound repair recommendations, restoration designs, specifications, and construction documents for existing and new construction projects.
• Perform and oversee condition assessments, due diligence evaluations, reserve studies, and building enclosure investigations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and client communication.
• Provide peer review and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) oversight of reports, drawings, specifications, and other technical deliverables.
• Review, seal, and approve professional documents in accordance with applicable licensing requirements.
• Conduct constructability reviews and third-party peer reviews of plans, specifications, and building enclosure designs.
• Direct construction administration services, including site observations, contractor coordination, and review of project progress and compliance.
• Provide technical consultation and expert analysis in support of insurance claims, litigation matters, arbitrations, and dispute resolution assignments when required.
• Research applicable building codes, industry standards, historical code requirements, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Develop proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and fee estimates for prospective projects.
• Cultivate and maintain strong client relationships that result in repeat business opportunities.
• Support business development initiatives through networking, client meetings, industry involvement, presentations, and marketing activities.
• Contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives within the Building Science practice.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level consultants.
• Review project financial performance, including budget management, invoice review, and project profitability.
• Ensure project deliverables meet company standards for technical accuracy, professionalism, responsiveness, and timeliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of commercial and residential building envelope systems and their performance characteristics.
• Extensive experience evaluating, designing, and rehabilitating:
• Roofing systems
• Waterproofing systems
• Exterior wall and cladding assemblies
• Curtain wall and glazing systems
• Air and vapor barrier systems
• Thermal insulation systems
• Building enclosure interfaces and transitions
• Strong understanding of moisture management, thermal performance, air leakage, and building durability principles.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex building enclosure failures and develop practical repair solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current and historical building codes, industry standards, and best practices.
• Strong technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and client relationship skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop business opportunities and grow client relationships.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and responsiveness.

Required Experience, Education, and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Building Science, or a related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in building envelope consulting, building science, restoration design, forensic investigation, and/or building enclosure engineering.
• Professional registration as a Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE) required.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex consulting projects and managing client relationships.
• Experience with forensic investigations, restoration consulting, building enclosure assessments, and construction administration preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and industry-standard building enclosure analysis tools preferred.
• Demonstrated success in business development, practice growth, or maintaining an established client base preferred.

Pay and benefits

The Salary Range for this position is $130,000 - $190,000 and is dependent on education, experience, location and certifications/licensure.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel

• Physical Demands – Work will be performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e., Client’s office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites).
• Employee is frequently required to stand, sit, climb ladders, bend, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites.
• Employee may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Employee must be attentive, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking, and interacting with clients, preparing drawings and written reports.
• Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.

• Overtime – This position is classified as salaried with an exempt FLSA status.
• Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch.
• There will be periods where overtime will be required, which the employee will need to comply with in order to meet the demands of the position.

Pay and benefits

NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and opportunities for advancement!

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development