Commissioning Energy Specialist (Building Performance Optimization)

Location: Chicago, Illinois Business Unit: Rush Medical Center Hospital: Rush University Medical Center Department: Med Ctr Engin-Management Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift 1 Work

8 Hr (7:00:00 AM - 3:00:00 PM) Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

$38.02 - $55.18 per hour Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

• Rush University Medical Center is seeking a technically skilled and solutions-oriented Commissioning & Energy Performance Specialist to support energy efficiency, infrastructure reliability, and building system optimization across the campus. This role will focus on retro-commissioning, performance validation, and advanced troubleshooting of MEP systems, building automation platforms, and recurring facility problems. The ideal candidate will bring deep field knowledge, strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate technical findings into measurable performance outcomes. They will work closely with operations teams and service contractors to validate energy savings, track systems performance, and ensure long-term reliability of building infrastructure. This position plays a critical role in supporting high-performance building goals and identifying opportunities through trend analysis in platforms like Siemens, Automated Logic (ALC), and Johnson Controls (JCI). A strong understanding of field instrumentation, data analysis, and work order systems is required. Consideration will be given to candidates who bring experience with AI-enabled diagnostics or novel monitoring experience for aging building stock. Other information:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering discipline and 5 years of hands-on experience in commissioning, retro-commissioning, building automation diagnostics, or energy management. In lieu of education a minimum of 10 years of directly related experience in commissioning retro-commissioning, building automation diagnostics, or energy management will be considered.
• 5 years of experience with building automation platforms including Siemens, ALC, or JCI.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems and operations.
• Demonstrated skill using field instrumentation and diagnosing complex technical problems.
• Ability to interpret trend data, diagnose performance issues, and calculate energy performance metrics.
• Excellent technical writing and reporting skills.
• Familiarity with work ticketing systems and maintenance operations. Preferred Job

• Certified Commissioning Professional (e.g., BCxA, ACG, NEBB, or ASHRAE credential).
• Experience working in healthcare, laboratory, or other mission-critical facilities.
• Exposure to AI tools, energy modeling software, or automated diagnostics platforms.
• Experience with long-term performance tracking, dashboarding, and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles, energy codes, and efficiency rebate programs. Physical Demands:
• Ability to Lift up to 25lbs
• Ambulate large campus, occasionally regional locations

• Lead and perform retro-commissioning and re-commissioning activities across critical systems and infrastructure.
• Analyze trend data and system performance within Siemens, ALC, and JCI building automation platforms.
• Conduct field investigations and diagnostics for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
• Utilize field instrumentation to collect real-time data and validate system operation against design intent and performance standards.
• Identify performance issues and generate detailed reports with findings, root cause analysis, and recommendations.
• Track energy performance over time and quantify savings using appropriate metrics (kWh, therms, BTUs, etc.).
• Create and manage corrective action tickets for repair needs and coordinate with Facilities and contractors to ensure resolution.
• Validate that performance improvement actions are completed and that intended energy outcomes are achieved.
• Support the maintenance of commissioning documentation, test protocols, and system-level reporting.
• Troubleshoot recurring problems such as leaks, control irregularities, and temperature/humidity inconsistencies.
• Recommend innovative monitoring or control techniques to extend system life and improve building resiliency.
• Support compliance with sustainability, energy efficiency, and reliability goals for the medical center. Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.