Building Science Project Engineer

UL combines unparalleled building science expertise with state-of-the-art facilities to deliver the broadest range of building performance testing, certification and advisory solutions. In our fully accredited testing laboratories, we simulate wind-driven rains, hurricane and tornado winds, as well as hot and cold extreme temperatures to assess and verify building envelope products and systems before, during and after construction.

Our experts maintain long-standing relationships with stakeholders in the building materials and construction community. Architects, manufacturers, contractors, consultants, building owners and regulatory authorities rely on us to assess and validate the performance of building products, systems and structures to meet regulatory demands and protect brand value.

Our Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto offices specialize in assessing the condition and performance of building envelope components, including performing building condition assessments (BCA’s) reserve fund studies (RFS), building envelope investigations, field reviews and thermal analysis to provide design and repair solutions, new construction commissioning (BECx), as well as project managing building envelope repair or replacement projects.

What you’ll learn & achieve:

The main function of the Ottawa building envelope expertise team is to investigate issues that alter the condition and/or performance of the building envelope. The problems are usually related to water and/or air sealing, the phenomenon of condensation or the stability of the exterior cladding of facades. The expert team intervenes on all types of envelopes, for example, from heritage walls of mass masonry to recent envelopes incorporating the pressure-balanced modern rainscreen. Mandates for the evaluation of existing envelopes, as part of building renovation projects are also carried out in order to assist architectural firms. We operate mainly in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, but also outside the provinces and internationally.

As a Building Science Project Coordinator, the employee will primarily be required to assist senior project managers in carrying out their expertise mandates. These mandates take place on new or existing projects which at times includes investigate the cause, or causes of, the problems that affect the performance of the building envelope and/or quality control review to ensure installations follow industry standards and design expectations. The candidate will work with the senior project manager to implement traditional or innovative investigative methods, such as evaluations of apparent conditions of facades, assisting with performance tests, carrying out exploratory openings, overseeing construction installations/repairs/restorations, etc.

• Work alongside architectural teams to provide design assistance regarding air and water tightness for critical details.
• Create technical documents (photo reports, drawings), data tables, as well as supporting documents for the expertise report.
• Assists in field work associated with preparation of reserve fund studies and facility assessment reports.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team (internal staff, external consultants, contractors, and suppliers) to achieve the client’s objectives consistent with the scope of services to be provided.
• Assists in field work associated with assessment of existing buildings and the preparation of building envelope assessment and roof reports.
• Monitor and record personal time to meet assigned budgets.
• Work toward increasing your expertise and technical knowledge.
• Participate in coordination meetings and conduct technical research necessary to carry out the expertise.
• Create drawings using AutoCAD, Bluebeam and/or other software.
• Prepares site visit reports to generate action Lists of outstanding deficiencies and track their resolution.
• Development of specifications and details related to restoration and new design projects.
• Plan, schedule, and track project status.
• Attend workshops, classes, seminars, and other courses to develop strong technical knowledge and expertise in Building Enclosures.
• Attend Client/Contractor meetings to present investigation findings.
• Undertakes field review of both new construction and rehabilitation projects to confirm that the construction of the building envelope assemblies is proceeding in accordance with approved mock-ups and design documents.
• Provide technical advice to clients.
• Work with senior UL staff to deliver and exceed client expectation within the scope of the project.
• Oversee construction projects including but not limited to restoration and forensic engineering, building envelope design and renewal.
• Actively participates in the mentorship of staff to nurture future project leaders and key contributors of the Building Envelope department.
• Oversees and executes projects such as design and performance of building envelope systems for new buildings and existing buildings for their repair/restoration/renewal, condition, and forensic assessment.
• Prepares fee proposals and act as client liaison including developing relationships with subcontractors and subconsultants.
• Attend and assist with performing in situ assessments (swing stage, man lifts, etc.).

What makes you a great fit:

• Proficient in AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and/or other software.
• P. Eng. designation is considered an asset.
• Ability to travel up to 50-75% within Canada.
• Ability to write technical documents.
• Have experience and ability to working at heights (ladder, swing stage, man-lifts, etc.).
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills for relationships and customer service.
• Excellent competence in written and verbal communication skills in English (French is an asset).
• Must have a minimum of 5 years relevant Building Science work experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Building Science, Architectural Science, Diploma in Architectural / Engineering Technology or a construction-related discipline.