Energy Efficiency Engineer

Who is Michaels Energy?

Michaels Energy is a veteran-owned energy consulting firm that exists to help businesses minimize waste and maximize value. Our energy and engineering gurus are obsessed with optimizing buildings and processes to maximize energy savings and profits, minimize utility grid stress and carbon footprints, and keep this big, beautiful planet in tip-top shape. Our passion is developing long-term client relationships with energy users, utilities, consultants, and partners. This passion, combined with our core values of proactive and responsive service, intuitive analysis, collaborative partnerships, and fanatical execution, forms the foundation of our corporate culture.

We’re proud to share that Michaels Energy is one of Inc’s Best Workplaces of 2024 and 2025. This award is given to workplaces that foster an environment where employees willingly go above and beyond in their work, advocate for the organization and intend to stay in the future.

What is the role?

Michaels Energy is seeking an Associate Engineer to support utility energy efficiency programs in Iowa, primarily focused on commercial and industrial energy audits and custom rebate projects. We are looking for an engineer who enjoys problem solving, values continuous learning, and is motivated to help customers reduce energy consumption and operating costs. This role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about energy efficiency and eager to build technical and client-facing consulting skills.

Technical responsibilities include conducting onsite energy assessments, collecting field data, reviewing and developing custom energy calculations, analyzing building and industrial system performance, and preparing reports that help customers identify energy-saving opportunities. Systems evaluated may include HVAC, chilled water, compressed air, industrial refrigeration, and building controls.

Strong communication skills are also essential. Responsibilities include onsite meetings, presentations, collaboration with contractors and building owners, and both technical and non-technical writing.

How do you contribute?

After 3 months, you will have….

• Learned company processes and procedures


• Completed multiple custom energy analysis


• Completed at least one site visit

After 6 months, you will have….

• A thorough understanding of the design and guidelines of the programs


• Completed multiple site visits and reports independently


• Managing custom rebates with limited guidance

What are the metrics for this role?

• Utilization (% assignable)


• On budget project performance


• Client/customer satisfaction


• Attention to detail

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in mechanical, chemical, or building systems engineering


• 0 to 5 years' experience combining any of the following:
  
  
  
  • Energy efficiency industry – e.g., utilities or performance contracting
  
  
  • HVAC operations, controls, and/or building energy investigations
  
  
  • Utility program experience in retro-commissioning, ASHRAE level 2 energy audits, or custom rebate calculations
  
  
  • Electrification technologies (heat pumps, heat recovery chillers, etc.)
  
  
  • Managing building retrofit projects
  
  
  • Implementing controls upgrades
  
  
  • Building codes/safety standards
  
  
  
  


• EIT/PE is preferred but not required


• Excels at communicating complicated ideas to a variety of audiences


• Skilled at interfacing with contractors and building owners


• Deep interest in energy, systems, and process efficiency, and improving productivity


• Lifetime self-learner


• Ability to travel up to 25% regionally for on-site customer work, with minimal overnight stays

Preferred Qualifications

• If the candidate is a recent graduate, we prefer that they spend an initial period of at least three months in La Crosse, WI before relocating to a population center in Iowa. For more experienced candidates who already reside in Iowa, the La Crosse portion may be waived.

Where can you work?

• Work from home, in-office, or hybrid within Iowa. Due to the collaborative and field-based nature of the role, candidates will ideally be located near a larger Iowa population center or within commuting distance of the Cedar Rapids office.


• If the candidate is a recent graduate, we prefer that they spend an initial period of at least three months in La Crosse, WI before relocating to a population center in Iowa. For more experienced candidates who already reside in Iowa, the La Crosse portion may be waived.

Pay Scale

$80,000 - $100,000

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand, and walk moderate distances.


• Frequently lift or move objects up to 10 pounds.


• Occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.


• Occasionally crawl on the floor and climb ladders.

Why work for Michaels Energy?

The top reasons Michaels Energy is an awesome place to work, besides helping the world save energy.

• We Never Stop Learning


• Flexible Work Hours


• Collaborative


• Career Development


• Beer Fridays


• Fresh Fruit Daily


• Wellness Rewards


• Fun Company Outings

Michaels Energy EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We strive to build and nurture a culture that is inclusive and welcoming for all employees. We know diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation, a strong work environment, and exceptional results. This fits well with our culture that celebrates the unique, the different, and the individual. For us, this is who we are and what we do, not just words in a policy.