Cascade Energy, founded in 1993, is an employee-owned consulting firm specializing in industrial energy efficiency. Our mission is to help improve the energy efficiency of the most energy-intensive sector of our economy - industrial. Today, we are a fast-growing team of 200+ and our work reaches throughout the Pacific Northwest and across North America, with clients ranging in size from small up to Fortune 500 companies. We are proud of our reputation and our high-quality work. We foster and value a culture of equals, initiative, and ownership.

At Cascade, our teams are a reflection of our company values, which are: do the right thing; put others first; seek shared success; learn constantly; and be industrious. You’ll likely find this opportunity attractive if you love to learn new things, have a growth mindset, and want to join a team that collectively learns from our mistakes, laughs at ourselves or a situation, all while moving towards “better”.

Cascade Energy has a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about energy efficiency in water and wastewater facilities.  This group of water and wastewater professionals are available to collaborate with, learn from, and help each other grow.

We are seeking a Wastewater Energy Efficiency Tech Lead for our Midwest territory.  This Engineer is responsible for leading and implementing existing and new Strategic Energy Management (SEM) efforts for our utility and industrial clients. The WW EE Engineer coaches municipal and industrial organizations to form energy teams, set goals, and implement measures to get moving on the path to reduced consumption and GHG emissions. This is a technical role that requires a deep understanding of municipal wastewater plant operations; experience with water/wastewater process optimization; and a high level of customer engagement that results in generating work from existing and new clients. The WW EE Engineer delivers training and services to clients via long term relationships, while taking the lead to continuously improve SEM and its processes. The WW EE Engineer acts as a facilitator, educator, and technical liaison between our industry’s stakeholders: the plant staff and management, the consultants, the vendors, the regulators, and the electric utility.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Engage with clients (mostly municipal wastewater) over the long term and coach them toward operational improvements that achieve energy efficient outcomes.
• Perform customer site visits to assess municipal wastewater operations from a technical and operational perspective, with a focus on improving energy efficient operations.
• Facilitate regional WW workshops and seminars for SEM participants to deepen engagement and implementation of energy efficiency projects.
• Facilitate and communicate energy performance reporting, with occasional Excel-based modeling and analysis of water/wastewater facility performance. 
• Prepare feasibility reports for energy efficiency projects with existing systems. Occasionally conduct design reviews of expansions, upgrades, and greenfield projects.
• Interface with electric utilities, water/wastewater utilities, design consultants, and the regulatory community as needed to support SEM participant progress.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in our Park Ridge , IL office.  Cascade is a strong supporter of flexible working arrangements with the expectation the employee must be available during normal business hours and occasional additional efforts may be needed to meet the demands of clients. All employees have the option to choose a hybrid work arrangement combining work from home and work in the office. This position is expected to have approximately 20% travel time.

Applicants for this role are required to have:

• B.S./B.A. in Mechanical, Chemical, Civil Engineering, or other applicable fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in municipal wastewater operations, maintenance, management, or design.
• Progressive experience in the management or design of water distribution and treatment systems, or wastewater collection, conveyance, treatment systems, and processes.
• Experience with and understanding of local, state, regional, and federal funding strategies, and regulatory framework relevant to water/wastewater utilities in the United States.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following characteristics and/or skills (strongly preferred):

• Strong analysis skills using MS Excel
• Regional network of professional contacts and involvement within the W/WW industry in the Midwest region
• Experience with industrial energy efficiency
• Project management of capital projects in an industrial setting
• A passion for improving the W/WW world and a drive to push past “business as usual” within the industry

Reasonable accommodations may made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation & Benefits

Our total rewards include competitive pay and excellent benefits. These include health (90% paid for team member, 80% paid for dependents), vision, FSA or HSA options with an employer contribution, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, 401k retirement plan with a guaranteed 3% contribution, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), annual cash performance bonus, (10) paid holidays per year, paid vacation time, and paid sick time.

The salary range for this position in the Chicago, Illinois area is $87,200 - $106,500/year.  However, final salary offered may vary depending on non-discriminatory factors such as job-related knowledge, skills and experiences, and geographical location if different than the above.  

Cascade promotes a healthy work-life balance and appreciates employee contribution in all areas. We walk the talk about our commitment to learning constantly, with a focus on the ongoing development of every team member, and a tuition reimbursement program.

Application Process

Please submit a current resume (PDF please). We would also appreciate your cover letter (PDF) describing what about our team or the position resonates with you, and how your experience could make you a great fit for the role. If you submit your cover letter, please combine it with your resume in one PDF document.

• Please, no phone calls.
• Please, no outside recruiters or agencies.
• Cascade Energy is not able to provide sponsorship for work authorization in the U.S.