Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Facilities Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Engineering team. This role plays a central part in managing and improving campus mechanical systems by enhancing performance, diagnosing and resolving issues, and identifying opportunities to improve safety, efficiency, and reliability. The position also provides mechanical engineering support for projects as needed and contributes to a multidisciplinary team supporting world‑class science.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer independently plans and executes work, applying professional judgment and standard mechanical engineering techniques to solve complex challenges. Responsibilities include troubleshooting mechanical equipment, defining scopes of work, evaluating system performance, and developing solutions that optimize operations and efficiency. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in mechanical system design, operation, and problem‑solving, along with a collaborative approach to working in a diverse environment.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement ++benefits++, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our ++Tuition Assistance Program++
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter ++Holiday++ Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

You will

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned functions and act as primary engineer owning assigned mechanical, plumbing, and specialty plumbing systems.
• Lead problem‑solving efforts and meetings to set priorities and direction, providing expert support and resolving issues promptly.
• Conduct equipment failure investigations, operational and trend reviews, and functional testing to evaluate system performance and address findings with stakeholders.
• Evaluate systems' spare capacity and ability to support scientific equipment installations.
• Develop conceptual designs and scopes of work to address deficiencies and improvements, coordinating with other disciplines to deliver complete scopes.
• Specify equipment replacements for improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Improve system documentation, diagrams, and procedures to reflect current conditions.
• Contribute to infrastructure planning and modernization by providing recommendations that inform leadership's capital investment decisions.
• Utilize the central maintenance management system (CMMS) to complete work orders and advise on asset history, repairs, and trends.
• Work closely with, and at times manage, external consultants or contractors to execute assessments, or equipment replacements.
• Maintain assigned master specifications, design guidelines, and standard details.
• Support design and construction projects by:
  • Establishing project scopes, requirements, and design criteria.
  • Conducting technical reviews for correctness and compliance with project requirements.
  • Reviewing submittals, turnover documents, and project RFIs.
  • Performing construction walkthroughs and supporting commissioning (Cx) activities.
• Comply with applicable Federal, DOE, State of California, LBNL, and industry design laws, regulations, orders, codes, directives, and standards adopted by the Laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in mechanical engineering or related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems or 6 years of experience with a Master's degree.
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and complex mechanical systems in research institutions, along with relevant industry regulations and codes.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues through trend review, field diagnostics, and corrective action.
• Proficiency interpreting, redlining, and sketching mechanical drawings, single-line diagrams, and specifications to depict system configurations.
• Experience in HVAC/plumbing design, including load and pressure drop calculations, system routing, equipment sizing/selection, technical specifications, and defining scopes of work for design and construction projects.
• Working knowledge of complex HVAC control sequences of operation, with the ability to analyze equipment and system data to identify patterns that improve operation and reliability.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise technical leadership and drive engineering outcomes in a matrixed or owner's-representative environment, without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical issues across audiences, mentor colleagues, and a commitment to continued professional growth.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, determining methods for assignments, proactively identifying issues, and delivering practical solutions, with a strong commitment to safety and professional conduct.

Desired skills/knowledge

• Registered professional engineer in the State of California, preferred.
• Over 10 years of experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems or 8 years of experience with a Master's degree.
• Advanced trend review skills to assess equipment performance and issues.
• Knowledge of HVAC water treatment practices for closed and open-loop hydronic systems, along with water purification, specialty gas, and compressed air (CA) system operation.
• Well versed in the technical aspects of commissioning and startup of mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE Guideline 36.
• Strong knowledge of reliability principles, including root cause analysis, reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM), and preventive maintenance planning.
• Knowledge of IBM Maximo for asset and maintenance management.
• Experience managing external contractors or consultants, including scope development, performance oversight, and project management.
• Knowledge of applicable DOE Orders, Federal Standards, and related safety/compliance regulations.

Additional information

• Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a (full-time/part-time) career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: The budgeted salary is expected to pay between $180,000 - 210,000, which fits between the full range of $169,824 - $254,760.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).
• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information.