Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the Job

The University of Minnesota's FM Energy Management department oversees the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, and civil utilities in over 250 complex buildings on the Twin Cities campus. Home to the University's technical and professional staff, the group maintains the campus utility infrastructure, including extensive steam and chilled water-based district energy production and distribution systems, and provides technical expertise and support across the U of M system of campuses and research outreach centers.

The Twin Cities campus district energy system is truly a small city consisting of three heating plants (over 1 million pounds of steam per hour), 16 district chilled water/heat recovery plants (over 50,000 tons cooling and 24,000 MBH heat recovery), 12 miles of utility distribution tunnels for steam and district cooling networks, and a 13.8 kV high‑voltage system, four switch stations, and a full complement of civil utilities.

More about us:

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join the Utility Operations‑Mechanical team. This role focuses on the mission‑critical backbone of the University's district energy plants, systems, and end users, applying industry standards, best practices, controls, optimization, and emerging technologies to maintain and improve operational excellence and support continuous renewal of the systems.

The ideal candidate has experience in design, construction, controls, commissioning, operation, and maintenance troubleshooting of thermal and energy conversion systems using conventional and emerging technologies. Preferred candidates have experience in district‑scale energy conversion and distribution systems and a proven ability to plan, schedule, and lead projects and initiatives in a complex environment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting and out in the field (10–40% of the week). The position may be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required. Must be able to walk and climb to physically access and view various sites.

Position Responsibilities

Operations & Maintenance (40%)

• Support internal and external staff and trades for heating, cooling, and cogeneration plant operations and maintenance, including troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis.
• Provide advanced technical support, diagnostics, and troubleshooting to trades, mechanics, operators, and technicians responsible for the operation, repair, and maintenance of central utility distribution infrastructure and complex facility process and HVAC systems.
• Investigate complex field problems from an applied engineering perspective and independently develop sustainable engineering solutions.
• Review, modify, or develop maintenance requirements for district energy mechanical systems and equipment, incorporating modern procedures and technologies for preventive (PM), predictive (PdM), and reliability (RCM)–based maintenance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for campus operations, equipment reliability, redundancy requirements, and energy efficiency using campus data and business tools.
• Conduct field surveys, evaluate existing conditions, and document performance and reliability trends; support circular maintenance improvement programs.
• Provide clear technical documentation, training, and guidance to internal staff and coordinate related diagnostic work performed by external resources.

Design, Engineering, Construction, & Commissioning (40%)

• Design and implement facility and utility steam, condensate, heating hot water, and chilled water distribution system alterations or improvements for in‑house construction projects. Prepare labor and material estimates, order equipment, support construction and commission new installations.
• Support construction activities and field questions for both internal and externally managed projects.
• Produce concepts and front‑end engineering and design for external consulting designs or future internal project delivery.
• Review designs and reports prepared by outside design firms to ensure conformity with University standards and operational and safety practices.
• Direct project design concerns to University leaders and/or correspond directly with project team leads.
• Inspect construction in progress for conformity to plans and specifications.
• Support the commissioning effort for utility production and distribution systems on major capital projects.
• Perform system modeling, analysis, and application review using engineering modeling tools such as PipeFlo Advantage and AutoPipe.
• Proactively investigate field problems and independently develop engineering solutions.
• Participate in keeping University construction standards up‑to‑date and aligned with current construction methods and equipment technologies.

Project Review & Oversight (10%)

• Review designs and documents prepared internally and by outside consultants to ensure conformity with University standards and operational practices.
• Review the impact of new designs on existing utility systems and ensure compliance with University standards for future, ongoing, or completed projects.
• Review ongoing and completed projects to ensure adherence to University quality requirements.
• Direct project design concerns to University project leaders and/or correspond directly with consultants.
• May lead small non‑critical projects for utility system renewal or replacement within a plant or system.
• Provide input in developing ongoing standards.

Leadership (10%)

• Serve as team leader of interdisciplinary project teams and facilitate the timely and thorough completion of projects.
• Represent the department at various meetings.
• Mentor and guide student interns and junior engineers across the organization in areas of specialty and experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and at least six years of progressively more responsible experience in design, technical evaluation, and project review activities in systems related to district energy: steam generation, power generation, chilled water production, hot water production, complex HVAC applications, and/or systems engineering.
• Self‑motivated, proactive professional with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Coordinates and prioritizes multiple tasks, resolves problems, negotiates and documents solutions, identifies and analyzes unit priorities.
• Proficient in developing design drawings with or without use of AutoCAD and engineering applications, with accompanying specifications for the renewal of campus energy systems and support HVAC.
• Proficient in steam and/or hydronic system design, construction, commissioning, and operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge and ability to interpret and exercise reasonable judgment applying industry standards and codes to non‑standard conditions.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• State of Minnesota PE or EIT registration in mechanical engineering is preferred but not required. It will be a requirement to advance in the organization.
• Proficient in CAD modeling software (AutoCAD, Revit MEP, Navisworks, etc.).
• Proficient in flow modeling software (PipeFlo, Fathom, Termis, etc.).
• Proficient in pipe stress modeling software (AutoPipe, Caesar, etc.).
• Proficient in GIS software (ArcGIS, etc.).
• Commercial or industrial automation systems experience (Trane Tracer ES, Trane TU, Siemens Desigo, Metasys MUI, and/or Rockwell RS Logix & Panelview applications, etc.).
• Data analysis experience.
• Power generation experience.
• Refrigeration experience (vapor compression and/or absorption).
• Understanding and ability to research applicable codes and standards in areas of practice.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Work is performed in an office setting and out in the field (10–40% of the week). The position may be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required. Must be able to walk and climb to physically access and view various sites.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range : $115,000 – $135,000 annually; depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment : 100%.

Position Type : Faculty and P&A Staff.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program; low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts; University HSA contributions; disability and employer‑paid life insurance; employee wellbeing program; excellent retirement plans with employer contribution; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity; financial counseling services; employee assistance program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost; and employee transit pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.