Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the Job

Position Overview

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 systems is truly a small

city consisting of three heating plants with a production capacity

over 1 million pounds of steam per hour, 16 district chilled

water/heat recovery plants with a production capacity over 50,000

tons cooling and 24,000 MBH heat recovery, 12 miles of utility

distribution tunnels for 2 steam and 5 district cooling networks.

Campus utilities also include a 13.8kV high voltage system, 4

switch stations, and a full complement of civil utilities.

More about us

https://facilities.umn.edu/our-services/energy-management/energy-management

The University of Minnesota FM-Energy Management team is seeking an

experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to join the Utility

Operations-Mechanical team. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you

will be joining a multi-discipline team to lead and support a

diverse portfolio of projects across the institution, with

specialty focus on the mission critical backbone of the

University’s district energy plants, systems, and end users. By

applying expertise in industry standards, best practices, controls,

optimization and emerging technologies, this role will maintain and

improve operational excellence while supporting continuous renewal

of the systems. Requiring a highly skilled individual contributor,

this role drives technical excellence, improved operations and

maintenance projects, and innovation across the organization.

The ideal candidate for this position brings experience in design,

construction, controls, commissioning, operation and maintenance

troubleshooting of thermal and energy conversion systems using

conventional and emerging technologies to support business

directives. Preferred candidates will 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 as

well as out in the field (10-40% time in a typical week). This

position will 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.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card

sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training

program.

Position Responsibilities

Operations & Maintenance (40%)

• Support both 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, implement, and train comprehensive

maintenance requirements for district energy mechanical systems and

equipment, incorporating modern procedures and technologies for

preventative (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/improvements for in-house construction projects.

Prepare labor and material estimates, order equipment, support

construction and commission new installations. Assignments may

include high-level work for training/development purposes.

• 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.

• Participation in keeping University construction standards

up-to-date and inline with current construction methods and

equipment technologies.

Project Review & Oversight (10%)

• Review designs and documents prepared both internally and by

outside consultants to ensure conformity with University standards

and work/operational practices.

• Review the impact of new designs on existing utility

systems.

• Review designs and documents to ensure compliance with

University standards for future, on-going, or completed

projects.

Review on-going 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/replacement within a plant or system.

• Review designs and documents prepared internally and externally

to ensure conformity with University standards and work/operational

practices within the area of expertise.

• Review ongoing and completed projects for conformity to

University quality requirements.

• Provide input in developing on-going 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.
• Mentoring and guiding student intern(s) and junior engineer(s)

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 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

judgement 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 (i.e. AutoCAD, Revit MEP,

Navisworks, etc.)

• Proficient in flow modeling software (i.e. PipeFlo, Fathom,

Termis, etc.)

• Proficiency in pipe stress modeling software (i.e. AutoPipe,

Caesar, etc.)

• Proficiency in GIS software (i.e. ArcGIS, etc.)
• Commercial or Industrial automation systems experience (i.e.

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 as well as out in the field

(10-40% time in a typical week). This position will 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/experience

Time Appointm ent: 1 00% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more

information regarding benefit eligibility.

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

• 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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this

position, please click the Apply button and follow the

instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an

online application for the position and attach a cover letter and

resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing

your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My

Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please

e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity

and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its

employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is

committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying

identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and

opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without

regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,

age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran

status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful

completion of a background check. Our presumption is that

prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal

convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from

employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the

largest public research universities in the country, offering

undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of

opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one

of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,

students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from

extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,

international corporations, government agencies, and arts,

nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by

Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer

for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026,

we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards

recognition for employee appreciation and work-life

flexibility.