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.

In-person: 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 bachelors 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 Appointment: 100% 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 nations 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.