Energy Engineer

Energy Management oversees the reliable, safe and efficient operation of mechanical,
electrical, and civil utilities systems in approximately 250 buildings on the Twin Cities
campus. Home to the University’s technical and professional engineering staff, as well as a
select group of skilled tradespeople, the group maintains the campus utility infrastructure
and provides technical and engineering expertise to the U’s Capital Planning, Facilities
Management building operations, and other facilities-related units across the U of M
system. The Twin Cities campus has a total electric utility budget of approximately $51M
per year. The system includes more than twelve miles of underground steam tunnels and
four high voltage (13,800 Volt) switch stations. The Utility Operations group manages and
maintains this complex infrastructure, as well as overseeing storm water management,
sanitary sewer systems, municipal water distribution, chilled water distribution, steam
and condensate, and compressed air systems.

The University of Minnesota is seeking an Energy Engineer to join a dedicated, in-house
team working to achieve the next stage of the University’s Climate Action Plan. Under the
guidance of a Principal Engineer, this position will provide critical engineering support for
campus construction projects, physical plant operations, and energy efficiency initiatives.

The majority of engineering work will focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) systems and identify energy waste, optimize building automation systems (BAS),
and engineer mechanical solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of the university.

Identify energy efficiency opportunities in buildings and analyze the viability of the project from both operational and financial perspectives.
Develop, document, and implement control strategies for building automation systems to optimize performance.
Design and implement energy conservation projects to optimize mechanical system performance through recommissioning efforts, utilizing energy as efficiently as possible, while maintaining building comfort levels and meeting research requirements.
Make recommendations and implement changes to building mechanical systems for efficient operation of facilities.

Manage projects by scheduling work, ordering equipment, and providing advice and instruction to University trades and external vendors.
Work with customers and end users to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.

Gather and analyze data to troubleshoot physical infrastructure problems.
Provide technical support to work teams responsible for repair, maintenance, and operations of buildings.

Under direct supervision of a Principal Engineer, reviews designs and documentation prepared by outside consultants to ensure conformity with the University standards and the impact of new designs on existing systems.
Inspect construction in progress for compliance with the University construction standards and specifications.