Energy Engineer

Energy Engineer

Position Overview

This position provides engineering support under the direction of a Senior or Principal Engineer for campus construction projects and energy efficiency initiatives within the Health Sciences district on the Twin Cities campus. The role primarily focuses on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Position Responsibilities

• Energy Efficiency & Conservation (25%)
• Identify energy efficiency opportunities in buildings and analyze the viability of the project from both operational and financial perspectives.
• Make recommendations and implement changes to Building Automation System controls and building mechanical systems for efficient operation.
• Design and implement energy conservation projects to optimize mechanical system performance, maintain building comfort levels, utilize energy as efficiently as possible, and meet research requirements.
• Document design projects and provide training to operations teams.
• Design Review & Standards Compliance (25%)
• Under direct supervision of a Senior or Principal Engineer, reviews designs and documentation prepared by outside consultants to ensure conformity with the University standards in the engineering field of practice and the impact of new designs on existing systems.
• Reviews on-going and completed projects to ensure adherence to the University construction standards, procedures, and design principles.
• Directs project design concerns to a Senior or Principal Engineer.
• Inspect construction in progress for compliance with the University construction standards and specifications.
• Project Management & Customer Support (25%)
• Manage projects by scheduling work, ordering equipment, and providing advice and instruction to technicians, trades from the University, and external vendors.
• Work with customers and end users to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.
• Technical Support & Problem Analysis (25%)
• Gather data to analyze building, facility, and physical infrastructure problems and coordinate the review.
• Provide technical support to work teams responsible for repair, maintenance, and operations of building, facilities, and physical infrastructure.

Qualifications

Required (minimum) qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and 2 years of experience. The two years of experience can include: two years of student internship; two calendar years working in a science or engineering field (not specifically 4160 hours); or, two calendar years working at a hands-on job that requires a technical understanding of applicable engineering discipline.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability and desire to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience with building mechanical systems, HVAC, energy management, facilities operations, or building automation systems.
• Successful completion of fundamentals of engineering (engineer in training) exam and/or certification as an energy manager.
• Ability to identify and analyze energy efficiency opportunities.
• Proficient in preparing sketches and drawings with the use of AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and to gain support and commitment from others.
• Awareness of construction standards and building code requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to address and resolve problems.
• Highly developed written (including technical writing), verbal, interpersonal and persuasion skills with both internal and external parties.
• Proven analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Physical and environmental requirements

Work is performed in an office setting as well as in the field where exposure to hazards requiring hearing and visual protection will be required (mechanical rooms). Must be able to walk, climb and crawl in various weather conditions to physically access and view work sites, including mechanical/electrical equipment rooms, utility tunnels and rooftops.

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. The group maintains the campus utility infrastructure and provides technical and engineering expertise to related units across the University.

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 switch stations. The Utility Operations group manages and maintains this infrastructure, as well as overseeing storm water management, sanitary sewer systems, municipal water distribution, chilled water distribution, steam and condensate, and compressed air systems.

Pay Range: $65,000 - $80,000 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…