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.

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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 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.

• 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 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…