Mechanical Engineer, Technical Review Team

The ME oversees the conceptualization, design, and implementation of mechanical systems (HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection) for all projects at UBC as implemented by UBC Properties Trust, UBC Project Service, and the Construction Office. In conjunction with the Senior Mechanical Engineer, the ME is the mechanical system owner’s rep for these projects and is responsible for providing review and consultation on all major mechanical design and construction decisions.

The ME participates in the working group which is tasked with maintaining the mechanical sections of the UBC Technical Guidelines; solicits inputs from other parties and is a key player who identifies, develops and implements changes to the mechanical technical guidelines.

The ME also undertakes mechanical feasibility and conceptual studies for proposed projects, including assessment of existing conditions, development of conceptual system options, identification of risks and constraints, and preparation of preliminary recommendations for potential projects. Prepares marked-up drawings, sketches, and supporting documentation that defines scope, system configuration, and installation intent to provide clear direction to contractors for pricing and execution.

The ME is one of UBC’s in-house technical experts as it pertains to design and construction of building mechanical systems and is required to be familiar with modern design practices and pertinent codes and standards. This includes standards related to regulated equipment such as cross-connection standards and boiler, refrigeration, and pressure vessel standards. This position must maintain a high degree of knowledge of existing, new, and emergent technologies relating to building mechanical and control systems to ensure the department is technically supported to provide the high degree of mechanical reliability that the university expects.

The incumbent is expected to stay abreast of updates and changes to all applicable Acts, Regulations, and Codes and to maintain regulatory compliance and to support UBC in interpreting these items as needed, including reviewing their applicability and interpretation with relevant regulatory bodies as needed.

The unique and cutting-edge environment at UBC means that the ME’s expertise extends beyond traditional HVAC systems of the commercial sector. The role also provides expertise to researchers and other UBC stakeholders as it relates to meeting their needs for items such as precise environmental control, process cooling, clean rooms, fume hood exhaust systems, or ultra-pure water systems. The ME also actively contributes mechanical expertise to the Campus as a Living Lab strategy and UBC’s Climate Action Plan for campus decarbonization.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Senior Mechanical Engineer, Technical Review Team, Asset Replacement & Improvements.

Work Performed

This role provides strategic direction to UBC’s project delivery groups (Project Services, UBC Properties Trust, Construction Office) with professional engineering services aimed at reducing risk, increasing compliance with applicable codes and regulations (including the UBC Technical Guidelines), increasing reliability and minimizing maintenance costs/effort. This is achieved by:

• Acting as the translator between technical design teams and non-technical project managers. Works to demystify and simplify mechanical design, identify preferred mechanical systems, and provide direction on approach during pre-design phases of projects
• Completing design reviews on work done by outside consultants to identify design deficiencies. Prepares design review reports with comments for return to the consultants. Further liaises with consultants to review the intent of the comments and to develop and implement solutions that provide the best value to UBC. These design reviews cover all aspects of mechanical design and may include equipment access, equipment selections, equipment sizing, hydronic design, maintenance access, and the like.
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