Mechanical Engineer

Req

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer

City:
West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

Mechanical Engineer

Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN

Help keep Purdue's campus running with reliable, efficient utility systems that support learning, research, and daily operations.

As a Mechanical Engineer supporting the Wade Utility Plant, you'll play a key role in maintaining and improving the systems that power a major research university. This position offers the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise in a collaborative environment where your ideas, judgment, and problem-solving skills directly support Purdue's operational excellence and long-term infrastructure goals.

What You'll Do

* Provide engineering support for the maintenance and operations of the Wade Utility Plant

* Review and evaluate engineering designs, new products, equipment, services, and technologies

* Support Heat and Power, Utilities Operations, and Physical Facilities staff with troubleshooting, technical guidance, and problem resolution

* Manage and coordinate stewardship projects, including system and equipment outages

* Contribute to the selection and procurement of owner-furnished major equipment for utilities-related projects

* Investigate Power Plant systems, collect baseline performance data, and help determine optimum operating conditions

* Recommend improvements to plant equipment, operations, and overall system performance

* Plan, develop, and implement projects, including redlining drawings, preparing specifications, and coordinating with contractors

* Work with vendors to obtain information and services for plant equipment

* Assist in revising and developing operating procedures for plant systems

* Contribute to utilities master planning, condition assessments, and system modeling

* Train power plant personnel on system optimization

What You Bring

* A strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and utility or plant operations

* The ability to solve technical problems, evaluate systems, and make practical recommendations

* Experience working collaboratively across operations, engineering, vendors, and campus partners

* Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

* A proactive mindset and interest in improving systems, processes, and performance

Why Purdue?

At Purdue, your work supports a mission that reaches far beyond the utility plant. You'll join a team that values innovation, stewardship, and continuous improvement while contributing to the infrastructure that enables teaching, research, and campus life every day. This is a place where engineering expertise has visible impact, and where thoughtful improvements help strengthen a large, complex environment serving thousands of people.

About Us

Be a part of Administrative Operations-the organization that powers Purdue University by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. We support the university's day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic vision for the future.

Administrative Operations delivers a wide range of essential services through various positions, including custodians, construction project managers, electricians, firefighters, groundskeepers, plumbers and more. We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals as we continue to grow strong, service-focused teams across campus.

Team members work in collaborative environments where their contributions directly impact the success and daily experience of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

Our employees benefit from the stability of year-round work, competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.

Apply now to begin your career with Administration Operations!

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience

Required:

* Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required, Mechanical Engineering preferred

* Two (2) years of experience in a utilities or related position

* Experience in heavy industrial, utilities distribution, and/or utility plant environments is required

* Experience working on multiple…