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.

This position supports the Wade Utility Plant, maintaining and improving systems that power the university.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide engineering support for 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

• 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

• 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 projects in a team environment

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

• Desire to learn, grow, and contribute to E&U success
• Knowledge:
  • of applicable codes and regulations
  • in the functional operation of a Power Plant, including areas of electrical generation, instrumentation & controls, and boiler construction, maintenance, and operations, as well as engineering consultation
• Good:
  • planning and organizational skills
  • verbal and written communications skills
  • interpersonal skills for collaborative work
• Demonstrated ability to act as a liaison between multiple parties
• Understanding of mechanical engineering design and construction techniques as they relate to power plants and utilities distribution
• Ability to evaluate and solve complex technical problems utilizing creativity and ingenuity
• Office and engineering computer skills with the ability to learn new computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and PI archive database
• Exposure to heat, noise, dust, and hazardous areas around machinery, chemicals, etc. in utility plants and utility distribution infrastructure
• Must be able to:
  • climb stairs, ladders, and work from heights of up to 100 feet
  • enter equipment manholes and confined spaces

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA:
  Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:
  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Benefit Statement:
  Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Purdue University is an EOE employer.