Mechanical Engineer

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $65,779 and $83,210, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Operating with a high level of independence and under general supervision, the Mechanical Engineer will offer technical guidance for the university's physical plant. Key responsibilities include future infrastructure planning, optimizing ongoing operations, documenting existing conditions, and upholding high standards of design and construction. Additionally, the engineer will enhance energy efficiency and improve the reliability and performance of campus mechanical systems. Collaborating with and reporting to the Assistant Director for Facilities Engineering, the mechanical engineer will provide engineering advice during new construction or renovation projects, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of campus operations.

Essential Functions

• Provide technical oversight on new construction and renovation projects ranging in size from $5000 to $200m and executed by the Division of Campus Planning and Facilities Management (CPFM). Review mechanical drawings for compliance with best practices and university design standards. Visit projects during the construction process to ensure the work is proceeding as designed and verify that installed equipment can and will function as intended. Participate in and provide oversight of the commissioning process by working with 3rd party commissioning agents. Leverage skills with instrumentation to take independently verified measurements of mechanical performance, like pressures, flows, temperatures, during the commissioning process. Ensure that the installation is in accordance with the plan and specifications. Identify and keep a record of discrepancies between design documentation and the project as constructed. (20%)
• With general oversight from the assistant director for facilities engineering, independently identify and document campus mechanical infrastructure needs. Generate design documentation and work with stakeholders within the department to supervise and audit the execution of capital renewal projects to ensure they adhere to the design. Ensure construction conforms with university standards, state and local building codes, and best practices. Apply data analytics and visualizations to demonstrate the performance and improvements made by capital projects and equipment modifications. Collaborate with the Department of Sustainability & Energy on initiatives that involve improving the university's energy efficiency. (20%)
• Manage the development, documentation, and periodic revisions of standard operating procedures, techniques, and best practices. Further the continuous improvement of maintenance and operations to optimize comfort, equipment resiliency and energy efficiency. Inspect, document, and inventory existing equipment. Document equipment condition, assess the risk of failure and its potential impact on university operations. Participate in the prioritization of needs by various metrics of urgency such as replacement cost, energy use, and overall risk to the university. Identify abandoned equipment for re-use or removal. (14%)
• Draft process flow diagrams for steam, heating hot water, and chilled water systems. Document as-built conditions in the field and finalize these drawings in an electronic format. (14%)
• Work to develop and execute projects to improve steam and chilled water submetering on campus. Identify metering locations, develop sizing and enhance documentation for the collection of thermal energy consumption data. (10%)
• Develop and oversee projects to replace and improve HVAC control valves, pumps, fans and dampers on campus. (10%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Functions

Work with corrective maintenance personnel and controls contractors to select controls equipment and instrumentation. Perform data-logging and analysis efforts for verification of operation and performance of controls systems. (2%)

Develop and manage a mechanical spare parts program. Identify which components should be stocked to efficiently meet campus needs. (2%)

Assist with the response, triage, and documentation of equipment and system failures. (2%)

Write reports on equipment performance and condition, existing ventilation conditions, code and design standards compliance, and other mechanical topics as requested. (2%)

Work with zone maintenance staff to help resolve long-term, difficult to determine or unresolved issues. Provide advanced analysis to aid troubleshooting and evaluation of the issues. (2%)

Utilize instrumentation such as differential pressure meters, flow meters, multimeters, process calibrators, dataloggers, temperature sensing equipment, and thermography to support department staff with advanced troubleshooting and verification efforts. (2%)

Perform other duties as assigned (

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with the assistant director for facilities engineering to discuss priorities and operational difficulties requiring resolution. Frequent contact with Facilities Services Coordinators and skilled trades workers regarding problematic equipment and failures. Frequent contact with design managers and construction managers regarding upcoming, ongoing, and recently completed projects.

University: Occasional contact with facilities management points of contact within schools to document existing conditions and requirements. Occasional contact with administration and faculty involving the resolution of specific problems or urgent projects.

External: Regular contact with vendors, contractors, consultants and manufacturers.

Students: Infrequent contact with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

Qualifications

Experience: 3 years of mechanical engineering experience working with facilities desired.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering required. EIT/EI certification highly desired. Registration as a Professional Engineer (any state) is desired.

Required Skills

• Possess innovative problem-solving and trouble-shooting abilities to creatively improve and maintain the university's built environment.
• Understanding of control valve theory and sizing.
• Knowledge of centrifugal pumps and fans.
• Familiarity with hydronic and steam system design and associated operation principles.
• Ability to research mechanical industry products and equipment and analyze their benefits and drawbacks (performance, efficiency, cost, lead time, etc.).
• Knowledge of process instrumentation, control concepts, and design strategies.
• Strong technical writing ability for drafting reports regarding equipment needs, design standards, energy consumption, project status, and system deficiencies.
• Working knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and calculations regarding return on investment and total cost (and energy) of ownership.
• Familiarity of a variety of software for drafting and image editing, including AutoCAD, Visio, and Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to analyze and manipulate data to create plots, regressions, and perform statistical analyses. Exceptional ability to clearly present complex datasets to effectively drive the informed decision-making processes.
• Familiarity with materials science concepts of metallurgy and corrosion.
• Ability to closely review both drawings and other forms of documentation for accuracy, adherence to best design practices, constructability, cost and energy efficiency, and other key metrics. Capable of performing mechanical engineering analyses on project drawings to technically verify the correctness of design parameters. Able to closely review installation and operation documentation for various pieces of equipment.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be physically capable of reaching any area of facilities to inspect jobs, including confined spaces (manholes, tunnels, ditches, etc.), roofs and catwalks. Work may involve frequent bending, stooping, stretching, crawling, and climbing. Work may be outdoors at times, or be located in noisy, hot, wet, dusty or dirty environments. Extended and/or variable working hours may be required, either due to planned or emergency work.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.