Mechanical Engineer - Steam and Chilled Water
Penn State is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Utility Services team at University Park. This role provides technical and operational support for both steam and chilled water utility systems. While deep expertise in both disciplines is uncommon, we welcome candidates with demonstrated strength in either steam or chilled water systems who bring the intellectual curiosity and professional drive to develop fluency in the other. This position offers a fantastic environment for growth, including impact on the long-term strategic direction of each utility system.
This is a technically challenging, hands-on engineering role responsible for the reliable and efficient operation of one of the largest campus utility systems in the country, including steam generation and distribution, and central chilled water plants. The ideal candidate brings both deep technical knowledge and a drive to see problems through to resolution in a fast-paced, 24/7 operations-centered environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide operational technical expertise for steam and chilled water utilities.
- Work closely with supervisors and technicians to optimize control system performance; review maintenance plans and support corrective repairs.
- Evaluate data in support of root cause failure analysis and strong preventative maintenance programs.
- Develop, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance programs for steam and chilled water assets (boilers, economizers, deaerators, motors, pumps, valves, strainers, piping, plate-and-frame heat exchangers, and coils).
- Conduct field verifications, collect performance data, and help develop documentation, operating strategies, and maintenance standards.
- Manage and support projects such as feasibility studies, system assessments, and budget development.
- Review drawings, specifications, and calculations for steam and chilled water systems.
- Support planning for campus growth, conversions, and development of district thermal plants.
- Collaborate with operations teams, consultants, manufacturers, and design professionals to ensure systems are designed and operated for long-term efficiency and maintainability.
- Provide training, workshops, and technical resources for operations and maintenance staff.
- Drive system and plant efficiency utilizing campus thermal models.
- May supervise staff, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- If filled as Operations Engineer - Advanced Professional: 3+ years of relevant experience.
- If filled as Operations Engineer - Senior Professional: 6+ years of relevant experience.
- Valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check (required to operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties).
- Successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience with large-scale steam or chilled water utility systems.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve complex mechanical system problems.
- Experience with large-scale utility or district energy systems.
- Experience with both steam and chilled water systems and associated equipment (preferred).
- Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain (preferred).
- Experience with ASME piping and boiler pressure vessel code and ASHRAE standards (preferred).
- Experience in a campus, institutional, or industrial utility environment (preferred).
Pay
The salary range for this position is $81,312.00 - $154,452.00.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Robust retirement plans.
- Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.