Mechanical Operations Engineer - Utilities

About the role

The Energy & Utilities Division (EU), within the Facilities and Operations Directorate, has an opportunity to fill the position of Mechanical Engineer which is anchored at building 749 and reports directly to Energy & Utilities Energy Manager.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the engineering, design, and troubleshooting the reliable, safe, and efficient operations, including upgrades of all plant mechanical equipment and systems within the Central Steam Facility, Steam Distribution System, and Central Chilled Water Facility.
• Contributes to Utility Master Planning efforts, leverages the complete Utility Master Plan to prioritize initiatives, drive project implementation, and advance the objectives of the Energy and Utilities Division.
• Develops and maintains a ready-to-execute queue of mechanical improvement projects, including design documents, specifications, and contract bid packages, pending funding availability.
• Maintains as-built drawings for proper configuration management.
• Provides engineering support during construction, startup, and commissioning phases, including field inspections, review of change requests, and support of outage planning.
• Evaluates plant equipment operations, issues, and life-cycle status to support management and plant supervisors in planning and implementing operational improvements.
• Supports long-term asset management strategies, including condition assessments, remaining useful life evaluations, and capital replacement planning for utility infrastructure.
• Collaborates with controls engineers to integrate mechanical systems into the site Energy Management and Control System (EMCS), including review of sequences of operation, control points, and alarm strategies.
• Estimates materials, costs, and staffing requirements for projects.
• May supervise service and maintenance contractors to ensure that work is performed in accordance with contract specifications.
• Approves invoices for payment.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field of study from an accredited University or College.
• A minimum of 7 years’ progressively responsible experience in the design or commissioning of central chilled water facilities, central steam facilities, and steam distribution systems.
• Must have understanding of heat loss/gain calculations, equipment selection, piping design, and pump design.
• Must have a strong understanding of at least one of the following areas of plant utility operations and maintenance: Chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage tanks, air compressors. High-pressure steam boilers, deaerators, boiler feedwater pumps. Steam distribution: pressure regulating valves, steam manholes, and steam expansion loop design. Design of hydronic pumping systems. Design of underground utility systems.
• Proficient in design calculation software. Preparation of calculations, reports, specifications, and presentations. Review of shop drawings and submittals.
• Knowledgeable in the Building Codes of NYS and ASHRAE standards.
• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to respond to a complex set of circumstances.
• Ability to read and interpret underground utility drawings, P&I drawings, architectural, and mechanical drawings.
• Understanding of and ability to oversee commissioning activities.
• Must be able to use AutoCAD to produce design drawings and sketches.
• Excellent teamwork and communications skills.
• Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate in English.
• Valid NYS Driver’s license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field of study.
• Minimum of ten (10) years progressively responsible design and/or commissioning of central chilled water facilities, central steam facilities, and steam distribution systems.
• Trane CenTraVac centrifugal water-cooled chillers. Kobelco/Scales oil-free and reciprocating air compressors. Various types of refrigerants, handling methods, and monitoring systems. Water tube steam boiler design and operations. ASHRAE 15-2016 – Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems.
• Licensed Professional Engineer or Engineer-in-Training status in New York State.