Senior Project Manager/ Mechanical Engineer

Job Responsibilities

• Manages the full lifecycle of construction projects ranging from $10K - $75M, with emphasis on mechanical systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, process piping, and building controls, as well as other assigned systems.
• Leads mechanical design and construction efforts to ensure compatibility with existing campus infrastructure and consideration for future expansion and scalability.
• Develops project scope, objectives, mechanical design criteria, and technical specifications in collaboration with engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and University stakeholders.
• Evaluates project feasibility and ensures compliance with University standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
• Supports alternative delivery methods, including Construction Manager at Risk and Design Build, to optimize project outcomes.
• Ensures system reliability, efficiency, and maintainability through coordination with campus utilities, operations, and maintenance teams.
• Identifies and mitigates risks related to mechanical safety, system performance, constructability, energy efficiency, redundancy, and operational continuity.
• Ensures compliance with applicable mechanical, fire, and safety codes, and collaborates with safety and commissioning teams on system testing and startup.

Job Duties

• 45% - Essential - Project Management
  • Manages the full lifecycle of construction projects ranging from $10K - $75M, with emphasis on mechanical systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, process piping, and building controls, as well as other assigned systems.
  • Leads mechanical design and construction efforts to ensure compatibility with existing campus infrastructure and consideration for future expansion and scalability.
  • Develops project scope, objectives, mechanical design criteria, and technical specifications in collaboration with engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and University stakeholders.
  • Evaluates project feasibility and ensures compliance with University standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
  • Supports alternative delivery methods, including Construction Manager at Risk and Design Build, to optimize project outcomes.
  • Ensures system reliability, efficiency, and maintainability through coordination with campus utilities, operations, and maintenance teams.
  • Identifies and mitigates risks related to mechanical safety, system performance, constructability, energy efficiency, redundancy, and operational continuity.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable mechanical, fire, and safety codes, and collaborates with safety and commissioning teams on system testing and startup.
• 25% - Essential - Financial and Schedule Control
  • Maintains financial and schedule control for assigned projects, ensuring delivery on time and within approved budgets.
  • Provides regular updates to customers, University leadership, and stakeholders on project status, milestones, risks, and progress.
  • Develops and monitors detailed budgets with emphasis on mechanical systems, identifies impacts from coordination issues, long lead equipment, system integration, and unforeseen conditions, and recommends corrective actions.
  • Projects may involve multiple funding sources and contingency planning.
  • Coincides with internal and external teams, including designers, engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and University staff, ensuring mechanical scope integration and accurate documentation for costs, schedules, changes, and contracts.
  • Prepares cost estimates, forecasts, and schedules coordinating construction, equipment deliveries, utility outages, and commissioning, and identifies risks with mitigation strategies.
  • Administers contract requirements, supports bid reviews, and applies best practices in mechanical coordination and risk management while maintaining accountability for project delivery.
• 25% - Essential - Coordination and Consultation
  • Serves as the primary liaison for mechanical project scope among University leadership, faculty, facilities and maintenance staff, and external consultants.
  • Leads project coordination and progress meetings and prepares clear status updates and technical reports to support effective communication.
  • Coincides with Facilities Maintenance, Utilities, Energy Management, Information Technology, and other campus departments to integrate mechanical systems with building infrastructure and operational needs.
  • Engages utility providers and service partners to support mechanical connections, metering, and energy initiatives.
  • Reviews mechanical designs for constructability, code compliance, efficiency, and long term maintainability.
  • Ensures HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and life safety interfaces meet performance and institutional standards.
  • Oversees inspections, testing, startup, and commissioning to confirm proper installation and readiness.
  • Supports energy efficient and sustainable solutions, including high efficiency HVAC systems, automation optimization, and heat recovery.
• 5% - Essential - Training & Mentorship
  • Participates in project management training, leadership development programs, and workshops to strengthen coordination, communication, and delivery skills.
  • Provides guidance and support to staff and fellow project managers throughout all phases of design, construction, and closeout, with emphasis on mechanical scope coordination and best practices.
  • Actively engages in industry training, professional organizations, and continuing education to stay current on advancements in mechanical systems, project delivery methods, and applicable codes and standards.
  • Contributes to continuous improvement initiatives by sharing lessons learned, improving processes, and supporting innovations that enhance the efficiency, quality, and consistency of project delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• Education - Bachelor's Degree and relevant project management experience.
• PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: Education - Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering, 3+ years of work experience.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement and savings plan options.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules.
• Prescription coverage and wellness benefits.
• Dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
• Defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
• Tuition assistance.
• Holiday, annual and sick leave.
• Discounts on purchases, travel and more.