Senior Sustainable Energy Engineer

The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is hiring a Senior Sustainable Energy Engineer to provide engineering support for energy efficiency projects and initiatives aimed at carbon neutrality. Responsibilities include developing engineering solutions, managing projects, and optimizing mechanical systems performance. The role involves site investigations, consulting, and collaboration with various departments. Work is conducted in both office and field settings, requiring physical access to various work sites.
Description of Position

This position provides engineering guidance and support for campus engineering projects and energy efficiency initiatives to meet UMN’s commitment to carbon neutrality and implementation of Climate Action Plans. Provides technical expertise and engineering oversight to establish maintenance and operational requirements for equipment and facilities. Develops engineering solutions to address identified issues and to reduce building energy usage and carbon footprint. Responsible for providing consulting and project leadership services in energy efficiency, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. The position will develop and document control strategies for optimizing mechanical systems performance, prepare specifications, manage projects, and conduct building recommissioning. Recommend changes in control and maintenance strategies, operating procedures and equipment schedules based upon on-site investigations. The position will coordinate with local utilities to maximize utility rebates.

Responsibilities

Identify energy conservation opportunities in University buildings on Duluth, Morris, and Crookston campuses. Analyze the viability of the project from both operational and financial perspectives. Design and implement energy conservation projects to optimize electrical and/or mechanical system performance, maintain building comfort levels, and utilize energy as efficiently as possible.

Develops engineering solutions and reviews designs and documentation prepared by outside consultants to ensure conformity with University standards in the engineering field of practice and the impact of new designs on existing systems. Reviews on-going and completed projects to ensure adherence to University construction standards and procedures and design principles. Develops procedures to ensure conformity with MN state building codes. Directs project design concerns to University Project Managers and/or corresponds directly with consultants.

Provides support to facility management work teams responsible for maintenance and operation of building, facilities, and physical infrastructure. Investigates building, facility, and physical infrastructure problems or coordinates the review by outside resources. Make recommendations and implement changes to building mechanical systems for efficient operation of facilities. Work with customers and end users to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.

Responsible for writing engineering studies and/or project proposals. Responsible for all phases of projects from schematic design through detailed design, procurement, construction management, commissioning and closeout. Coordinates among sustainability departments and other various internal partners and external service providers. Participate in University Energy Management standards discussions and updates.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting as well as in the field. This position will be exposed to hazardous conditions where hearing and visual protection may be required. Must be able to walk, climb and crawl in various weather conditions to physically access and view work sites, including mechanical/electrical equipment rooms, deep tunnels, and rooftops. Work is performed across a hybrid setting (online and in-person). Position requires regular travel (minimum 50% of time) to University of Minnesota Crookston, Morris, and Duluth campuses with a primary office setting in one of these locations or on the Twin Cities campus.