Energy Engineer

About the Job

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview

This position provides engineering support under the direction of a Senior or Principal Engineer for campus construction projects and energy efficiency initiatives within the Health Sciences district on the Twin Cities campus. The role primarily focuses on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Key responsibilities include: initiation, design, and implementation of energy efficiency projects; developing and documenting building automation system control strategies to optimize performance; recommending improvements to operating procedures, maintenance strategies, and repair plans based on on-site investigations. Additional duties would include engineering design reviews of capital project design documents.

Position Responsibilities

Energy Efficiency & Conservation (25%)

• Identify energy efficiency opportunities in buildings and analyze the viability of the project from both operational and financial perspectives.
• Make recommendations and implement changes to Building Automation System controls and building mechanical systems for efficient operation.
• Design and implement energy conservation projects to optimize mechanical system performance, maintain building comfort levels, utilize energy as efficiently as possible, and meet research requirements.
• Document design projects and provide training to operations teams.

Design Review & Standards Compliance (25%)

• Under direct supervision of a Senior or Principal Engineer, reviews designs and documentation prepared by outside consultants to ensure conformity with the 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 the University construction standards, procedures, and design principles.
• Directs project design concerns to a Senior or Principal Engineer.
• Inspect construction in progress for compliance with the University construction standards and specifications.

Project Management & Customer Support (25%)

• Manage projects by scheduling work, ordering equipment, and providing advice and instruction to technicians, trades from the University, and external vendors.
• Work with customers and end users to assist them in the development of technical solutions for their business needs.

Technical Support & Problem Analysis (25%)

• Gather data to analyze building, facility, and physical infrastructure problems and coordinate the review.
• Provide technical support to work teams responsible for repair, maintenance, and operations of building, facilities, and physical infrastructure.

Qualifications

Required (minimum) qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and 2 years of experience. The two years of experience can include: two years of student internship; two calendar years working in a science or engineering field (not specifically 4160 hours); or two calendar years working at a hands-on job that requires a technical understanding of applicable engineering discipline.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability and desire to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience with building mechanical systems, HVAC, energy management, facilities operations, or building automation systems.
• Successful completion of fundamentals of engineering (engineer in training) exam and/or certification as an energy manager.
• Ability to identify and analyze energy efficiency opportunities.
• Proficient in preparing sketches and drawings with the use of AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and to gain support and commitment from others.
• Awareness of construction standards and building code requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to address and resolve problems.
• Highly developed written (including technical writing), verbal, interpersonal and persuasion skills with both internal and external parties.
• Proven analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.