Senior Commissioning Engineer

Position Summary/Description:

As part of the Energy Management unit, the Senior Commissioning Engineer focuses on commissioning efforts to achieve efficient operation of building systems and sub systems ensuring reduced energy and water consumption at the campus. The incumbent works closely with other Engineers in the unit and serves as the University's steward and advocates for proper commissioning efforts on campus. The incumbent would also be the primary subject matter expert in all matters related to comprehensive building commissioning including new constructions, renovations, repairs and all commissioning activities at existing facilities including re-commissioning, retro-commissioning and continuous commissioning efforts. As the most senior commissioning professional for campus facilities, the incumbent provides expert input and will update and maintain the University's Commissioning standards / Guidelines and coordinate with internal stakeholders to protect campus' interests. 

The Senior Commissioning Engineer is responsible for multiple facets of commissioning work on capital building projects, including development of commissioning scope of work, qualification-based selection of the 3rd party commissioning agents, contract negotiation, and oversight of the work. Related tasks on capital building projects include review of plans from designers, equipment submittals, assisting with development of 'basis of design' documents, coordination of functional testing and system training, along with general coordination between project team, UNC Facilities, and end users. Provide direct commissioning services and retro commissioning services for smaller capital building projects (customer funded or otherwise) to include control schematic development, BAS functional testing, troubleshooting, and training. Interface with complex mechanical and control systems supporting research lab space, including high-containment (BSL-3) labs and lab animal vivaria. Responsibilities also include implementation and management of a robust continuous commissioning program by utilizing building automation systems as well as Fault Detection and Diagnostic (FDD) systems across the campus. Tasks include creation of appropriate rules, identification of control points, integration of control points with the FDD software (like Skyspark), and review effectiveness of the program semi-annually. 

The incumbent is also responsible to identify and analyze new energy and water conservation projects (scoping and life cycle cost analysis), building audits and drawing reviews to develop the energy conservation projects with fundable cost estimations and savings calculations. Familiarity with building energy modeling software like Trane Trace and Bin data calculations is a plus. Partner with Engineering and other units within UNC Facilities Services during implementation of energy conversation measures, new strategies for optimizing HVAC systems to improve operational efficiencies while considering O&M concerns and ensuring projects are completed under budget and on schedule. Track issues encountered during each project in an 'Issues Log' to ensure discrepancies are addressed properly and in a timely manner. Record and share lessons learnt from projects and from past experience to train the team and to improve internal processes. Provide technical support for building control technicians and EMCS system operators and provide support on technical, process and other aspects related to energy management unit 's responsibilities, as needed by the Director. 

This position is neither remote nor hybrid and will require the incumbent to be present at the office located at Chapel Hill, NC and work on the UNC campus buildings and facilities during the work week.

Education and Experience:

Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of NC or the ability to obtain one prior to the start date. Out of state PEs may apply for a NC PE license after a contingent offer is made through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) process found on the NCBELS.ORG website. 

Progressive experience with energy conservation methods for electrical and mechanical systems including lighting, HVAC, chilled waters systems, compressed air systems, building envelopes, and building pneumatic and digital building control systems. Advanced knowledge of building automation systems specifically Invensys, Johnson Controls, and Vista. Strong knowledge of maintenance requirements for HVAC systems. Cost estimating for design and construction projects. Adept at MS Work, MS Excel. Ability to participate in the development of long-range strategic goals. Knowledge of Trane trace modeling and programming for Continuous Commissioning using software like SkySpark is a plus.

Essential Skills:

Substantial knowledge of professional engineering theory, techniques, practices, procedures, building codes and laws and skills in applying these for problem-solving, system design, and identification for energy conservation opportunities. Thorough knowledge and understanding of concepts, practices, and theories used in the engineering specialty area and the ability to use it in practice. May require the general knowledge to oversee compliance regarding multiple specialties. Working level understanding of the organizational and business objectives of section/specialty. Ability to evaluate and approve moderately complex program/project specifications for completeness, compatibility, compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes and design needs; ability to perform inspections/audits to ensure that proper procedures are followed. Ability to manage moderately complex programs/projects for completeness, compatibility and compliance with engineering principles and design needs and standards. Ability to identify and resolve project/program changes. 

Ability to develop and manage program plan. Provide consultation on issues and requests from energy engineers. Consult with higher-level professionals to discuss alternative solutions. Supervise a team of up to 4 commissioning and project staff. Develop and implement short-term strategies consistent with agency/university goals. Make recommendations and occasional decisions on non-routine engineering and/or program matters or other areas requiring technical engineering expertise. Ability to make final decisions and execute is a plus. Provide technical analysis and serve as a mentor/resource to lower-level employees in the area of assignment. Address conflicting design constraints and approve moderately complex engineering/technical designs and/or program/project specifications of other engineers to meet desired compliance with engineering principles, standards, codes, designs and statutes. 

Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex mechanical systems for efficiency and maintainability. Knowledge of control system sequence of operations and able to read, understand and comply with the university's standards for mechanical and control systems. Knowledge of efficiency strategies for HVAC control systems such as discharge air reset, air side economizer, discharge static pressure reset, and heat recovery systems. Demonstrated experience programming HVAC control systems and experience with commissioning and retro commissioning of HVAC and building systems. Ability to read and comprehend complex mechanical, electrical and architectural plans and specifications. Working knowledge of current NC building codes. In-depth knowledge of commercial, institutional and laboratory heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing complex technical concepts to trades staff, engineers, and management. A valid NC driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to start date.