Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Reporting to the Associate Director of Engineering within the Office of Facilities University Engineer the Mechanical Engineer serves as a key technical resource for the Universitys mechanical infrastructure building systems and campus-wide energy performance. Working collaboratively with the Office of Energy Management this position supports the identification design and implementation of energy efficiency measures that reduce energy costs improve building performance and advance campus sustainability goals. The engineer provides project management and technical oversight across capital renovation and operational projectsensuring systems are efficient resilient and aligned with the Universitys design and construction standards. A strong understanding of centralized steam and chilled water generation and distribution systems serving a large campus is essential to support long-term energy reliability and system optimization strategies.
Collaborate with the Office of Energy Management to identify design and implement energy efficiency measures (EEMs) that improve performance and reduce energy costs across campus facilities.
Provide mechanical engineering review and support for capital renovation and maintenance reserve projects to ensure compliance with VT Design and Construction Standards.
Lead or support HVAC retro-commissioning performance monitoring and optimization through the Building Automation System (BAS).
Work in conjunction with shops and the Energy & Utility Service line to successfully complete retro- and re-commissioning projects that optimize building Energy Use Intensities (EUIs) while maintaining life safety and ventilation standards.
Apply expertise in centralized steam and chilled water generation and distribution systems to support system design efficiency improvements lifecycle planning and operational reliability across the campus utility network.
Serve as a subject matter expert for building and utility mechanical systems including HVAC chilled water steam compressed air refrigeration lighting and building envelope performance.
Coordinate and oversee mechanical design reviews commissioning activities and project closeout documentation for new and retrofit construction.
Support the development maintenance and application of the Universitys mechanical design and construction standards and asset management processes.
Provide technical guidance and field support to operations and maintenance teams to ensure systems function efficiently and meet code and performance standards.
Manage multiple projects concurrently tracking budgets schedules and deliverables to meet critical funding and performance objectives.
Apply measurement and verification best practices to confirm that implemented energy measures achieve expected savings and outcomes.
Foster collaboration across Facilities Services campus partners and external consultants to promote high-performance buildings and continuous improvement in energy and mechanical system management.

Required Qualifications

B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelors degree in engineering combined with relevant mechanical engineering industry experience.
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and working toward a PE licensure with the ability to obtain a Virginia license within 3-4 years.
Experience in mechanical design analysis condition assessment project engineering and facilities engineering.
Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and techniques of engineering planning; usage of equipment and materials used in engineering operations: specialized subjects used in the fields of engineering such as mathematics statistics mechanics power physics and chemistry; and of the strength of materials.
Ability to apply engineering principles to practical engineering problems and procedures; to use engineering equipment and tools including computer applications; to make read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Ability to handle multiple priorities; manage contracts; analyze problems and negotiate positive solutions; make defensible unsupervised administrative decisions and recommendations; and provide technical and policy support.
Experience with major construction work having onsite experience with contractors and a basic understanding of building construction.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with a highly diverse audience including design professionals contractors and others. May include preparing reports analyzing technical issues break down complex issues etc.
Work experience with the management of complex capital construction projects HVAC systems controls and tracking of project budgets to align with critical project closeout schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

Engineering operations experience for a large research institution or other organization with a large number and variety of facilities including utilities.
Experience with HVAC system commissioning and controls concepts and strategies.
Experience with energy-efficient design concepts and sustainable construction strategies.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$95000-$110000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

April 11 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.