Energy Engineer Senior

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI

ID: 7121350
Posted: January 17, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Energy Management Manager in the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS), the Energy Engineer Senior will…

Drive the strategic development of energy conservation opportunities in campus buildings using comprehensive and advanced knowledge, feeding proposed projects to the recently established revolving energy fund.
Use and apply advanced knowledge of building mechanical systems to independently create proposals for complex energy projects. Projects may be at varying levels of development when proposed, but sufficient to determine feasibility and to communicate to other engineers that may complete final designs and drawings.
Plan, conduct, and direct engineering and/or development work on complex projects necessitating the origination and application of new and unique approaches.
Plan and direct projects, and supply technical inspiration, leadership and consultation to professional co-workers.
Work in close collaboration with other Energy Management (EM) staff, Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) engineers, building owners, building occupants, building managers, and maintenance personnel to develop energy reduction methodologies and building system optimization.
This work will directly support the University’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by focusing on the demand reduction across the campus building portfolio.
NOTE: This is a 5-year term limited position with the possibility of extension or conversion to full-time regular employment. This position is fully benefit eligible.

Who We Are

Facilities and Operations (F&O) has primary responsibility for the stewardship of the university's physical properties, including 37 million square feet of building space. We are responsible for sophisticated and complex academic, research and clinical facilities, as well as associated environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. F&O is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.

As part of Facilities and Operations, the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS) serves as a focal point for sustainable campus operations. Our role is to:

Lead, facilitate, and support operational sustainability programs and initiatives on the Ann Arbor campus, and facilitate the institutionalization of best practices in sustainability across academic and research units, auxiliary units, and student groups.
Provide technical and consultative guidance for operational sustainability on campus, including strategic planning, operational programming, and related campus-wide education and engagement.
Track and report progress toward U-M’s sustainability goals, especially the 2025 sustainability goals.
Communicate with the campus and local community to increase awareness and engagement among staff, students, and faculty?—with a focus on high-quality operational sustainability programs and building a culture of sustainability on campus.
OCS is part of Planet Blue Campus, a university-wide initiative to promote sustainable operations and engagement.
The successful Energy Engineer Senior candidate will join a team of sustainability professionals dedicated to making the University of Michigan campus more sustainable.

To learn more about OCS and our work on campus, please visit our website at www.ocs.umich.edu.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

The University of Michigan, with an operating budget of over $7 billion, is a leader in higher education. In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting (matching eligible after one year of employment)
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Paid maternal and parental leave
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Responsibilities*

Identify energy conservation opportunities in campus buildings
Utility billing analysis, data collection, building walk-throughs
Review architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans or specifications to evaluate energy efficiency
Identification and evaluation of feasible projects
Develop project proposals for approval and funding, including estimated project costs, cost savings, carbon reductions, and maintenance impact
Support the design and implementation of energy conservation projects
Support measurement and verification of energy projects after completion
Collaborate with university staff from a variety of fields to develop project proposals
Gain strong understanding and knowledge of U-M’s sustainability goals, both those related to greenhouse gas emission reduction and others
Support and participate in OCS events and engagement activities
Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience; demonstrated knowledge of the inter-play between mechanical systems and methods for optimizing or modify systems to increase efficiency
Three (3) or more years of experience in the design and/or construction and/or modifications of mechanical systems for commercial, educational, or research type buildings
Three (3) or more years of project management experience in the design and/or construction of mechanical systems
Some knowledge of the Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, ASHRAE standards, and other related building codes
Experience and interactions with digital building control technology, building automation”front end” systems, and BAS/DDC technicians
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in written form at all levels of the organization
Strong problem solving and analytical skills
Strong team player with the ability to take initiative and work well independently
Adaptable and quick learner, willingness to acquire and develop new skills as needed
Adaptable and flexible to adjust to fluctuating changes in project needs
Ability to travel frequently between sites across the U-M Ann Arbor campus and potentially the Dearborn and Flint campuses
Ability to work autonomously and develop the skills necessary to successfully make self-directed decisions about priorities and workload management
Desired Qualifications*

Registered as a State of Michigan professional engineer or ability to achieve license within 12 months of employment
Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification
Six (6) years or more of experience in the design and/or construction of mechanical systems for commercial, educational, or research type buildings – including experience with project management
Knowledge of the Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, Michigan Energy Code, ASHRAE standards, and other related building codes
Experience developing projects following the “Smart Labs” standard
Experience working with chilled water and heating plants, HVAC systems, laboratories, vivaria, and cold rooms
Knowledge of life cycle analysis, energy analysis and sustainable design
Experience in building reassignment and renovation projects
Experience with historical BAS trend analysis, Siemens programming code review, and remote Cx with the BAS
Experience working with a diverse population at all levels, including bargained for and non-bargained for staff, faculty, and students
Experience in a higher education, public service, or a non-profit organization
Experience with mechanical / energy analysis software and/or spreadsheets