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Working/Functional Title
Mechanical Engineer
Position Summary
Salary: $99,600 – $121,700 annually depending on experience. MSU Benefits – Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; Eligible to work a partial remote schedule.
The Mechanical Engineer works as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop mechanical plans and specifications for new construction, renovations, and equipment improvements across Michigan State University’s campus. This position will provide mechanical engineering support and apply intensive and diversified principles and practices. They will make independent decisions that apply to large academic institutions; visual inspection of construction work as necessary, analysis, and support of maintenance operations. This position will be responsible for the Mechanical Engineering and complete design of University Building HVAC, plumbing Systems, and fire suppression systems. This will include the assessment of existing building/campus HVAC/Plumbing/Fire suppression systems, design, or review of consultant design of new systems. Develop plans and specifications for new construction and alterations and improvements to campus facilities and equipment. Project management and field review of new mechanical system installations. Additionally, this position will provide mechanical engineering support and solutions to multiple campus stakeholders. The position will use CAD, and reference ASHRAE, and SMACNA standards. The position will have to effectively communicate and coordinate mechanical engineering efforts with multiple engineering/arch disciplines and campus stakeholders.
This role develops design documents, reviews field work to confirm adherence design standards, ensures code compliance, and coordinates with other trades and stakeholders to produce comprehensive designs. Responsibilities include guiding outside consultants, supporting long-range planning efforts, and updating mechanical technical standards. The Mechanical Engineer also provides technical assistance to maintenance teams and contributes discipline-specific expertise to project planning and execution. This position will provide mechanical support and apply intensive and diversified principles and practices and makes independent decisions that apply to large academic institutions.
Visual inspection of construction work as necessary, analysis, and support of maintenance operations. Duties associated with this position involves working at construction sites, access to work areas by ladder, scaffold, hatchways, ramps, and similar means; outdoor work on a variety of floor and ground surfaces including climbing and entry into confined spaces; visual inspection of construction work as essential elements of construction inspection, analysis, and support of maintenance operations functions. A successful candidate must be innovative and communicate well in a team environment and with campus stakeholders.
The position will be on-call for emergencies on projects they are assigned outside of normal working hours.
Further breakdown of job responsibilities is as follows:
35%: Serves as a technical resource for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving complex system issues, including providing expert support for the repair and maintenance of highly complex building systems. Independently develops plans and specifications for new construction, alterations, and improvements to campus facilities and equipment, applying advanced technical expertise and professional judgment. Provides design leadership and technical guidance throughout project development and execution. Conducts field reviews to assess compliance with design intent and communicates findings, recommendations, and corrective actions as work progresses.
35%: Serves as the primary authority for technical direction and oversight for outside consultants’ design work related to new construction, alterations, and improvements to campus facilities and equipment. Performs detailed plan reviews of consultant deliverables and recommends necessary revisions or enhancements prior to projects proceeding to competitive bidding. Reviews project for code compliance, interprets appropriate building codes and coordinates with the other team members to insure the project design meets the applicable standards and codes.
10%: Integrates discipline-specific requirements into project designs to ensure functionality, constructibility, and coordination with other trades. Identifies and incorporates innovative products or methods into project designs when appropriate. Serves in an advisory capacity by providing technical assistance to maintenance staff and other IPF departments related to campus facilities and equipment. Completes Facilities Asset Data Exchange (FADE) requirements and directs outside consultants to ensure compliance with asset data standards.
10%: Provides information to project manager to clarify plans and specifications content. Issues directives in writing (addendum, request for information responses, construction change directives, and design review comments) when required.
10%: Plans and designs system modifications and improvements of a complex nature to support the academic mission of the university. Plans long range activities required to maintain system reliability.
This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in an appropriate field of engineering; five to eight years or related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in mechanical building systems design such as fire suppression, HVAC, plumbing and controls; including design, methods, materials, codes, maintenance and operation of appropriate systems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successful candidate has the ability to develop and interpret project documents (such as drawings, specifications and contracts), apply relevant fire, safety, building, mechanical, electrical, and health codes and must be experienced in typical engineering software such as: CAD and/or Revit, load calculation programs, or equivalent, as well as Microsoft suite and have extensive knowledge of construction practices as well as sound understanding of applicable codes for university facilities. Successful candidate must have experience with the complete design and specifications of institutional building’s various mechanical systems.
Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license will be required for this position. Must drive University vehicle to perform the duties of this classification and meet the University’s rigorous safe driving standards.
Desired Qualifications
Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan. Eight or more years of technical skills associated with mechanical engineering for mechanical building systems design such as fire suppression, HVAC, plumbing and controls.
Direct experience in planning, design, and construction of commercial and industrial mechanical and plumbing building systems in various University applications is desired. The ideal candidate will create construction specifications, and have experience maintaining building systems. Experience as an owner’s representative or consultant for planning, design and construction projects in an higher educational setting is desired. Experience with university infrastructure and faciltiies, policies and practices, experience with asset management software and project management software and construction management software and processes is desired.
A lifelong learner and problem solver with strong technical and communication skills, who focuses on innovative solutions aligned with University goals; ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume and cover letter are required.
Work Hours
This position may be on-call for emergencies on their projects outside of normal working hours.
Summary of Health Risks
Duties associated with this position involves working at construction sites, access to work areas by ladder, scaffold, hatchways, ramps, and similar means; outdoor work on a variety of floor and ground surfaces including climbing and entry into confined spaces. This position requires having a valid operator’s license.
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends April 28, 2026, 11:55 PM
