Mechanical Engineer - Steam and Chilled Water
About The Position
Penn State is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Utility Services team at University Park in a role responsible for Technical and Operational support for both steam and chilled water utility systems. We recognize that deep expertise in both disciplines is uncommon, and we welcome candidates with demonstrated strength in either steam or chilled water systems who bring the intellectual curiosity and professional drive to develop fluency in the other. Penn State's scale and complexity provide a fantastic environment for growth, including an impact on the long-range strategic direction of each utility system. This position is a technically challenging, hands-on engineering role responsible for the reliable and efficient operation of one of the largest campus utility systems in the country, including steam generation and distribution, and central chilled water plants. The ideal candidate brings both deep technical knowledge and a drive to see problems through to resolution in a fast-paced, 24/7 operations-centered environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 3-5 years of hands-on experience with large-scale steam or chilled water utility systems.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve complex mechanical system problems.
- Demonstrated experience with large-scale utility or district energy systems.
- Experience with both steam and chilled water systems and associated equipment.
- Experience with ASME piping and boiler pressure vessel code and ASHRAE standards.
- Experience in a campus, institutional, or industrial utility environment.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain.
Responsibilities
- Provide operational technical expertise for steam and chilled water utilities.
- Work closely with supervisors and technicians to optimize control system performance; review maintenance plans and support corrective repairs.
- Evaluate data in support of root cause failure analysis and strong preventative maintenance programs.
- Develop, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance programs for steam and chilled water assets (boilers, economizers, deaerators, motors, pumps, valves, strainers, piping, plate-and-frame heat exchangers, and coils).
- Conduct field verifications, collect performance data, and help develop documentation, operating strategies, and maintenance standards.
- Manage and support projects such as feasibility studies, system assessments, and budget development.
- Review drawings, specifications, and calculations for steam and chilled water systems.
- Support planning for campus growth, conversions, and development of district thermal plants.
- Collaborate with operations teams, consultants, manufacturers, and design professionals to ensure systems are designed and operated for long-term efficiency and maintainability.
- Provide training, workshops, and technical resources for operations and maintenance staff.
- Drive system and plant efficiency utilizing campus thermal models.
- May supervise staff, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
