Senior Mechanical Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

12d • $169,824 - $254,760 • Onsite

About The Position

The Facilities Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their Engineering team. This role is central to managing and improving campus mechanical systems through enhanced performance, issue diagnosis and resolution, and identifying opportunities for improved safety, efficiency, and reliability. The position also offers mechanical engineering support for projects and contributes to a multidisciplinary team supporting world-class science. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will independently plan and execute work, applying professional judgment and standard mechanical engineering techniques to solve complex challenges. Responsibilities include troubleshooting mechanical equipment, defining scopes of work, evaluating system performance, and developing solutions that optimize operations and efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses strong expertise in mechanical system design, operation, and problem-solving, coupled with a collaborative approach suitable for a diverse environment. The organization's mission is to bring science solutions to the world, and this role supports that goal by addressing global challenges and contributing to an organization with a rich scientific history.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in mechanical engineering or related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems or 6 years of experience with a Master’s degree.
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and complex mechanical systems in research institutions, along with relevant industry regulations and codes.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues through trend review, field diagnostics, and corrective action.
• Proficiency interpreting, redlining, and sketching mechanical drawings, single-line diagrams, and specifications to depict system configurations.
• Experience in HVAC/plumbing design, including load and pressure drop calculations, system routing, equipment sizing/selection, technical specifications, and defining scopes of work for design and construction projects.
• Working knowledge of complex HVAC control sequences of operation, with the ability to analyze equipment and system data to identify patterns that improve operation and reliability.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise technical leadership and drive engineering outcomes in a matrixed or owner's-representative environment, without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical issues across audiences, mentor colleagues, and a commitment to continued professional growth.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, determining methods for assignments, proactively identifying issues, and delivering practical solutions, with a strong commitment to safety and professional conduct.

Nice To Haves

• Registered professional engineer in the State of California, preferred.
• Over 10 years of experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems or 8 years of experience with a Master’s degree.
• Advanced trend review skills to assess equipment performance and issues.
• Knowledge of HVAC water treatment practices for closed and open-loop hydronic systems, along with water purification, specialty gas, and compressed air (CA) system operation.
• Well versed in the technical aspects of commissioning and startup of mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE Guideline 36.
• Strong knowledge of reliability principles, including root cause analysis, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and preventive maintenance planning.
• Knowledge of IBM Maximo for asset and maintenance management.
• Experience managing external contractors or consultants, including scope development, performance oversight, and project management.
• Knowledge of applicable DOE Orders, Federal Standards, and related safety/compliance regulations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned functions and act as primary engineer owning assigned mechanical, plumbing, and specialty plumbing systems.
• Lead problem-solving efforts and meetings to set priorities and direction, providing expert support and resolving issues promptly.
• Conduct equipment failure investigations, operational and trend reviews, and functional testing to evaluate system performance and address findings with stakeholders.
• Evaluate systems' spare capacity and ability to support scientific equipment installations.
• Develop conceptual designs and scopes of work to address deficiencies and improvements, coordinating with other disciplines to deliver complete scopes.
• Specify equipment replacements for improved performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Improve system documentation, diagrams, and procedures to reflect current conditions.
• Contribute to infrastructure planning and modernization by providing recommendations that inform leadership's capital investment decisions.
• Utilize the central maintenance management system (CMMS) to complete work orders and advise on asset history, repairs, and trends.
• Work closely with, and at times manage, external consultants or contractors to execute assessments, or equipment replacements.
• Maintain assigned master specifications, design guidelines, and standard details.
• Support design and construction projects by establishing project scopes, requirements, and design criteria; conducting technical reviews for correctness and compliance with project requirements; reviewing submittents, turnover documents, and project RFIs; and performing construction walkthroughs and supporting commissioning (Cx) activities.
• Comply with applicable Federal, DOE, State of California, LBNL, and industry design laws, regulations, orders, codes, directives, and standards adopted by the Laboratory.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior