University Engineer

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

24d

About The Position

The University Engineer is a strategic, campus-wide leadership role responsible for shaping and stewarding the university’s engineering and infrastructure vision. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Facilities Design and Construction, this position leads a team of technical experts and plays a central role in capital planning, design and construction oversight, infrastructure strategy, sustainability, and cross-campus stakeholder engagement. This position is accountable for ensuring that all university infrastructure and building systems are designed, constructed, and maintained in alignment with institutional goals, regulatory compliance, and long-term stewardship of campus assets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field); advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in facilities engineering, infrastructure planning, and/or capital project management in a large institutional setting.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams and large, complex organizations such as higher education, healthcare, or public sector institutions.
• Broad expertise across MEP, structural, civil, and envelope systems, with a generalist mindset and ability to manage diverse technical inputs.
• Deep understanding of utility infrastructure systems (e.g., high-pressure steam, chilled water, high voltage) and associated campus distribution systems.
• Proficient in relevant codes and regulations (IBC, NEC, ASHRAE, NFPA, FGI, OBC) and experience integrating these standards in complex projects.
• Experience with engineering in occupied buildings and phased construction typical of active academic and healthcare campuses.
• Proven ability to translate institutional goals into actionable engineering strategies.
• Systems thinker with a proactive, long-range planning mindset and the ability to synthesize information from multiple disciplines.
• Familiarity with design and construction delivery methods (CMR, DBB, Design-Build) and the ability to influence project outcomes from conception through closeout.
• Skilled at navigating organizational dynamics, facilitating consensus, and fostering collaboration among technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or facilities-related field and minimum 12 years facilities management or construction/renovation experience in a campus setting, or other bachelor's degree and 15 years directly related experience.
• Min 10 years supervisory experience in facilities management, facilities or manufacturing maintenance, or facilities project management organization.
• Experience with campus wide utility infrastructure, district energy systems, or CHP integration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and build consensus.
• Demonstrated understanding of process for imparting quality and customer service principles to the organization.
• Excellent human relations skills, emphasizing empathy and the ability to develop and lead multi-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills to include public speaking and presentations to senior administration.
• Substantial experience with work management systems, Microsoft Office suite, and related technologies.
• Demonstrated understanding of sustainability principles and their application on a major urban campus.
• Professional Engineer license.
• Knowledge and experience in facilities design and construction.
• Strategic planning experience.
• Experience working on a large university campus.
• Experience working with state contracts.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred.
• Prior work with or for OSU, the State of Ohio, or OFCC is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Engineering Leadership: Define and lead the university’s engineering vision, integrating infrastructure planning with university-wide strategic priorities and FDC’s mission. Serve as a key advisor to university leadership on major infrastructure systems and long-range planning efforts, including utilities, energy, and campus-wide capital projects. Represent FDC in strategic initiatives such as the Campus Master Plan, Campus Infrastructure and Utility Master Plan, Sustainability and Energy initiatives, and the Comprehensive Energy Management Project (CEMP). Lead the development and continual refinement of the Building Design Standards for multiple campus typologies and campus advancements, this is a key initiative for FDC. Drive alignment between engineering planning and other strategic areas such as sustainability, life-cycle cost analysis, and deferred maintenance mitigation.
• Project & Infrastructure Oversight Oversee the engineering review and technical assurance process for all university capital projects (new construction and renovation). Provide leadership and oversight for key infrastructure programs, including utility master planning, energy systems, and high-risk/high-impact projects. Partner with Planning and Real Estate (PARE) and FOD-Operations to ensure technical planning aligns with annual and long-term capital budgeting. Lead the technical review and guidance process for engineering variance requests and compliance with applicable codes and university policies. Ensuring that processes are continually improving and efficient for stakeholders and industry professionals.
• Campus Systems Integration Lead strategic coordination and collaboration with university energy partners (OSEP/ENGIE), ensuring alignment between public-private initiatives and university planning efforts. Coordinate closely with facilities operations, environmental health and safety (EHS), risk management, sustainability, and auxiliary units. Act as a liaison and integrator between FDC and consigned partners such as CampusParc and OSEP, ensuring technical needs are represented and understood.
• Leadership & Team Management Lead and manage the engineering and estimating teams within FDC, promoting collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Mentor technical staff and support succession planning and professional development within the engineering unit. Oversee several engineering, sustainability and campus utility / infrastructure committees, including adherence to policies,steering committee participation, and alignment with risk management.
• Fiscal and Capital Planning Partner in the development of university-wide capital budgets, including support for multiple funding streams (State, POM, General Fund, etc.). Support the deferred maintenance program by advising on infrastructure risk, prioritization, and investment strategy. Lead the estimating and cost planning process to establish and manage project budgets, ensure cost predictability, and support Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) planning.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees