Utilities Distribution Engineer

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Energy & Sustainability is comprised of three interactive teams: Campus Sustainability Office, Utilities Distribution and Energy Management, and Utilities Production, which work together to achieve our obligations and seize opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint while providing vital utilities services to the Ithaca campus. The Utilities section of Energy and Sustainability operates the University energy infrastructure system on a 24-hour, 365 day per year basis. The distribution team covers buried and above-ground electric, steam, hot water, chilled water, potable water, storm and sanitary infrastructure serving over 17 million square feet of building stock. This job provides the opportunity to work in a collaborative team environment delivering capital projects, troubleshooting and repairs of a mission critical utilities system. Position Summary: The Utilities Distribution Engineer provides engineering leadership and technical support for the University’s steam, hot water, chilled water, and related thermal utility distribution systems. This position is responsible for system design, reliability engineering, asset management, and capital project leadership and support to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of utilities on a 24/7/365 basis. Working closely with operations, maintenance, project management, consultants, and campus stakeholders, the Engineer evaluates system condition and performance, develops renewal and upgrade strategies, supports repairs and modifications requiring engineering input, and oversees design and construction activities. The role applies hydraulic modeling, system analysis, and lifecycle cost evaluation to inform operational decisions and long-term capital planning, including steam-to-hot water conversion initiatives. This position also supports commissioning, documentation control, regulatory compliance, and emergency response. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others. We are a value–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, other related Engineering degree, or related field.
3-5 years of experience in technical roles related to thermal distribution systems or equivalent combination.
Direct experience managing construction projects of any size.
Ability to secure the New York State Professional Engineering license (after obtaining necessary experience).
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
Experience in design, maintenance or operation of thermal distribution systems.
Is highly motivated and exhibits innovation, good judgement and reliability in the workplace.
Demonstrates the divisional values of truth, respect, teamwork, integrity and excellence.
Ability to work in an environment that includes high ambient temperature, noise and dust.
Ability to safely work with chemicals, high temperature/pressure steam, confined spaces, and other potential hazards.
Must be able to climb stairs, ladders and work with heights.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Will be required to operate a motor vehicle (your own vehicle and Cornell owned) to travel to and from job sites.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Nice To Haves

Over 5 years of experience in roles related to thermal distribution systems.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Understanding of building HVAC systems and Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems.
Passed New York State EIT exam.

Responsibilities

Provides engineering leadership and technical support for the University’s steam, hot water, chilled water, and related thermal utility distribution systems.
Responsible for system design, reliability engineering, asset management, and capital project leadership and support to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of utilities on a 24/7/365 basis.
Evaluates system condition and performance, develops renewal and upgrade strategies, supports repairs and modifications requiring engineering input, and oversees design and construction activities.
Applies hydraulic modeling, system analysis, and lifecycle cost evaluation to inform operational decisions and long-term capital planning, including steam-to-hot water conversion initiatives.
Supports commissioning, documentation control, regulatory compliance, and emergency response.
Fosters a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity.
Required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program