Mechanical & Facilities Engineer

Apply now Job no:522355
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Building Maintenance
Union: PSU
Categories:Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Mechanical & Facilities Engineer, the Mechanical & Facilities Engineer is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems located on the UMass Amherst campus and outlying stations. Plans and schedules the preventive and corrective maintenance and repair works needed to keep all systems operating reliably, with focus on finding solutions to expand facilities and maintenance functional processes. Serves as a subject matter expert in equipment failures and repair techniques during root cause investigations. Represents the Physical Plant in the Facilities Planning Division on all matters related to design, construction, and start-up and commissioning of new construction and renovation projects.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat recovery systems, generators, air handlers, and any other HVAC equipment, reverse osmosis systems, air compressors and dryers, filters, water, glycol, steam, and condensate piping, and all other systems related to the safe and reliable operation of the UMass Amherst buildings.
• Provides technical expertise to plant personnel on troubleshooting failures and repairs and in evaluating whether equipment is designed to meet its intended or existing service conditions.
• Develops, implements, and continuously evaluates a uniform, technically correct, and comprehensive maintenance program that includes preventive and predictive maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and good industry practices.
• Works with the campus direct digital control (DDC) building automation system (BAS) to operate building systems, control the comfort and energy use within the buildings, and perform root cause analysis for equipment failures. Develops, implements, and continuously evaluates a uniform, technically correct, and comprehensive maintenance program that includes preventive and predictive maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and good industry practices.
• Recommends, plans, and manages the repair or replacement of mechanical equipment and systems by outside contractors and/or Physical Plant personnel.  Assures work is planned and progresses as scheduled.  Develops, issues, and manages ongoing service and repair contracts for large chiller and HVAC systems.
• Performs regular data analysis of assets and recommends enhancements and process improvement
• Periodically recommissions HVAC equipment and other mechanical systems operation and assesses their performance to insure their optimal functionality.
• Develops and implements quality training programs to maximize the effectiveness of the maintenance staff. Meets with and maintains harmonious relationships with building coordinators and department staff.
• Coordinates with Design & Construction Management (DCM) project managers on all construction and renovation projects. Participates in design and installation specifications, factory and site acceptance testing, and commissioning plans to assure adherence to functional specifications
• As needed, plans, organizes, and implements small to medium size projects, including budget management. Acts as the Physical Plant representative at project meetings. Coordinates with DCM project managers, ensuring that copies of all Operations and Maintenance Manuals (O&M Manuals) and related information are supplied to the Physical Plant staff prior to completion of the project. Supports DCM Project Managers in commissioning of buildings and building systems during project construction. Acts as facilitator between Physical Plant personnel and DCM personnel, relaying information about operational problems with new building systems and/or renovated spaces.
• Assures that all warranty data is delivered to the Physical Plant and that the information is entered in the CMMS. Informs Physical Plant personnel on design intent of all building systems involving new construction and renovation projects and assures that Physical Plant staff is properly trained in all new equipment.
• Performs related duties as assigned or as required to meet department, executive area/division, and University goals and objectives.
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Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Five years’ relevant experience in the operation and maintenance of building systems, including, but not limited to, HVAC systems, fire alarm systems, chillers, and cooling towers.
• Experience in annual and capital budgeting and management of those budgets.
• Ability to analyze complex maintenance problems and direct their solution.
• Experience in managing small and mid-size mechanical projects/retrofits.
• Experience in computerized maintenance management systems, databases, and spreadsheet software.
• Strong planning and organizational skills and the ability to supervise maintenance personnel.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Professional engineering registration.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

Outdoor work in varied weather conditions is possible. Ability to climb, work in underground tunnels and vaults, work in confined spaces engage in heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. 

Work Schedule

Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, first shift. Must also be willing to work nights, weekends, or irregular hours during campus emergencies or during start-up and commissioning periods.

Salary Information

Level 33

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume (and cover letter / optional). References will be checked at the finalist stage, please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised:Feb 8 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:May 10 2024 Eastern Daylight Time