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Facilities Engineer, Operations

Apply now Job no: 495351
Work type: Full Time
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Staff, Business, Accounting and Finance, Trades, Service, and Maintenance, CFHE

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and an IBM Quantum One computer - the first university-based quantum computer in the U.S. 

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Facilities Engineer- Operations reports to the Director of Physical Plant and is responsible for the continuous recommissioning of the existing building systems ensuring they are working as designed or being operated to best practices as appropriate for their designated use. The Engineer is responsible for monitoring and analyzing mechanical, energy/building management, safety and electrical system performance, initiating repairs, managing performance of preventive maintenance (PM). The Engineer will routinely review the operation of the campus Chiller Plants, heating systems, and HVAC systems utilizing the campus Building Management Systems (BMS), make recommendations to improve efficiency and ensure systems are operating as designed. The Engineer will periodically act as Project manager for other assigned projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in mechanical or electrical engineering
  • Seven years of experience with both the design and operation of major mechanical/electrical systems
  • Five years of experience in building system recommissioning.
  • Valid US Driver license

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three years of experience working in the performing arts facilities maintenance/management field
  • A Registered Professional Engineer and/or ability to become Registered 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to read and understand construction documents, specifications, contracts
  • Must be familiar with standard construction specifications and construction means and methods required to accomplish a general project, i.e., equipment, tools, trade needs, etc.
  • Requires in-depth knowledge of mechanical and electrical building systems
  • Requires working knowledge of architectural programming processes
  • Ability to operate a PC using standard office software
  • Requires knowledge of building automation equipment, systems and technology including “front end” computer systems, HVAC system controls, fire alarms and security systems
  • Must be flexible in work style; able to work effectively with project representatives and workers from all fields
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
  • Ability to build a team in a group of diverse disciplines; must function as part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

Job Duties

  1. Provides extensive hands-on/field engineering expertise to test, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot HVAC, mechanical, automation, safety and electrical systems.
  2. Provides general supervision, direction and guidance to trade mechanics while performing system recommissioning. Serve as positive influence and role model; motivate subordinates and builds team spirit.  Leads and directs personnel to ensure the completion of assigned tasks
  3. Performs routine review and evaluation of the Campus Chiller Plant(s), using the BMS.  Makes recommendations and performs adjustments in conjunction with the Facilities Automation Technician to systems in order to maximize efficiency and ensure systems perform as designed.  Solicits bids, selects and hires appropriate engineering consultants, construction contractors, service contract providers, equipment vendors; provides oversight function for all contracted parties.
  4. Plans, directs, performs, and monitors system recommissioning projects and maintenance to ensure that system performance is maximized.  Prepares project cost estimates and reviews consultant estimates. 
  5. Works in a collaborative manner with other Physical Plant shops Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), and Environmental & Site Services (E&SS) to provide holistic support to all campus facilities.
  6. Assists Director in preparation of annual budget, including recommendations for replacement or purchase of tools and equipment, changes in staffing needs, and forecasting routine expenditures; monitors budget variances during budget cycle and recommends corrective action.
  7. Investigates client complaints regarding system performance and maintains on-going communication with clients advising them of progress, changes and issues; describes and discusses alternative options effectively with clients and internal hierarchy; conveys technical issues and requirements clearly to clients.
  8. Monitors performance of all aspects of the Physical Plant preventive maintenance (PM) program.  Works closely with the PM Technician to implement a viable PM program and update the program as operating conditions and other equipment running experience indicates. Adjusts PM Procedures and schedules as required to maximize performance and equipment longevity.
  9. Responds to emergencies in accordance with existing plans, industry practice, and Physical Plant SOPs.  Responds to call-ins after regular hours and during inclement weather. 
  10. Performs additional duties as necessary to comply with the responsibilities of the position.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Local travel between campus locations only

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $100000 - $110000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Job Posted Date

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

 

Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

 

 

 

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