Senior Engineer, Operations

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Senior Engineer will be responsible for project management & engineering, including large central utility projects; management of the design and construction process; management of consulting engineers and contractors; ongoing project review for compliance with University criteria for design, performance, construct-ability, maintainability and compatibility with existing systems; field inspection during construction and before turnover to ensure compliance with design; preparation of bid documents for consulting services and project construction; development of project budgets; and project administration. For small central utility projects, the Senior Engineer will be responsible for the design and construction of small mechanical and electrical projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage large central utility projects, overseeing all phases from planning to completion.
• Direct the design and construction process, ensuring alignment with University standards for design, performance, constructability, maintainability, and system compatibility.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of consulting engineers and contractors, including performance evaluation and compliance monitoring.
• Conduct ongoing project reviews and provide field inspections during construction and prior to project turnover to verify adherence to design specifications.
• Prepare bid documents for consulting services and construction projects.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
• Administer projects, maintaining thorough documentation and adherence to timelines.
• For smaller central utility projects, design and manage construction of mechanical and electrical systems from concept to completion.
• Responsible for commissioning including the management of outside Commissioning Agents in the comprehensive commissioning building MEP projects and central utilities projects.
• Attend project meetings and represent the Facilities Operations department in the resolution of issues affecting the operation and maintenance of installed equipment systems.
• Manage the timely review of project documents and submittals by owner's engineers, commission agents, and internal operating and maintenance staff throughout the project.
• Coordinate the training of operating and maintenance personnel on newly installed equipment and systems and witness testing of equipment and systems as required.
• Provide operational support including the application of engineering know how to the troubleshooting of both central utilities system and building MEP systems in support of operating personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with 5-7 years of experience in the design and project management of central utilities (power, CHP, steam, chilled water, compressed air) and building MEP projects. Advanced Degree desirable.
• Well rounded, flexible engineer with design firm as well as facilities operational background.
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments including project management & engineering, commissioning, and operational support.
• Proven ability to manage projects from conception through design, construction, commissioning, start-up and acceptance; manage consultants and contractors; direct junior engineers.
• Ability to contribute immediately with minimal orientation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license is highly desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.