Position Focus :
Reporting to the Associate Director of Engineering & Energy Management with latitude to exercise a high level of independent judgment and initiative, the Senior Mechanical Engineer provides technical direction, project management, and subject matter expertise in support of mechanical and energy systems of the University’s capital program and campus operations.
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will interact with Yale’s planning and project management staff, operations personnel, and consulting professionals and will focus specifically on developing innovative projects to reduce energy use and increase renewable energy supply in support of the University’s many goals and climate commitment.
Preferred experience with solving complex technical problems, developing engineering standards and processes, and managing projects and teams of consulting design professionals.
Essential Duties
1. Participates in the formulation, design, construction and commissioning of projects overseen by the University's capital projects group.
Reviews the work of design professionals with respect to University objectives and design standards, operability and maintainability and cost-effectiveness.
Provides feedback and assistance to project managers and design professionals regarding all aspects of engineering design.
2. Facilitates commissioning of new and renovated mechanical systems including review of functional acceptance test scripts, participation in field testing of systems, interfacing with operations personnel with respect to operability and maintainability of systems, and participating in systems training 3.
Directs complex engineering projects by retaining qualified outside engineering consultants and contractors. Prepares work scopes and / or requests for proposal to support project execution.
Oversees engineering consultants and contractors to ensure high quality project delivery as well as conformance to established schedule and budget.
Maintains a high level of involvement in and / or directly oversee project execution and represents findings in oral and / or written format as needed.
4. Assists University operations staff (Campus Operations and Utilities) in troubleshooting mechanical systems. Provides solutions to operational problems.
5. Formulates projects for the replacement, upgrade or enhancement of mechanical systems. 6. Reviews and suggests improvements to campus automation systems as appropriate.
Formulates projects to improve building performance as needed. 7. Participates in budget development for projects and capital spending.
8. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Engineering and eight years of related experience in engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Skill / Ability 1 :
Well-developed analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong verbal and written communications skills. Experience managing projects and teams of consulting design professionals.
Required Skill / Ability 2 :
Excellent interpersonal skills with willingness to establish productive rapport with staff and teams throughout the University contribute to, and benefit from a team environment.
Required Skill / Ability 3 :
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, programs, and organizational goals, while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
Required Skill / Ability 4 :
Ability and enthusiasm to learn and lead over time, stay informed of industry best practices, training, and new technical approaches to the most complex building and campus system challenges.
Required Skill / Ability 5 :
Ability to promote proactive energy management and climate action strategies on projects of all scale and scope at the University.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills :
Experience with building system design & operation, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, & building automation systems & equipment, energy performance modeling, & regulatory frameworks;
central utilities & cogeneration plants, plant equipment, distribution, & metering; commissioning - from project formulation through turnover, & performance diagnostics.
Preferred Licenses or Certifications :
PE, CEM or LEED AP
Weekend Hours Required?
Evening Hours Required?
Drug Screen
Health Screening
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements.
All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
The University maintains policies pertaining to COVID-19. All faculty, staff, students, and trainees are required to comply with these policies, which may be found here :
Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position.
Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.