Overview
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button. If you would like to bookmark this position for later review, click on the Bookmark link. If you would like to print a copy of this position for your records, click on the Print Preview link.
Special Instructions
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Spectific Documentation for Applicants
A completed application will consist of a cover letter, resume and list of references.
Announcement Information
Job Summary
The Director of Mechanical Engineering is a full-time Administrative & Professional position responsible for the direction and coordination of lead all HVAC, central plant, geothermal, and utility operations, maintenance, and capital improvement programming supporting a campus of ~2.4 million square feet of buildings across over 400 acres. Reporting to the Senior Director of Facility Operations, the Director of Mechanical Engineering will ensure safe, efficient, reliable, and code-compliant mechanical and utilities systems while advancing sustainability, energy management, and long-term capital renewal goals. This role also provides direct oversight for the recently commissioned campus geothermal system, delivered as a central element of the Sustainable Infrastructure Program (SIP), and will be responsible for integrating, operating, maintaining, and optimizing the geothermal system in coordination with Central Plant operations and campus decarbonization strategies that enabled the College to achieve carbon neutrality.
Responsibilities
The Director of Mechanical Engineering ensures that the planning, design, and construction of new buildings and modernization of the same meet established design standards, fit within the architectural design and tradition of the campus and that the planning of new facilities fits within the requirements of Oberlin’s development plan. The Director of Mechanical Engineering will coordinate related project permitting and approvals with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) and local community and serve as the campus utility and Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) infrastructure facility asset manager (FAM).
Essential Job Functions
- Lead, plan, direct, and evaluate all campus mechanical engineering, central plant, geothermal, and utility operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service on a 24/7/365 basis. Provide overall responsibility for boilers, chillers, geothermal/ground-source heat pump systems and well fields, pumps, cooling towers, steam and condensate, chilled water, domestic hot water, air handling systems, controls, and associated distribution networks.
- Serve as the primary subject matter expert and technical authority for campus mechanical and utility systems, including planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and renewal of complex MEP infrastructure. Provide operational and technical oversight of the campus geothermal system implemented under the Sustainable Infrastructure Project (SIP), including commissioning and acceptance, preventive and corrective maintenance programs, system performance monitoring, fault detection and optimization, and integration with the central plant, distribution systems, and Building Automation System (BAS).
- Manage and optimize Central Plant operations, including staffing and scheduling, boiler and chiller sequencing, load management, fuel and energy procurement strategies, and coordination with geothermal operations to maximize efficiency, reliability, and greenhouse gas reductions. Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators such as equipment availability, system reliability, energy use intensity, and maintenance effectiveness.
- Guide planning, design, and construction of capital improvement and renewal projects for mechanical, geothermal, and utility systems, including HVAC upgrades, geothermal expansions, distribution replacements, plant upgrades, energy conservation measures, and renewable energy integration. Provide technical leadership in defining scopes, budgets, schedules, specifications, cost estimates, quality standards, and commissioning requirements. Review plans and specifications for technical adequacy prior to construction and ensure projects are delivered on scope, schedule, and budget.
- Apply advanced mechanical engineering principles and practices to analyze, evaluate, and resolve complex issues related to facility design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair. Conduct studies and practical research to develop criteria and solutions for field conditions, operational challenges, and system performance gaps. Monitor existing systems to verify operation within design criteria and develop and implement corrective and optimization strategies where deficiencies are identified.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a diverse team of mechanical technicians, HVAC and geothermal technicians, plant operators, and contractors. Provide guidance, technical advice, and consultation to staff and lower-grade specialists; set expectations; evaluate performance; and ensure appropriate staffing, training, and professional development.
- Manage the selection, contracting, and oversight of consultants, architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and service providers. Review and manage the quality, progress, and performance of external and in-house resources; draft and administer AIA and related contracts; and ensure compliance with contractual requirements. Coordinate with designers, contractors, and jurisdictional authorities to resolve conflicts and issues impeding project progress.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations, and College requirements, including ASHRAE, NFPA, OSHA, state boiler codes, environmental regulations, zoning ordinances, and geothermal-related requirements. Lead and support safety programs for mechanical and central plant operations.
- Provide project and asset management services throughout all phases, including financial and budget control, schedule management, procurement, bid evaluation, contract awards, construction monitoring, project close-out, warranty management, and documentation using Capital Project Planning and Management and CMMS platforms (e.g., Procore). Maintain accurate and current records, drawings, specifications, as-built documents, and O&M manuals.
- Prepare and present construction status reports and technical information to College administration and serve as liaison for project presentations to Architectural Review Boards, City Planning, and Boards of Zoning Appeals, as required. Act as the primary mechanical and geothermal advisor to Facilities leadership, Campus Planning and Construction, Facilities Operations, the Office of Energy and Sustainability, campus stakeholders, and external authorities.
- Coordinate emergency response and after-hours support for mechanical, geothermal, and utility incidents and maintain contingency and business continuity plans. Champion energy conservation, sustainable design, decarbonization strategies, and lifecycle asset planning, ensuring SIP and other investments deliver measurable reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and utility costs.
- Promote collaboration, teamwork, and positive working relationships within the Facilities organization, particularly with Facilities Operations and trades personnel, through effective communication, coordination, and feedback. Perform related duties in facility asset management, project management, and engineering services as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Marginal Job Functions
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 10+ years of demonstrated experience in the design, construction and operation of management of mechanical infrastructure in higher education facilities, K-12 facilities, Federal or corporate facilities campuses. 6+ years of demonstrated progressive experience in the leading project teams and coordinating the allocation of resources in a complex organization.
- Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree in engineering is required.
- Exceptional work ethic and self-directed, with a proactive and engaging approach to working with others.
- Exceptional skills in oral and written communication, active listening, conflict resolution, and the ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations in a positive manner. Ability to adapt to a variety of styles to meet the needs of a diverse audience.
- Conceptual thinker who is attentive to details. Ability to plan, direct and evaluate a complex operation, using personnel, time, funds, and other resources for the accomplishment of long-term and short-term goals of the college. Ability to respond to daily challenges while staying focused on strategic goals.
- An affinity for organizational issues and endeavors, including staff development, information technology and organizational development strategy.
- Strong financial acumen, and budgeting skills. Possesses exceptional proficiency in preparing, presenting, and defending briefs, point papers, and decision memorandums. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Well-developed customer service acumen. Superb awareness, social and diplomatic skills to be effective in a complex organization with keen ability to successfully interact with stakeholders regarding campus infrastructure.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in engineering or other construction-related fields of study is highly desired. Registration as a Professional Engineer (any state) is desired.
- Proven track record of leading multiple, critical high-profile projects. Ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects/deadlines.
- Certification as a Project Management Professional, DBIACertification, Certified Facility Manager (CFM). Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Certified Construction Manager or the ability to achieve.
Within the range established for the position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A completed application will consist of a cover letter, resume and list of references.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Office of Human Resources
Oberlin College
173 West Lorain Street
Oberlin OH 44074
Phone:
Fax:
Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.