University of Michigan

Senior Mechanical Engineer

University of Michigan$115K — $142K *
Real Estate & Construction
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution; State of Michigan Professional Engineer license, or ability to transfer from another state.
  • 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical systems design and construction for educational or commercial buildings.
  • Deep knowledge of district chilled water (CHW) and hot water (HHW) systems, HVAC, hydronic systems, and smart laboratory environments.
  • Experience in Master Planning and Capital Planning of mechanical utility systems.
  • Familiarity with life cycle analysis, energy analysis, and sustainable design practices.
  • Knowledge of relevant building codes including Michigan Mechanical Code and ASHRAE standards.
  • Experience leading and overseeing teams of design professionals.
  • Proficiency with mechanical analysis software, such as Carrier HAP and PipeFlow.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and participate in planning and management activities for projects.
  • Oversee chilled water and HVAC systems design and long-term campus infrastructure planning.
  • Develop and manage project scope, schedule, and budget for renovation projects.
  • Create drafting documentation and perform calculations for mechanical systems and standards compliance.
  • Manage consultant activities to meet project requirements and timelines.
  • Conduct field surveys to assess existing mechanical systems and make recommendations for alterations.
  • Coordinate construction activities and evaluate contract bids for projects.

Benefits

  • Generous time off policies, including family care and parental leave.
  • Hybrid work environment opportunities available.
  • Two-for-one matching contributions retirement plan with immediate vesting.
  • Comprehensive health insurance options available.
  • Life insurance and long-term disability coverage included.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Full Job Description
What You'll Do
  • Report to the Manager of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.
  • Participate in and lead master planning, capital planning, and design management activities for various projects and programs. Collaborate with U-M stakeholders to oversee chilled water, heating, HVAC, and hydronic systems, both at the building and the regional plant level. You will participate in analysis and long-term planning of campus infrastructure, applying energy conservation and carbon neutrality initiatives.
  • Provide design management for renovation projects of existing campus buildings and infrastructure. You will develop and manage project scope, schedule, and budget. Project studies or designs may be self-performed or by a third-party consultant. You may be asked to function as the discipline or project lead.
  • Provide drawing and specification documentation for mechanical systems for self-performed studies or designs. Layout equipment and systems, perform engineering calculations, and select equipment and devices with support from engineers or the Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Manager. You will write standards and technical specifications. Coordinate the design with all disciplines and other U-M partners.
  • Manage consultant activities to ensure completion of the project requirements, including the scope, schedule, and budget goals for studies or designs by third-party consultants. You will develop Request for Proposals and review payment invoices.
  • Perform field surveys in mechanical, electrical, and other building spaces to document existing mechanical systems and to understand building interferences. You will assess condition and performance of systems and components. Develop recommendations for alterations to buildings and infrastructure based on the findings of field surveys and evaluations.
  • Present and review designs with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with codes and regulations. You will review and stamp construction documents to be submitted to the State of Michigan Bureau of Fire Safety.
  • Coordinate anticipated construction activities with stakeholders. Evaluate contract bids and make recommendations on contract awards.
  • Administer RFIs and construction bulletins for design revisions. You will review and process shop drawings, help resolve construction issues, and monitor commissioning activities.
  • Participate in or lead groups and initiatives, such as the development of new master specifications, details, or design guidelines. You will evaluate products for applicability in mechanical systems. Share expertise within the organization and mentor design staff.
  • Review and recommend energy conservation measures.
  • Interview, recommend selection of, train, and evaluate engineering support staff.

Required Qualifications*
  • A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution. Registered as a State of Michigan Professional Engineer, or the ability to transfer a PE license from another state.
  • Fifteen or more years of progressively responsible experience in the design and construction of mechanical systems for commercial, educational, or research type buildings- including demonstrated leadership in design and project management.
  • Expertise with or considerable knowledge of district CHW and HHW, central power plant systems, chillers and cooling towers, heat recovery chillers, geothermal exchange, HVAC, hydronic systems, smart laboratories, vivaria, and cold rooms.
  • Experience with Master Planning or Capital Planning of mechanical utility systems.
  • Considerable knowledge of life cycle analysis, value engineering, energy analysis and sustainable design, and work load management.
  • Considerable knowledge of the Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, ASHRAE standards, and other related building codes.
  • Experience with mechanical analysis software, such as Carrier HAP and PipeFlow.
  • Experience leading, and overseeing design professionals, such as engineers, architects, designers, and drafters, to provide construction documents and construction administration on capital projects.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

270901

Working Title

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Title

Mechanical Engineer Lead

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Aec

Department

AEC-Architecture & Engineering

Posting Begin/End Date

3/02/2026 - 7/31/2026

Salary

$115,000.00 - $142,900.00

Career Interest

Engineering & Architecture

About University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan system. The University of Michigan was founded in 1817 in Detroit, as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state. The school moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 onto 40 acres (16 ha) of what is now known as Central Campus. Since its establishment in Ann Arbor, the university campus has expanded to include more than 584 major buildings with a combined area of more than 34 million gross square feet (781 acres or 3.16 km²), and has two satellite campuses located in Flint and Dearborn. The University of Michigan is a founding member of the Association of American Universities.
Learn more about University of Michigan
Size
50,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1817

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