Job Information
Iowa State University Utilities Distribution Mechanical Engineer in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Utilities Distribution Mechanical Engineer
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Special Required QualificationsDrivers License
Preferred Qualifications:Steam and Chilled Water utility engineering experience
Proficient in thermal dynamics and thermal expansion design
Experience with fluid mechanics and heat transfer energy systems (high pressure steam, steam condensate, and chilled water systems)
Engineering design and project or construction management experience
Experience with supporting skilled operations and maintenance staff
Utility regulations and jobsite safety experience
Job Description:
Summary
Are you looking to make a real difference in the long-term success of Iowa State University while working with a dynamic and team-oriented department? Impact campus utilities and the campus population, in a collaborative and challenging environment?
Iowa State University’s Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) is seeking an experienced Utility Distribution Mechanical Engineer that will provide engineering and operations support for the University’s energy production and distribution systems including high pressure steam, condensate, and chilled water. Other engineering aspects may include equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, and chillers, with cross-training opportunities associated with domestic water, sanitary sewer, storm water management, and natural gas systems.
Primary duties will include analyzing, troubleshooting, and making improvements to utility systems and equipment; planning and managing utility construction projects; and coordinating contractors and design consultants in pursuit of seamless and highly efficient energy delivery to the Iowa State campus. The position will also be responsible for documenting distribution systems and design standards while providing technical support to ISU FP&M and Utility Services’ maintenance and distribution staff.
Additional duties include creating steam and chilled water flow models and conducting studies to identify capacities and improvements; updating steam and chilled water distribution system master plans and identifying capital funding required to improve campus utilities; and providing engineering technical expertise for distribution system shutdown and start-up operations.
The successful candidate will possess strong communication skills; strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to organize and coordinate work within and between projects; and have the ability and willingness to learn and understand complex utility systems and equipment.
This is a unique opportunity to ultimately contribute to the personal and academic success of students, support critical University research, and represent Iowa State University in a mechanical engineering leadership role.
Candidates may be hired as a Utility Distribution Mechanical Engineer III or a Utility Distribution Mechanical Engineer IV.
Level Guidelines for Engineer III (PS811 salary grade) - Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist• Provides guidance to students
Level Guidelines for Engineer IV (PS812 salary grade) - Bachelor's degree and 8 years of related experience. State of Iowa Professional Engineering license is preferred.• Expert-level position possessing advanced professional and/or technical skills working under limited or no supervision• Applies high-level professional knowledge and expertise to focus on ISU’s mission and meeting division, department or work unit goals• Solves complex issues using highly developed problem resolution skills• Regularly provides recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices• Utilizes high-level professional knowledge and expertise to provide guidance, recommendations, and set standards related to strategy, policy, and mission• Leads projects of moderate to high scope and complexity with broad impact• May provide supervision to other department staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Why Iowa State University and Utility Services?
Team-Oriented, Collaborative Environment At ISU’s FP&M Utilities Services, we value teamwork and collaboration. Our staff works closely together to provide reliable campus utility operations and engineering expertise. You will be part of a dedicated team of professionals, collaborating to maintain utility operations and improve the campus utility distribution system.
Engaging and Varied Work Each day brings new opportunities and challenges while supporting campus projects, finding ways to improve the utility system, and tackling problems as they arise. From project planning and system modeling to responding to utility outages, you will engage in meaningful work that ultimately helps student success and campus faculty and staff in their professions.
Excellent Work-Life Balance and BenefitsWe understand the importance of maintaining balance in life. Iowa State University is committed to creating a workplace where your professional responsibilities are balanced with your personal needs. The university offers a flexible, supportive environment, including access to a fantastic benefits package which includes wellness programs and generous vacation time, allowing you to recharge and maintain your well-being while helping others.
What to know about Ames: Ames offers a vibrant blend of cultural, athletic, and social events, an affordable cost of living, and excellent schools. With Des Moines just 30 minutes away, you’ll have easy access to everything a larger city has to offer without sacrificing the charm and convenience of a smaller town.
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS811
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by January 29 , 2025 . If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: January 16, 2025
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R16237
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.