Mechanical Design Engineer-Utilities - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Position Description

The Energy & Utilities Division (EU), within the Facilities and Operations Directorate, has an opportunity to fill the position of Mechanical Engineer which is anchored at building 452 and reports directly to Energy & Utilities Division Manager.  The Mechanical Engineer will provide design engineering and operations support to the entire utilities division.  The ideal candidate will be familiar with the AE design process and the maintenance and operations of large-scale facilities and centralized and distributed utility systems, including but not limited to knowledge of central chilled water plants, central steam plants, and high-pressure steam/condensate distribution and return systems.  Solid time management skills and the ability to organize, prioritize, and perform multiple projects and tasks with a high level of proficiency; acute attention to detail is required. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under supervision the Mechanical Engineer will assist with the engineering, design, and troubleshooting the reliable, safe, and efficient operations, including upgrades of all plant mechanical equipment and systems within the Central Steam Facility, Steam Distribution System, and Central Chilled Water Facility.
• Develops drawings and contract bid specifications.
• Maintains drawings for proper configuration management.
• Assists the Division Manager, Energy & Sustainability Manager, and all plant supervisors.
• Determine work plans and resources necessary to achieve operational targets; prepare operations budget estimates and participate in plant budget preparation process.
• Estimates materials, costs, and staffing requirements for projects.
• May supervise service and maintenance contractors to ensure that work is performed in accordance with contract specifications.
• Approves invoices for payment.
• Maintains a list of prioritized improvements projects for the facilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or facilities engineering. 
• Familiarity of heat loss/gain calculations, equipment selection, piping design, and pump design.
• Some understanding of at least one of the following areas of plant utility operations and maintenance:
  • Chillers, cooling towers, thermal energy storage tanks, air compressors.
  • High-pressure steam boilers,  deaerators, boiler feedwater pumps.
  • Steam distribution: pressure regulating valves, steam manholes, and steam expansion loop design.
• Familiar with design calculation software
• Preparation of calculations, reports, specifications, and presentations
• Review of shop drawings and submittals
• Must have some knowledge of the Building Codes of NYS and ASHRAE standards. 
• Ability to make decisions and respond to a complex set of circumstances.
• Must have working knowledge of computers and software applications i.e., Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to read and interpret underground utility drawings, P&I drawings, architectural, and mechanical drawings.
• Must be able to use AutoCAD to produce design drawings and sketches.
• Excellent teamwork and communications skills
• Must be able to read, write, and verbally communicate in English.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Three (3) years of full-time relevant experience.

Experience and familiarity with the following:

• Trane CenTraVac centrifugal water-cooled chillers.
• Kobelco/Scales oil-free and reciprocating air compressors.
• Various types of refrigerants, handling methods, and monitoring systems.
• ASHRAE 15-2016 – Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems.
• Engineer-in-Training status in New York State.

Environmental, Safety, and Health, Considerations:

• Standing, bending, and lifting, up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to climb fixed and portable ladders and work at heights up to 10 feet.
• Use of personal protective equipment.
• Work outdoors/cold environments or indoors/hot environments.
• Domestic travel may be required on occasion for training purposes.
• Use of a private car may be required at certain times.

The selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. 

Other:

• This is an onsite position located at BNL.
• Candidates must have received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Facilities Engineering or a related field by the commencement of employment.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $78,700- $106,750 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience.  Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.