Energy Engineer

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Engineering Services Department (ES) within Facilities Services provides engineering services to the UNC Chapel Hill campus, a highly complex campus with a large number and variety of buildings and structures. ES provides engineering expertise for all engineering facets for the campus. ES is responsible for project development for all University Engineering led projects including repair, renovation and new construction; management of capital budgets and administration of design contracts associated with these projects. In addition, ES is responsible for development of high functioning campus engineering design standards, design of engineered systems, inspection of all projects implemented within campus buildings, engineering support of Building Services personnel, leads energy management and water conservation efforts, and building commissioning services.

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $7,500 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE:
$3,750 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $3,750 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.

The Energy Engineer is responsible for Energy Engineering, commissioning services on new construction and renovations, project supervision, project management for retro-commissioning projects, performing commissioning services and performing other duties and support activities as directed by the supervisor.

This position requires frequent communication, coordination and interface with various campus stakeholders as well as contractors, consulting engineers, and interns etc. and supports various projects and initiatives that support Energy Management's mission and overall sustainability goals of the campus.

The incumbent is required to function as the lead for the full building energy modeling initiative and be the single point of contact for the Library of full building energy models. The engineer is required to manage and annually calibrate the baseline energy models for all buildings in the Library by comparing baseline energy models with actual energy performance of the buildings and updating the models incorporating all upgrades/changes implemented at the building such that the baseline energy models are within 5% of the actual building energy consumption.

The engineer will perform buildings/facilities energy audits, identify energy conservation opportunities (including but not limited to HVAC equipment), coordinate and support external auditors where applicable, fully vet the energy saving solutions and technologies, obtain vendor quotes, conduct project descoping, support in submitting requests for project funding/grants and support the project managers and construction managers throughout all phases of project implementation.

Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and continuous commissioning of a group of assigned buildings/facilities, and energy performance of which will be compared against predicted performance based on historical data. The engineer will be responsible for identifying any changes in the facilities or issues negatively impacting the building performance and help resolve such issues by making necessary changes or by creating maintenance tickets as the case may be.

This position serves as a mandatory employee and reports to work in support of essential (mandatory) University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions may require the University to close. This position is neither remote nor hybrid. The position is located in Chapel Hill, NC and will require the incumbent to be present at the office and work on the UNC campus buildings throughout the work week.

Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex mechanical systems for efficiency and maintainability. Knowledge of control system sequence of operations and able to read, understand and comply with the university's standards for mechanical and control systems. Knowledge of efficiency strategies for HVAC control systems such as discharge air reset, air side economizer, discharge static pressure reset, and heat recovery systems. Demonstrated experience programming HVAC control systems and experience with commissioning and retro commissioning of HVAC and building systems. Ability to read and comprehend complex mechanical, electrical and architectural plans and specifications. Working knowledge of current NC building codes. In-depth knowledge of commercial, institutional and laboratory heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing complex technical concepts to trades staff, engineers, and management. A valid NC driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Progressive experience with energy conservation methods for electrical and mechanical systems including lighting, HVAC, chilled waters systems, compressed air systems, building envelopes, and building pneumatic and digital building control systems. Advanced knowledge of building automation systems specifically Invensys, Johnson Controls, and Vista. Strong knowledge of maintenance requirements for HVAC systems. Cost estimating for design and construction projects. Adept at MS Work, MS Excel. Ability to participate in the development of long-range strategic goals. Knowledge of Trane trace modeling and Continuous Commissioning programs is a plus.

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements:

To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week).

This Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.