Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer

Are you ready to take on a key role in advancing world-class science?

Join our Facilities Engineering Department (FAEN) as a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer, where your expertise will support critical research and operations at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. In this role, you will ensure the effective performance of the campus's mechanical HVAC and plumbing systems while contributing to infrastructure upgrade projects that are vital for the laboratory's future.

We are looking for someone with a strong blend of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative leadership. Your responsibilities will include evaluating system operations, analyzing data, troubleshooting, performing root-cause analyses, and developing solutions for challenging and unique engineering problems. In this role you will interact with a diverse group of individuals including internal stakeholders to outside consultants and contractors. Aligned with FAEN's goals, you will help drive initiatives that enhance system reliability, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

What You Will Do:

Systems Management and Improvement:

• Provide daily support for operations and maintenance departments on assigned mechanical systems.
• Analyze system operation and maintenance data to recommend system improvements.
• Develop conceptual designs, engineering reports, and scopes of work to mitigate risks.
• Conduct root-cause analyses and develop corrective actions to enhance system performance.
• Improve system documentation, preventive maintenance plans, and reliability programs
• Promote sustainability by integrating environmentally and efficiency conscious practices into system operation.
• Support equipment repairs and shutdowns.

Design and Construction Project Support (~5% of the time):

• Provide proactive mechanical engineering SME support for select infrastructure projects.
• Review designs, submittals, RFIs, and ensure project adherence to standards.
• Conduct field inspections to verify installations meet design requirements.
• Develop and maintain master specifications, design guidelines, and standards.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Build strong relationships with internal and external contributors to complete work and resolve challenges.
• Lead meetings and communicate with stakeholders to prioritize initiatives, align objectives, convey system conditions and performance metrics, and address challenges.
• Train and develop team members and other interested parties on technical topics.
• Perform special assignments such as preparing presentations and studies for senior management.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in mechanical engineering or related discipline and a minimum of 8 years of experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems; OR a related Masters degree and a minimum of 6 years of related experience; OR 12 years of combined related education/related professional experience.
• Experience in HVAC and plumbing design, including pressure drop and load calculations, equipment sizing, defining and creating system diagrams.
• Superior ability to analyze data, troubleshoot equipment, and solve complex mechanical system issues.
• Proficiency interpreting mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of HVAC control systems and complex sequences of operation.
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam and CAD software and intermediate-level of Word and Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational and time management skills to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Superior sense of ownership, self-initiative, and the ability to complete tasks independently.
• Ability to work well under pressure with a strong commitment to safety and professional conduct.

Desired Qualifications:

• Over 10 years of experience in the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems or 8 years of experience with a Master's degree.
• Experience developing preventive maintenance plans and applying reliability principles, including root cause analysis, RCM, and failure modes analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in the commissioning of mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of CMMS for asset and maintenance management.
• Knowledge of applicable building codes and safety regulations.
• Registered professional engineer in the State of California, preferred.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, (monthly paid) exempt from overtime pay.
• The Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer is expected to pay $170,400 - $190,000 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $138,984 - $234,528 annually for the job classification of G41.4.
• It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience.
• Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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