Energy Systems Engineer

University of Delaware; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Delaware seeks an Energy Systems Engineer to enhance the campus energy metering and management systems. Key responsibilities include developing energy conservation strategies, conducting audits, and analyzing energy data.

Applicants should possess a Bachelor's in engineering and have experience in energy management. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of HVAC and building systems are essential. This position offers a chance to significantly impact energy efficiency on campus.

Qualifications

• 4 years experience in energy management or relevant software controls.
• Passion for energy savings and analytics systems.
• Knowledge of building operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement energy conservation strategy.
• Conduct on-site energy audits.
• Analyze energy data for potential savings.

Skills

Energy management

Data analysis

Building Technology

HVAC systems

SQL programming

Python programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant technical discipline

Tools

Energy metering software

Data logging equipment

Job description

Context of Job

Under limited direction, the Energy Systems Engineer will maintain and enhance the physical and enterprise infrastructure of UDâs energy metering and management systems. This position provides advanced technical support in the installation, operation, and maintenance of Energy metering and lighting control equipment including physical field devices, communications, methods and enterprise software systems.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive energy conservation strategy and plan for the university facilities. This includes a prioritized and itemized list of potential energy conservation projects, including projected energy savings and the return on investment (ROI)
• Document the energy savings of all implemented energy conservation projects using certified energy audit standards. Calculate the annual energy savings for all projects implemented to serve as the accounting standard for the budget transfers into the Green Revolving Fund.
• Conduct thorough on-site energy audits of buildings and facilities, evaluating energy systems, equipment, and processes to identify areas of energy waste, such as inefficient lighting and HVAC systems. Document all potential energy conservation projects.
• Collect and analyze data related to energy consumption, including utility bills, energy usage logs, and equipment specifications to discover and document potential energy conservation projects.
• Use specialized tools and equipment to measure and evaluate energy performance, including data loggers and energy meters to discover and document potential energy conservation projects.
• Develop periodic reports and reporting tools (via Excel or similar) on the status of campus energy data collection and management systems. Prepare detailed reports, presenting energy audit findings, recommendations, and estimated cost savings.
• Develop actionable replacements, upgrades, repair and improvement plans from data analytics report results.
• Develop energy conservation projects for bidding and implementation, including the development of plans and specifications as necessary. Manage smaller ECM projects as assigned.
• Coordinate installation, operations, and maintenance of campus energy metering systems including electric meters, thermal energy meters, steam meters, and water meters. Both physical equipment and enterprise integration aspects of the system(s).
• Collect and compile boiler data and generate monthly boiler performance and consumption reports.
• Maintain and improve campus enterprise metering (PME) and energy analytics programs (Skyspark) as well as lighting control systems (Lutron). Manage associated enterprise software and hardware upgrades, program/monitor/update as required for new equipment or system changes, troubleshoot system issues and identify deficiencies.
• Collaborate with Building Automation System controls staff and facility engineers to:
  • Optimize building automation systems (BAS) to ensure efficient control of building systems.
  • Recommend adjustments to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
  • Analyze BAS activity and trend data to identify deficiencies and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support optimal building performance.
• Collaborate with other departments in FREAS in the execution of projects that reduce energy consumption.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned including project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant technical discipline with four years experience in energy management and/or relevant software controls, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Passion for energy savings/optimization and the implementation of data acquisition and analytics systems.
• Knowledge of building operating systems and current building systems technology, such as HVAC systems, building electrical systems, and Buildings Automation Systems.
• Knowledge of direct digital control systems as applied to building operating, safety, and security systems.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Experience with typical computer systems and desktop software packages.
• Experience using specialized software packages for data acquisition and control of metering and energy management systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics relating to energy usage.
• Experience with networking devices to secure, enterprise level network environment.
• Ability to coordinate work and projects effectively across varied levels of customers and project teams including technical and non‑technical personnel.
• Ability to think ahead and propose best systems solutions based on available feedback from data systems and data analytics reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge, skills, and experience sufficient to complete the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification process preferred.
• Knowledge of the following technologies: IPv4 networking, Modbus, BACnet, 0‑10V, 4‑20mA, and similar communication methods and instrumentation.
• Programming experience with SQL and Python preferred.
• Experience with the following systems preferred: Schneider Electric StruxureWare PME and SBO, Lutron Quantum, SkySpark.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move, with or without assistance, instrumentation and controls related equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to private, reliable means of transportation in order to execute their duties throughout the Newark and Wilmington campuses.