Facility Mechanical Engineer

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC seeks a Facilities Mechanical Engineer to oversee design review and construction administration for mechanical and plumbing systems in capital projects. The role ensures safety, reliability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in line with UNC-Chapel Hill standards.

The engineer will collaborate with architects, engineers, maintenance staff, Environmental Health and Safety, and campus facility managers to uphold campus piping

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent
• Substantial knowledge of mechanical, plumbing and energy codes and standards
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work across teams

Responsibilities

• Lead design review and construction administration for mechanical and plumbing systems in capital projects
• Maintain and apply UNC-Chapel Hill Plumbing and Mechanical Guidelines; support engineering-led projects
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, facilities staff and EHS to ensure safety, reliability, and energy efficiency

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Plumbing systems

Energy codes

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Department: Facilities Engineering-247200

Career Area : Engineering and Architecture

Posting Open Date: 08/03/2026

Application Deadline: 08/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Facility Mechanical Engineer

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20076297

Vacancy ID: NF0009934

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date: 11/02/2026

Be a Tar Heel!: 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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: 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.

Position Summary: The Facilities Mechanical Engineer serves as a technical expert within Facilities Services, primarily responsible for the design review and construction administration support of mechanical and plumbing systems in capital construction projects. This role ensures that designs align with UNC-Chapel Hill’s standards for safety, reliability, maintainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Responsibilities include maintaining the UNC-CH Plumbing and Mechanical Guidelines, representing Facilities’ mechanical and plumbing interests on capital improvement projects, and managing engineering-led projects. The position requires close collaboration with architects, engineers, maintenance staff, and other professionals throughout the university, including Environmental Health and Safety, Energy Services, campus facility managers, and building services, to uphold the integrity and performance of campus plumbing and mechanical systems. The position requires a professional engineering license, specializing in mechanical and/or plumbing engineering.

Requires a valid North Carolina Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 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.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Substantial knowledge and experience with mechanical, plumbing, and energy codes, as well as relevant industry standards including ASHRAE, ACCA, ANSI, SMACNA, and NFPA. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Possesses the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships within and beyond the organization. Demonstrated experience with engineering design, project management, and construction administration. Strong knowledge of professional engineering theory, techniques, practices, procedures, applicable building codes, and laws, with proven skill in applying this knowledge towards system design, system repair and renovation, troubleshooting, and problem solving. Proficient in reviewing plans and specifications, cost estimates, life-cycle cost analyses, equipment submittals, value engineering decisions, contractor requests for information (RFIs), and other design and construction documents. Capable of simultaneously managing and/or supporting dozens of projects while also providing engineering support across multiple departments within Facilities Services.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Eight or more years of combined experience in engineering design, project management, and/or construction administration related to MEP building systems. Demonstrated strong leadership skills. Engineering experience with laboratory, classroom, dining, housing, and athletic facilities, including both modern and historic facilities. Experience with the requirements of the North Carolina State Construction Office and the UNC System Office. Facilities maintenance and operations experience. Registered Professional Engineer in the State of NC.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements: Ability to climb ladders, move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation, use mechanical instruments, work in mechanical/electrical equipment areas, wear protective gear, read and understand plans and specifications; and ability to wear safety shoes.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities: Not Applicable.