Mechanical Engineer

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Tuition assistance

Leave accrual

Holidays

Job summary

University of South Carolina is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead in-house HVAC, hydronic, steam, and plumbing design projects across the Columbia campus. You will coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and conduct technical reviews of campus energy plants and building systems to ensure code compliance.

The role emphasizes leadership, project management, and thorough field investigations to refine project scopes and ensure high-quality designs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of IMC, IPC, ASHRAE, NFPA, SC procurement code, and OSE guidelines.
• Ability to serve as AHJ reviewer for campus mechanical permit approvals, inspections, and variances.
• Proficiency in CAD/BIM and energy modeling tools for mechanical systems.
• Leading multi-disciplinary in-house design teams with clear technical communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-house HVAC, hydronic, steam, and piping designs across campus facilities.
• Coordinate with architecture, electrical, structural, and civil teams to ensure design compatibility.
• Conduct technical reviews of central energy plants, chilled water modeling, steam distribution, and building systems.

Skills

Building codes

AHJ reviewer

CAD/BIM

Team leadership

Communication

Education

PE license SC

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Trane TRACE

Carrier HAP

Pipe flow modeling

Job description

Mechanical Engineer Department: DAF Facilities Energy Management Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Inclusive Excellence Statement

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Engineering Support, the Mechanical Engineer leads in-house mechanical engineering design efforts and performs technical management for HVAC, hydronic, steam, and plumbing infrastructure projects across the University of South Carolina-Columbia Campus. This role is responsible for executing high-quality in-house mechanical designs, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and conducting thorough technical reviews of campus central energy plants, chilled water modeling, steam distribution, and building mechanical systems. The Mechanical Engineer coordinates mechanical designs across delivery methods to ensure overall compatibility with site and building plans, performs field investigations to refine project scopes, and exercises delegated AHJ technical review and approval authority for campus mechanical installations, energy efficiency renewals, and code compliance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Deep knowledge of the International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), ASHRAE standards (including 90.1 and 62.1), NFPA standards, South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code, and Office of State Engineer (OSE) guidelines.
• Authority and capability to serve as a technical AHJ reviewer for campus mechanical permit approvals, field inspections, code interpretations, and system variances.
• Proficiency in CAD and BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit) and mechanical system modeling/energy analysis tools (e.g., Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, pipe flow/hydronic modeling).
• Skilled in leading multi-disciplinary in-house design teams and coordinating across architectural, electrical, structural, and civil disciplines. Strong project management, analytical, field-investigation, and clear technical communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of South Carolina (or ability to obtain via reciprocity within 6 months of hire).

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 11/09/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by November 09, 2026.

Benefits

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.