Mechanical Engineer, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO). You will review plans, conduct field inspections of HVAC and water systems, identify risks, and perform root cause analyses to prevent waterborne illness.

A PE license and strong knowledge of plumbing and building systems are essential. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and HVAC experience.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in mechanical engineering work.
• A valid New York State Professional Engineer’s License. Current New York State registration as a Professional Engineer must be maintained for the duration of your employment.
• A Master’s degree in mechanical engineering may substitute for one year of the experience required.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and technical documents for mechanical and plumbing systems related to water safety.
• Conduct field inspections of HVAC systems, cooling towers, and building water systems to evaluate design, installation, and operational practices.
• Identify potential risks in engineered systems that may contribute to waterborne disease transmission.
• Perform technical investigations and root cause analyses related to building water systems and environmental conditions.
• Develop technical guidance, standard operating procedures, and program materials related to water safety and building systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and external stakeholders to support program initiatives and regulatory compliance.

Skills

HVAC experience

Water systems knowledge

Plan review & inspections

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

OPEN TO PERMANENT CANDIDATES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEER

The Office of Building Water System Oversight (BWSO) within the Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is responsible for conducting inspections to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations aimed at improving the operating conditions of various engineered systems such as cooling towers, water tanks, evaporative condensers, internal plumbing, and wastewater systems in order to prevent risks associated with these systems. The candidate will support the BWSO's mission to prevent waterborne illness caused by poorly maintained or improperly managed systems in the built environment. As a Mechanical Engineer, the candidate will provide technical expertise on mechanical and plumbing systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment and building premise plumbing. A primary focus will be on water quality and protection of public health.

• Review and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and technical documents for mechanical and plumbing systems related to water safety.
• Conduct field inspections of HVAC systems, cooling towers, and building water systems to evaluate design, installation, and operational practices.
• Identify potential risks in engineered systems that may contribute to waterborne disease transmission.
• Perform technical investigations and root cause analyses related to building water systems and environmental conditions.
• Develop technical guidance, standard operating procedures, and program materials related to water safety and building systems
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and external stakeholders to support program initiatives and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with HVAC systems, cooling towers, and building water systems.
• Experience reviewing engineering plans and conducting construction or system inspections.
• Knowledge of building codes, mechanical systems, and water management practices related to the prevention of waterborne diseases such as Legionnaires' disease.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure.

Why You Should Work For Us

• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
• a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• a tax-deferred savings program and
• a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [e-mail] or 347-396-6549.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER - 20415

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in mechanical engineering work; and
• A valid New York State Professional Engineer’s License. Current New York State registration as a Professional Engineer must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

A masters degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) may be substituted for one year of the mechanical engineering experience required in “1" above.

Special Note

In addition to above qualification requirements, to be eligible for placement in Assignment Levels II and III, individuals must have at least one year within the last three years of experience as a major contributor or a project leader on a complex project requiring additional and specific expertise in the disciplines needed to design or construct the project.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.