Mechanical Engineer, Bureau of Environmental Sciences and Engineering

City of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium-free health insurance

Public sector pension plan

Tax-deferred savings program

Worksite Wellness Program

Work From Home up to two days

Job summary

City of New York’s NYC Health Department seeks a Mechanical Engineer to support the Office of Building Water System Oversight in preventing waterborne illness. You will review plans, inspect HVAC and water systems, and identify risks to public health safety.

Applicants should have a PE license and engineering degree, with experience in water systems and building codes. This role offers potential hybrid work and strong public health impact.

Qualifications

• Four years of mechanical engineering experience.
• New York State Professional Engineer license required.
• Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret plans, specs, and documents for mechanical/plumbing systems related to water safety.
• Conduct field inspections of HVAC systems, cooling towers, and building water systems.
• Identify risks in engineered systems that may contribute to waterborne disease.
• Perform technical investigations and root cause analyses on building water systems.
• Develop technical guidance, SOPs, and program materials for water safety and building systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and external stakeholders to support compliance.

Skills

HVAC systems

Cooling towers

Building water systems

Plan review

Field inspections

Root cause analysis

Technical guidance

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Master's degree substitute for experience

Job description

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER - 20415

Qualifications

(1) Four (4) years of full-time, satisfactory experience in mechanical engineering work; and
(2) 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.

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.