Senior Central Utility Plant Engineer

Salas O'Brien; Dublin (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Wellness programs

Professional development support

Job summary

Salas O’Brien in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead central plant utility system design on industrial projects. This role requires deep expertise in boilers, chillers, steam and condensate, and utility distribution, with a path to mentoring junior engineers in a dynamic, client-focused team.

You will perform thermal and piping calculations, coordinate with vendors, prepare specifications, and guide project teams in a hybrid in-office/remote setting, with up to 25%

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10–15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Ohio.
• Ability to obtain other state licenses via comity.
• Proficiency with central plant components and design standards.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop design for central plant utility systems including boilers and chillers.
• Perform thermal, mass balance, and pressure loss calculations.
• Size and select control valves, regulators, and instrumentation.
• Create project specifications and design documents.
• Coordinate with vendors and other disciplines.
• Provide construction administration and QC for engineering work.
• Lead project teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Support client relationships and proposal development.

Skills

Leadership / mentoring

Project coordination

Adaptability

Initiative

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Revit

AutoCAD

Bentley AutoPipe

PipeFlo

AFT Arrow

AFT Fathom

Job description

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The candidate will provide detailed engineering expertise for central plant utility systems including steam and condensate systems, boilers, feedwater systems, chilled water systems, condenser water and cooling tower systems, compressed air systems, and utility distribution piping. The candidate will have the opportunity to work on projects in a variety of industrial market sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, specialty chemical, and manufacturing environments. The candidate will provide technical leadership to other engineers within the department and guide less experienced members through the central plant utility system design process. This position is offered in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The candidate must reside within 30 miles of Columbus, Ohio.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed and efficient central plant utility system designs based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of central plant utility systems for a variety of industrial market sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food & beverage, specialty chemical, and manufacturing environments.
• Perform thermal, mass balance, pressure loss, and other calculations related to the supply of utility systems
• Work closely with manufacturers and vendors to size and select control valves, regulators, and instrumentation for central plant utility systems.
• Conduct existing facility surveys and documentation of existing central plant utility systems.
• Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in industrial spaces
• Write/edit project specifications
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
• Complete code compliance research
• Coordinate work with other disciplines
• Provide construction administration services such as submittal review, RFI responses, and punch list walks.
• Perform quality control checks for the work of other engineers as defined in the Salas O’Brien quality control policies
• Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers
• Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients during the design process
• Assist in the procurement of new work; including the development of client relations, participation in project interviews, and development of engineering scopes of work, fees, and proposals.

Qualifications And Experience

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience: 10-15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems in an industrial environment.
• Certifications: Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Ohio and be able to acquire other states through comity application.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using engineering tools and software including:
• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with Revit and AutoCAD
• Experience with Bentley AutoPipe, PipeFlo, AFT Arrow, or AFT Fathom is preferred but not required
• Expertise in the development and design of central plant utility systems including:
• Air compressors
• Boilers
• Chillers
• Cooling towers
• Steam and condensate
• Utility distribution networks
• Understanding of codes, standards, and design best practices as it relates to central plant utility systems
• Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work in a fast-paced environment on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.

Location

Columbus, Ohio

Travel

Up to 25%

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Benefits

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.