Senior Central Utility Plant Engineer

Salas O’Brien, Inc.; Dublin, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

Salas O’Brien, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Engineer to lead central plant utility system design for industrial sectors.

The role focuses on boiler, chiller, cooling tower, steam/condensate, and distribution networks with technical leadership over engineers and coordination across disciplines. The candidate will work in a hybrid environment with potential travel up to 25% and must reside within 30 miles of Columbus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Ohio is required.
• 10–15 years of professional experience in central plant utility systems in an industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed central plant utility system designs for industrial markets.
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning for central plant systems.
• Perform thermal, mass balance, and pressure loss calculations.
• Size and select control valves, regulators, and instrumentation.
• Conduct facility surveys and document systems.
• Prepare design documents, reports, and studies.
• Coordinate with other disciplines and provide construction administration.
• Lead project teams and mentor junior engineers.
• Assist in securing new work via client relations and project proposals.

Skills

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Revit

AutoCAD

Bentley AutoPipe

PipeFlo

AFT Arrow

AFT Fathom

Central plant design

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license in Ohio

Tools

Central plant utility system analysis

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

This role is also eligible forperformance-based bonuses and a comprehensiveU.S. basedbenefits package, including:

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

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.