University Engineer

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 151,300 - 197,650; Full time

Job summary

A major public university in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a University Engineer for a leadership role in shaping its infrastructure vision. This position involves overseeing engineering and infrastructure projects, providing strategic planning, and ensuring compliance with standards. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, a PE license, and at least 12 years of relevant experience. Strong skills in leadership, project management, and sustainability practices are essential. The hiring range is $151,300 - $197,650 annually.

Qualifications

• 12 years of progressive experience in facilities engineering or infrastructure planning.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams in large organizations.
• Experience with campus-wide utility infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the university’s engineering vision.
• Oversee engineering review for all capital projects.
• Lead coordination with university energy partners.

Skills

Leadership in engineering

Project management

Sustainability principles

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Professional Engineering (PE) license

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Work management systems

Job description

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Job Title: University Engineer / Department: Administration and Planning | FOD Design and Construction

The University Engineer is a strategic, campus-wide leadership role responsible for shaping and stewarding the university’s engineering and infrastructure vision. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Facilities Design and Construction, this position leads a team of technical experts and plays a central role in capital planning, design and construction oversight, infrastructure strategy, sustainability, and cross-campus stakeholder engagement.

This position is accountable for ensuring that all university infrastructure and building systems are designed, constructed, and maintained in alignment with institutional goals, regulatory compliance, and long-term stewardship of campus assets.

Key Responsibilities include Strategic Engineering Leadership:

• Define and lead the university’s engineering vision, integrating infrastructure planning with university-wide strategic priorities and FDC’s mission.
• Serve as a key advisor to university leadership on major infrastructure systems and long-range planning efforts, including utilities, energy, and campus-wide capital projects.
• Represent FDC in strategic initiatives such as the Campus Master Plan, Campus Infrastructure and Utility Master Plan, Sustainability and Energy initiatives, and the Comprehensive Energy Management Project (CEMP).
• Lead the development and continual refinement of the Building Design Standards for multiple campus typologies and campus advancements, this is a key initiative for FDC.
• Drive alignment between engineering planning and other strategic areas such as sustainability, life-cycle cost analysis, and deferred maintenance mitigation.

Project & Infrastructure Oversight

• Oversee the engineering review and technical assurance process for all university capital projects (new construction and renovation).
• Provide leadership and oversight for key infrastructure programs, including utility master planning, energy systems, and high-risk/high-impact projects.
• Partner with Planning and Real Estate (PARE) and FOD-Operations to ensure technical planning aligns with annual and long-term capital budgeting.
• Lead the technical review and guidance process for engineering variance requests and compliance with applicable codes and university policies. Ensuring that processes are continually improving and efficient for stakeholders and industry professionals.

Campus Systems Integration

• Lead strategic coordination and collaboration with university energy partners (OSEP/ENGIE), ensuring alignment between public-private initiatives and university planning efforts.
• Coordinate closely with facilities operations, environmental health and safety (EHS), risk management, sustainability, and auxiliary units.
• Act as a liaison and integrator between FDC and consigned partners such as CampusParc and OSEP, ensuring technical needs are represented and understood.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the engineering and estimating teams within FDC, promoting collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Mentor technical staff and support succession planning and professional development within the engineering unit.
• Oversee several engineering, sustainability and campus utility / infrastructure committees, including adherence to policies, steering committee participation, and alignment with risk management.

Fiscal and Capital Planning

• Partner in the development of university-wide capital budgets, including support for multiple funding streams (State, POM, General Fund, etc.).
• Support the deferred maintenance program by advising on infrastructure risk, prioritization, and investment strategy.
• Lead the estimating and cost planning process to establish and manage project budgets, ensure cost predictability, and support Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) planning.

Key Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field); advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in facilities engineering, infrastructure planning, and/or capital project management in a large institutional setting.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams and large, complex organizations such as higher education, healthcare, or public sector institutions.

Technical Competencies

• Broad expertise across MEP, structural, civil, and envelope systems, with a generalist mindset and ability to manage diverse technical inputs.
• Deep understanding of utility infrastructure systems (e.g., high-pressure steam, chilled water, high voltage) and associated campus distribution systems.
• Proficient in relevant codes and regulations (IBC, NEC, ASHRAE, NFPA, FGI, OBC) and experience integrating these standards in complex projects.
• Experience with engineering in occupied buildings and phased construction typical of active academic and healthcare campuses.

Strategic & Operational Capabilities

• Proven ability to translate institutional goals into actionable engineering strategies.
• Systems thinker with a proactive, long-range planning mindset and the ability to synthesize information from multiple disciplines.
• Familiarity with design and construction delivery methods (CMR, DBB, Design-Build) and the ability to influence project outcomes from conception through closeout.
• Skilled at navigating organizational dynamics, facilitating consensus, and fostering collaboration among technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven, collaborative engineering leader who brings strong technical breadth, strategic insight, and the ability to lead teams and align complex systems in support of a dynamic university environment. The University Engineer will be a thought partner to senior leaders, a mentor to technical staff, and a systems integrator who ensures Ohio State’s infrastructure meets the needs of its ambitious academic, research, and healthcare missions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Must be available 24/7 for emergencies or as operations dictate.

Will require successful completion of a criminal background check. In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as an essential position.

REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree in engineering or facilities-related field and minimum 12 years facilities management or construction/renovation experience in a campus setting, or other bachelor's degree and 15 years directly related experience. Min 10 years supervisory experience in facilities management, facilities or manufacturing maintenance, or facilities project management organization. Experience with campus wide utility infrastructure, district energy systems, or CHP integration. Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and build consensus. Prior work with or for OSU, the State of Ohio, or OFCC is a plus.

Demonstrated understanding of process for imparting quality and customer service principles to the organization. Excellent human relations skills, emphasizing empathy and the ability to develop and lead multi-functional teams. Excellent communication skills to include public speaking and presentations to senior administration. Substantial experience with work management systems, Microsoft Office suite, and related technologies. Demonstrated understanding of sustainability principles and their application on a major urban campus. Professional Engineer license. Knowledge and experience in facilities design and construction. Strategic planning experience. Experience working on a large university campus. Experience working with state contracts.

Additional Information:

The target hiring range for this job profile is $151,300 - $197,650 annually. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Function - Facilities, Engineering and Acquisition
Sub Function - Facilities Engineering
Band - People Leader
Level - M5 Senior Director

Location: Enarson Classroom Building (0072)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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