University Park, Illinois, United States · On-site
$81k–$154k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Steam Systems, Chilled Water Systems, Root Cause Failure Analysis, Preventative Maintenance, Project Management
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$54k–$78k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Student Recruitment, Career Placement, Employer Engagement, Program Administration, Data Analysis
United States · On-site
$54k–$78k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Staff Supervision, Crisis Management, Program Development, Budget Oversight, Policy Implementation
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$72k–$122k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Project Management, Stakeholder Coordination, Budget Management, Schedule Management, Risk Mitigation
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$49k–$71k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Facility Operations, Student Supervision, Risk Management, Payroll Management, Event Management
University Park, Illinois, United States · On-site
$41k–$59k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Calendar Management, Meeting Coordination, Travel Arrangements, Data Entry, Office Administration
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$68k–$102k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Management, Supplier Relationship Management, Spend Performance Management, Category Contract Management
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$42k–$61k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: English Proficiency, Pashto Proficiency, Dari Proficiency, Program Coordination, ESL Instruction Management
University Park, Illinois, United States · On-site
$51k–$74k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Food Service Operations, Retail Management, Staff Supervision, Performance Management, Financial Analysis
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$51k–$74k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: GIS, Geospatial Data Analysis, Statistical Data Analysis, Watershed Management, Agricultural Science
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$51k–$74k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Social Media Management, Content Creation, Video Editing, Copywriting, Marketing Strategy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States · On-site
$51k–$74k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Administrative Support, Calendar Management, Event Planning, Budget Administration, Executive Communication
Tallahassee, Florida, United States · On-site
$51k–$74k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Street Outreach, Relationship Building, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Case Management
University Park, Illinois, United States · On-site
$46k–$67k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Dietary Assessment, Food Preparation, Clinical Trial Support, NDSR, ASA-24
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$46k–$67k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Procurement, Negotiation, Supplier Management, RFQ/RFP Process, Compliance
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$56k–$90k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Project Management, Budget Management, Data Analysis, Phytobacteriology, Grant Writing
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$86k–$130k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Crisis Communications, Issues Management, Strategic Planning, Writing, Editing
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States · On-site
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Lighting Set-up, Audio Production, Video Production, Backstage Management, Event Set-up
University Park, Illinois, United States · Hybrid
$38k–$56k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Financial Coordination, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Payroll, Accounts Payable
Berks, Nebraska, United States · On-site
$51k–$74k/yr
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally throu…
Skills: Prototype Creation, Lathe Operation, Mill Operation, CAD, CAM
University Park, Illinois, United States • On-site
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Provide technical and operational support for large-scale steam and chilled water utility systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation. Responsibilities include developing maintenance programs, optimizing control systems, and collaborating with design professionals for campus growth.
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with 3 to 6+ years of experience in large-scale utility systems. A Professional Engineer (PE) license and familiarity with ASME and ASHRAE standards are preferred.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
Penn State is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Utility Services team at University Park in a role responsible for Technical and Operational support for both steam and chilled water utility systems.
We recognize that deep expertise in both disciplines is uncommon, and we welcome candidates with demonstrated strength in either steam or chilled water systems who bring the intellectual curiosity and professional drive to develop fluency in the other. Penn State's scale and complexity provide a fantastic environment for growth, including an impact on the long-range strategic direction of each utility system.
This position is a technically challenging, hands-on engineering role responsible for the reliable and efficient operation of one of the largest campus utility systems in the country, including steam generation and distribution, and central chilled water plants. The ideal candidate brings both deep technical knowledge and a drive to see problems through to resolution in a fast-paced, 24/7 operations-centered environment.
Provide operational technical expertise for steam and chilled water utilities.
Work closely with supervisors and technicians to optimize control system performance; review maintenance plans and support corrective repairs.
Evaluate data in support of root cause failure analysis and strong preventative maintenance programs.
Develop, implement, and maintain preventative maintenance programs for steam and chilled water assets (boilers, economizers, deaerators, motors, pumps, valves, strainers, piping, plate-and-frame heat exchangers, and coils).
Conduct field verifications, collect performance data, and help develop documentation, operating strategies, and maintenance standards.
Manage and support projects such as feasibility studies, system assessments, and budget development.
Review drawings, specifications, and calculations for steam and chilled water systems.
Support planning for campus growth, conversions, and development of district thermal plants.
Collaborate with operations teams, consultants, manufacturers, and design professionals to ensure systems are designed and operated for long-term efficiency and maintainability.
Provide training, workshops, and technical resources for operations and maintenance staff.
Drive system and plant efficiency utilizing campus thermal models.
May supervise staff, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
3-5 years of hands-on experience with large-scale steam or chilled water utility systems.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve complex mechanical system problems.
Demonstrated experience with large-scale utility or district energy systems.
Experience with both steam and chilled water systems and associated equipment.
Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain.
Experience with ASME piping and boiler pressure vessel code and ASHRAE standards.
Experience in a campus, institutional, or industrial utility environment.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Serving America’s Defense, Industry, and Education Communities for Over 75 Years. #arlpsu #weare #pennstate
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
Offices: Applied Research Laboratory, Main Lab, Steam Drive, State College, Pennsylvania 16804, US · 559a Freeport Road, Freeport, Pennsylvania 16229, US · 1850 Centennial Park Dr, Reston, Virginia 20191, US · 995 Newtown Rd, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, US · 610 Dowell St, Keyport, Washington 98345, US
Serving America’s Defense, Industry, and Education Communities for Over 75 Years. #arlpsu #weare #pennstate
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation. ARL-Penn State supports national security, economic competitiveness, and quality of life through Education; Scientific discovery; Technology demonstration; and Transition to application. As a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARL-Penn State conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering in support of our nations priorities free from conflict of interest or competition with commercial industry.
Offices: Applied Research Laboratory, Main Lab, Steam Drive, State College, Pennsylvania 16804, US · 559a Freeport Road, Freeport, Pennsylvania 16229, US · 1850 Centennial Park Dr, Reston, Virginia 20191, US · 995 Newtown Rd, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, US · 610 Dowell St, Keyport, Washington 98345, US
