Special Instructions to Applicants:

DO NOT APPLY TO THE RICE WEBSITE FOR THIS POSITION. SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH TO COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION.

Rice University has engaged Insight Global to assist with this search. For additional information or to nominate qualified candidates, please email [email protected] or schedule a meeting via this link to be considered for this role: https://calendly.com/meredith-ryals.

To be considered for the position, you must provide a resume and a cover letter that address the responsibilities and qualifications of the Senior Director of Plant Operations role.

Executive Search Lead:
Meredith Ryals
[email protected]
(404) 490-2640 

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Senior Electrical Engineer supports Rice University by providing technical expertise for campus electrical systems and projects. This role works closely with project managers, maintenance shops, central plant staff, and other campus partners, while also coordinating with external engineering consultants and contractors. The position is responsible for reviewing designs, ensuring code compliance, and supporting the efficient, reliable, and sustainable operation of campus facilities.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. 

This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
• 4+ years of experience as a design engineer in either higher education, healthcare, or as a facilities engineer
• Licensed Electrical Professional Engineer

Skills:

• Experience with district energy plant systems, higher education, or healthcare electrical design projects
• Effective written, presentation, and verbal communication—especially in communicating technical issues to a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering disciplines
• Knowledge in technical discipline/domain needed to deliver projects
• Experience that includes project management on building and infrastructure projects
• Must exhibit resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
• Knowledgeable about building codes and specifications
• Collaborative and optimistic personality
• Highly team- and quality-oriented
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

Preferences

• 8 years of experience as a design engineer in either higher education, healthcare, or as a facilities engineer
• Experience working in a context with regular exposure to facility equipment
• Experience with energy-efficient or LEED-certified systems
• Experience with project management information systems
• Experience with office and construction productivity software (Microsoft, Adobe, Procore, etc.)

Essential Functions

• Define design criteria, scope definition and justification, and develop design concepts for all University projects
• Develop feasibility analyses for all new projects
• Provide engineering evaluation and review of all design documents, specifications, and special requirements for projects from design through construction administration phases
• Coordinate with Rice personnel as required on technical issues
• Provide technical guidance and issue resolution on all projects
• Participate in the selection of engineering design professionals and coordinate with them regarding Rice’s Design Standards throughout the design process
• Provide consultation on the operation and maintenance of building systems
• Collaborate with estimators to ensure appropriate electrical costs are captured and project budgets are met
• Develop a strong knowledge of Rice's Design Standards and participate in improving those standards and driving innovative solutions
• Complete special projects as the primary project manager through management of project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout, as required
• Other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.