The Opportunity
Cornell University is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Designer to join our Facilities Engineering team. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the planning, design, and improvement of campus facilities through innovative and practical mechanical system solutions.
In this role, you will design HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for maintenance, repair, and renovation projects across the university. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, consultants, and vendors to deliver high-quality designs that support the university's facilities and infrastructure needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Design HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems, including developing plans, specifications, and cost estimates for maintenance, repair, and renovation projects.
Coordinate design and drafting activities to ensure projects are completed within established budgets and schedules.
Support construction administration through project meetings, field inspections, vendor coordination, and technical guidance.
Conduct facility condition assessments, asset identification, and feasibility analyses, and prepare technical reports to communicate findings and recommendations.
Manage mechanical and multidisciplinary design projects of low to moderate complexity.
Review consultant designs to ensure compliance with Cornell's Design and Construction Standards.
Provide technical and financial analysis, including design reviews and cost evaluations, for projects across the university.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of university design and construction standards.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), endowed position based in Ithaca, NY. This position follows a 3:2 campus-to-home hybrid work arrangement. This hybrid work arrangement is subject to change at any time. Work hours are flexible.
About the Division of Facilities and Campus Services
With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as steward of the campus resources and operations.
What We Need
We are seeking a team member with experience in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection design who demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Additionally, you will have:
Minimum of an Associate’s degree (2 yrs minimum) in mechanical engineering technology, construction technology or related field, plus three years minimum design experience in in design of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Technical knowledge of design and construction industries.
Knowledge of building mechanical systems and construction estimating.
Knowledge of technical specifications, and multidiscipline drawing coordination.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to cultivate interpersonal relationships, and effective organization skills.
Ability to participate effectively on teams, set priorities, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to work on multiple projects with varying scope, multiple stages of completion and/or vague requirements.
Comfortability with working in variable conditions, awareness of associated hazards, and willingness to comply with local policies. Examples may include but not be limited to the presence of chemical odors, animals, insects, plants, dust, confined space, access by ladder or scaffolding, noise, and other physical hazards. Safety gear may be required.
Proficiency with a variety of business and technical computer software (such as MS Word, Excel, email).
A valid driver’s license; may be required to operate a motor vehicle (your own vehicle or Cornell-owned) to travel to/from job sites.
If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an…