The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!
The Mechanical Engineer provides engineering expertise and technical support to the Utilities & Maintenance Departments. This position supports the planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems serving the University, including power plant systems, utility distribution systems, and building mechanical systems.
The Mechanical Engineer serves as a technical resource for new construction, renovation, and departmental projects; reviews engineering designs for compliance with University standards, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements; and provides project management support for projects with significant mechanical engineering components.
This position also provides engineering support during emergency situations to help maintain the reliability and continuity of campus utility and building systems.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Technical Support
- Provide mechanical engineering expertise and technical support to the Utilities & Maintenance Departments.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert in the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of utility, power plant, and building mechanical systems.
- Provide mechanical engineering support to Planning, Design and Construction for new construction and renovation projects.
- Design mechanical engineering projects and prepare necessary engineering documentation independently or in collaboration with outside engineering firms.
- Provide technical guidance and engineering solutions for complex mechanical system issues.
Project Design & Management
- Support departmental projects involving power plant systems, utility distribution systems, and building mechanical systems.
- Review and provide technical comments on mechanical engineering drawings, specifications, and project documents.
- Perform project management responsibilities for projects with significant mechanical engineering content, either independently or as part of a project team.
- Coordinate with internal departments, consultants, contractors, and other project stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
Standards, Codes & Compliance
- Understand, implement, and maintain the University of Notre Dame's mechanical engineering standards.
- Review project designs and specifications to ensure compliance with University mechanical standards.
- Verify that projects comply with applicable building, mechanical, plumbing, safety, and environmental codes, standards, licensing requirements, permitting requirements, and regulatory mandates.
- Stay current with applicable industry standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
Utilities & Mechanical Systems
Apply mechanical engineering knowledge to the design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of:
- Building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and associated controls.
- Power plant systems, including medium-pressure fossil-fueled steam boilers utilizing solid, liquid, and gas fuels.
- Ash handling systems.
- Automatic extraction and back-pressure steam turbines.
- Turbine-driven refrigerant chillers.
- Chemical feed systems.
- Single- and multi-stage pumps.
- Utility distribution systems for steam, water, chilled water, compressed air, and sanitary sewer.
Emergency & Reliability Support
- Provide engineering support during emergency situations involving Utilities & Maintenance systems.
- Assist with troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical and utility system issues to maintain campus reliability and continuity of operations.
- Participate in efforts to improve the reliability, maintainability, and performance of campus utility and mechanical systems.
Required Education
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering preferred/required.
Required Experience
Seven (7) or more years of relevant professional engineering experience.
Required Technical Knowledge & Skills
- Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering theory, design, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge and application of relevant industry codes and standards, including:
- ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
- OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- Indiana Plumbing and Mechanical Code.
- Knowledge of applicable building, mechanical, state, and local codes.
- Knowledge of current licensing and permitting requirements.
- Demonstrated understanding of mechanical systems used in commercial, institutional, utility, and/or power plant environments.
- Proficiency with standard computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
Professional & Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Confident and professional communication style.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information effectively to engineers, project managers, contractors, maintenance personnel, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and manage multiple projects and priorities.
- Ability to respond effectively to urgent or emergency situations when required.
Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience
Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.