Career Center

Senior Mechanical Designer

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

The Cornell University campus is widely admired as one of the world's most beautiful academic settings. Facilities and Campus Services is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni, and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as stewards of the campus resources and operations.

Facilities Engineering is responsible for university stewardship, which includes, but is not limited to the stewardship of engineered systems on campus, maintenance of Design and Construction Standards, Construction Document archiving, and project design reviews for QA and standards compliance.

Facilities Engineering also provides project management services that cover engineered systems infrastructure, system intensive building renovations, small building renovations up to $1M (typically a result of an initial assessment), local approvals efforts, energy conservation projects, and projects relative to research collaboration.

Facilities Engineering manages maintenance programs for campus-wide systems such as bridges, generators, elevators, roofs, structures, pavement, and more.

Position Summary:

This job provides the opportunity to work in a team environment with staff who take great pride in the work that they perform on projects that keep Cornell at the cutting edge of research and education. This includes the opportunity to be involved at the building level through the design of new sustainable facilities and building deep energy retrofits. The position includes, but is not limited to, design of HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems, as well as upgrades to building controls and other infrastructure.

The Sr. Mechanical Designer (Facilities Designer II) designs HVAC, fire protection, and plumbing systems, as well as generates plans and specifications for maintenance, repair, and alteration projects within the Facilities Engineering Mechanical Design Section. The Sr. Mechanical Designer also estimates costs for mechanical systems designs, and organizes design and drafting efforts to deliver designs within project budgets and schedules.

The Sr. Mechanical Designer will perform design construction administration of projects by attending job meetings, facilitating communication and conducting field inspections. They will also initiate vendor contacts as required to select and specify equipment. Assist with the preparation of the mechanical Engineer's Opinion of Probable Costs for multi-discipline design projects.

The Sr. Mechanical Designer performs condition assessments, asset identification, and feasibility analysis, and writes technical reports to present results to clients. The Sr. Mechanical Design manages design of mechanical and multidisciplinary projects of low to medium complexity.

The Sr. Mechanical Designer will review consultant designs, to ensure adherence to Cornell Design and Construction Standards.

The Sr. Mechanical Designer will provide technical and financial analysis, including design reviews, for projects managed throughout the University. The Sr. Mechanical Designer will develop and/or update University design and construction standards related to their field of expertise.

All employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity, as well as supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.

Cornell University provides excellent benefits that include professional development, access to many wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options, and generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, health leave, personal leave, 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break), and great retirement options. Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

Ours is a values-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Required Qualifications:

Associate's Degree (2 years minimum) in mechanical engineering technology, construction technology or related field and at least 5 years relevant experience in design of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Working knowledge of current codes and industry standards in discipline (NYS Building Codes, ASHRAE, ASME, NFPA). Technical knowledge of design and construction industries. Must be knowledgeable of building mechanical systems and construction estimating. Ability to comprehend construction drawings and specifications. Experience with writing technical specifications, and multidiscipline drawing coordination. Autodesk Revit proficiency.

Must demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to participate effectively in teams, set priorities, and exercise good judgment. Ability to participate in multiple projects with varying scope. Must possess effective organizational, prioritization and multi-tasking skills. Must possess effective oral & written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. This position does not have assigned supervisory authority; however, will work directly with support personnel (outside consultants, other FE Design Sections) while providing functional direction on designs. The position requires frequent construction site visits where odors, dust, noise or physical hazards are present. Must have and maintain 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (BSME preferred). Experience in lab renovations and critical environments including but not limited to cleanrooms design, walk-in industrial refrigeration coolers, and high purity material of construction selection, as well as facilities engineering experience in sprinkler design, hydraulic calculations, controls, duct and piping design.

Application Information:

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Facilities Designer II

Job Family:

Facilities & Safety Services

Level:

F

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$72,783.00 - $84,586.00

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Grace Dembia

Number of Openings:

2

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

Union Positions

Current Employees:

Online Submission Guidelines:

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

2022-05-03-07:00