Utility Performance Engineer 1 or 2 or 3

Job Posting Title:

Utility Performance Engineer 1 or 2 or 3

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Hiring Department:

Utilities and Energy Management

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

Who We Are

We are “the power behind UT”.

Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) provides reliable and cost-effective electricity, chilled water, steam, deionized water, compressed air, emergency power, and elevator services for The University of Texas at Austin. We have more than 170 employees in five divisions: Utilities Operations; Utilities Distribution; Controls and Operating Technology; Finance: Technical Programs and Services; Sustainability: and Engineering and Performance Management.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates who share the following core values:

 

Safety: Commitment to the well-being of our fellow employees, ourselves, and the campus community.

Respect: Treating everyone with fairness and dignity.

Integrity: Transparency, honesty, trust and ethics in our work and our relationships.

Reliability: Delivery of consistent, dependable, and uninterrupted services.

Teamwork: Working together through cooperation, contribution, and the sharing of our knowledge.

Excellence: Setting the highest standards through innovation, collaboration, forward-thinking, and stewardship.

As a member of our team, you will be part of a globally recognized district energy system that serves a top-tier research university. We strive to provide a positive workplace culture that welcomes ideas, talent and perspectives – and we look forward to hearing from you!

Learn more about Utilities and Energy Management.

Your skills will make a difference.

You’ll be working for a university that is internationally recognized for our academic programs and research. Your work will make a difference in the lives of Campus Operations staff, thereby enhancing the student experience. If you’re the type of person that wants to know your work has earning and impact, you’ll like working in our department and for UT Austin. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package including but not limited to:

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin’s libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card
• For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards

Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employee without sponsorship.

Purpose

Support campus energy and water performance outcomes by providing engineering analysis, performance modeling, commissioning expertise, and technical recommendations for building and/or utility systems. This role evaluates demand- and/or supply-side utility performance, translates analytics into actionable operational and project recommendations, and collaborates with Utilities, Facilities, and campus teams to improve efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance of campus energy and water systems.

Responsibilities

• System Performance Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the performance of building systems, utility systems, and associated equipment through data analysis, trend evaluation, commissioning activities, field observations, and performance modeling. Identify operational inefficiencies, performance gaps, anomalies, and opportunities to improve energy and water performance.
• Analytics Translation and Technical Recommendations: Apply analytics outputs, operational data, and performance trends to support engineering evaluation and decision-making. Translate technical findings into actionable recommendations that inform operating strategies, optimization efforts, project development, and utility management priorities.
• System Optimization and Commissioning: Support and lead performance optimization initiatives through existing building commissioning (EBCx), system assessments, operational reviews, control strategy evaluations, and verification of system performance. Assess building and utility system operation to ensure intended energy and water performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Project Development and Performance Improvement Support: Identify, evaluate, and support development of energy and water performance improvement projects. Assess technical feasibility, lifecycle performance, expected savings, operational impacts, and implementation considerations to inform project prioritization and development.
• Design Review, Standards, and Technical Guidance: Provide technical review and input on design, construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects to ensure alignment with energy and water performance objectives. Contribute to development and refinement of performance-based design criteria, engineering standards, operational guidelines, and sequences of operation.
• Cross-Functional Coordination and Operational Support: Collaborate with Utilities, Facilities and external partners to align technical solutions with performance objectives. Support troubleshooting, operational planning, and implementation follow-up through engineering analysis and performance evaluation.
• Performance Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement: Support benchmarking, performance monitoring, measurement and verification activities, and reporting efforts. Assist with development of performance indicators, operational procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance energy and water performance.
• Industry Best Practices and Program Development: Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, regulatory developments, and best practices related to building performance, utility systems, commissioning, and performance management. Contribute to development and refinement of utility performance management strategies, programs, and technical approaches.
• Performs other related functions as assigned. Attends staff meetings, safety training or meetings. Attends plant operation and maintenance training courses. Required to carry University cell phone during work hours. Adheres to Utilities and University policies and procedures. Drive university vehicle or cart. Maintain acceptable driver rating as established in Policy: UTS157 Section 2.5.4.

Required Qualifications

Engineer I:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Energy Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 0 to 4 years of experience in one or more of the following: Building systems engineering, Energy management, Commissioning, Central utility plant operations, District energy systems, Building automation systems, Utility engineering, Facilities engineering, Performance optimization.
• Basic knowledge of HVAC, chilled water, steam, heating, cooling, electrical, water, or related building and utility infrastructure systems.
• Ability to analyze technical information and develop recommendations to improve system performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Engineer II:

• All qualifications listed under Engineer I, plus:
• 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating the performance of building and/or utility systems through engineering analysis, operational data, commissioning activities, troubleshooting, or performance monitoring.
• Experience identifying and developing recommendations for operational improvements, optimization opportunities, or capital improvement projects.
• Experience performing technical reviews, performance assessments, or commissioning-related activities.
• Ability to independently manage projects, analyses, and technical assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical findings and recommendations to operational and management audiences.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Engineer III:

• All qualifications listed under Engineer II, plus:
• 8 or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Advanced experience evaluating and optimizing complex building systems, utility systems, or campus infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading significant performance improvement initiatives, commissioning efforts, engineering studies, optimization projects, or performance management programs.
• Experience developing technical standards, operational guidelines, design criteria, or engineering best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineers, analysts, and operations personnel.
• Experience influencing operational strategy, project prioritization, and long-term performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex assignments while balancing operational, technical, and organizational priorities.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-In-Training (EIT), Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Building Commissioning Professional (BCxP), Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP), or similar credential.
• Advanced degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience with Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx), retro-commissioning, or ongoing commissioning programs.
• Experience with central utility plants, district energy systems, chilled water systems, steam systems, power generation systems, water systems, or campus utility infrastructure.
• Experience with building automation systems, controls optimization, HVAC sequences of operation, or operational analytics.
• Experience with measurement and verification, energy modeling, performance modeling, benchmarking, or utility system optimization.
• Experience reviewing construction documents, technical standards, design submittals, or engineering specifications.
• Experience supporting sustainability, decarbonization, energy conservation, or water conservation initiatives.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, research, government, or other large institutional environments.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE standards, commissioning practices, energy codes, utility operations, and resource management best practices.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary Range

Engineer I: $90,000+ depending on qualifications

Engineer II: $105,000+ depending on qualifications

Engineer III: $115,000+ depending on qualifications

Environmental Demands:

• Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment.
• May work in all weather conditions.
• May work in extreme temperatures.
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.

Physical Tasks:

• Use of a keyboard and personal computer
• Fine manual dexterity
• May be required to perform elevated work.
• Occasional work from ladders and/or scaffolds.
• May be required to lift up to 50lbs.
• Often required to twist, grasp, push, pull and bend.

Additional Working Conditions:

• May be required to work in confined spaces, manholes, tunnels, elevated work, extended shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May be exposed to loud noise, high dust and allergen levels.
• Drive University vehicles.
• Maintain acceptable driver rating as established in Policy: UTS157 Section 2.5.4.
• Participate in on-call program.

Work Shift

40 Hour Work Week Schedule; Monday – Friday, 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

This role does not provide sponsorship.

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above. May be required to work in confined and elevated spaces. Shifts may be extended- including nights, holidays, and weekends.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.