Director of Energy and Engineering

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the youngest university to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the affordable San Joaquin Valley. All of our campus buildings are Leed Certified.

About the Job

The Director of Energy & Engineering serves as the university's senior engineering authority for campus energy systems, utility infrastructure, and engineering operations. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and seasoned professional judgment, the Director provides strategic leadership across energy management, engineering design, capital renewal, utilities operations, and sustainability initiatives.

This role oversees a small multidisciplinary team responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-efficient operation of the campus utility enterprise—including the Central Heating & Cooling Plant, Thermal Energy Storage facility, high-pressure steam and condensate systems, chilled water distribution network, and potable water systems. The Director ensures these systems meet stringent standards.

This is a hands-on job and our founding Director of Energy and Enginnering is retiring soon. We need:

• Someone who is seeking a great work/life balance with generous benefits who wants to live in California's agriculturally rich Central Valley (2 hours from San Francisco or the Beach); and
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (advanced degree preferred); and
• 5 years of related experience (required); and
• Professional Engineering License (or ability to get one) - Mechanical - CA. (required); and
• Deep knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering principles related to central
• plants, HVAC systems, chilled water/steam distribution, thermal energy storage, and building
• automation systems.
• Ability to analyze complex energy and utility data, identify efficiency opportunities, model system
• performance, and implement strategies that reduce consumption, costs, and carbon
• emissions.
• Skill in developing and evaluating capital renewal plans, assessing deferred maintenance, and
• providing technical leadership for major construction, renovation, and system replacement
• projects.
• Thorough understanding of relevant codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., ASHRAE, NFPA,
• Title 24, Cal/OSHA, EPA), including their application to campus utilities, engineering systems,
• and construction programs.