Facilities Mechanical Engineer - #003020

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
* 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
* 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
* 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
* 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

This role requires a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, specialized knowledge of HVAC systems and Building Automation Systems ( BAS), and a working understanding of multiple engineering disciplines. The position will lead engineering efforts for the University and collaborate with the Design and Construction group to establish best practices, energy-efficient design standards, and campus-wide engineering guidelines. Responsibilities include overseeing the design and implementation of mechanical systems, ensuring HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping, and BAS components are properly designed, installed, integrated, and commissioned.

Those serving in this role will:
The individual will monitor and inspect construction sites to confirm projects are being built according to plans, specifications, codes, and University standards, while also tracking project schedules and budgets to ensure timely completion. They will coordinate independent testing, commissioning activities, TAB reports, and BAS verification; review and evaluate schematic design, design development, construction documents, equipment submittals, mechanical specifications, and control sequences for constructability, maintainability, and long-term operability. Additional responsibilities include reviewing change orders, approving or negotiating modifications, authorizing payments, resolving punch list items, and ensuring that all HVAC and BAS systems align with operational needs, energy-efficiency goals, and campus infrastructure requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of construction and civil engineering, with strong skills in mechanical systems, HVAC design, and Building Automation Systems ( BAS). In-depth understanding of materials, soils, foundations, construction methods, energy systems, project management practices, and the codes, laws, and ordinances that govern the construction, renovation, and operation of buildings and infrastructure. Ability to design or review designs prepared by external consultants, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls systems, and to read and interpret all related plans, specifications, and control sequences. Proficient in estimating project costs, tracking budgets and schedules, managing construction and renovation projects, and providing technical guidance while reviewing and assessing the work of others. Possesses strong communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to collaborate effectively and foster productive working relationships across multiple departments, contractors, and stakeholders.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Bachelor's degree in the engineering discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience Some positions may require licensure by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Two to three years of experience in Mechanical engineering related to building systems preferred.

Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (with complete contact information).

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected.

For questions or additional information, please contact Curtis Monteith at cmonteith@email.wcu.edu

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.