Senior Engineer, Operations
Content + Source + Freshness • 14 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
High value role with a strong salary reflecting the technical demands and responsibilities of an engineering position in operations.
- Salary range: $150,000 - $159,000/year
- Engagement in multi-faceted engineering projects
- Stable position within a prestigious institution
Pros
- Attractive salary range ($150,000 - $159,000/year)
- Role involves significant project management responsibilities
- Stable position in an established academic institution
Cons
- Requires extensive experience and educational qualifications
- May involve high-pressure project management scenarios
- Potentially lengthy working hours during peak project phases
Who it's for
Senior-level • On-site
Good fit
- Seasoned engineers with utilities expertise
- Individuals eager to manage complex projects
- Professionals seeking stability within an academic setting
Not recommended for
- Candidates with limited engineering experience
- Those preferring lower responsibility roles
- Individuals interested in remote work
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Salary Range: $150,000 - $159,000
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Engineering, the Senior Engineer will be responsible for project management & engineering, including large central utility projects; management of the design and construction process; management of consulting engineers and contractors; ongoing project review for compliance with University criteria for design, performance, construct-ability, maintainability and compatibility with existing systems; field inspection during construction and before turnover to ensure compliance with design; preparation of bid documents for consulting services and project construction; development of project budgets; and project administration. For small central utility projects, the Senior Engineer will be responsible for the design and construction of small mechanical and electrical projects.
Responsibilities
- Manage large central utility projects, overseeing all phases from planning to completion.
- Direct the design and construction process, ensuring alignment with University standards for design, performance, constructability, maintainability, and system compatibility.
- Oversee and coordinate the work of consulting engineers and contractors, including performance evaluation and compliance monitoring.
- Conduct ongoing project reviews and provide field inspections during construction and prior to project turnover to verify adherence to design specifications.
- Prepare bid documents for consulting services and construction projects.
- Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
- Administer projects, maintaining thorough documentation and adherence to timelines.
- For smaller central utility projects, design and manage construction of mechanical and electrical systems from concept to completion.
- Responsible for commissioning including the management of outside Commissioning Agents in the comprehensive commissioning building MEP projects and central utilities projects.
- Attend project meetings and represent the Facilities Operations department in the resolution of issues affecting the operation and maintenance of installed equipment systems.
- Manage the timely review of project documents and submittals by owner's engineers, commission agents, and internal operating and maintenance staff throughout the project.
- Coordinate the training of operating and maintenance personnel on newly installed equipment and systems and witness testing of equipment and systems as required.
- Provide operational support including the application of engineering know how to the troubleshooting of both central utilities system and building MEP systems in support of operating personnel.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with 5-7 years of experience in the design and project management of central utilities (power, CHP, steam, chilled water, compressed air) and building MEP projects. Advanced Degree desirable.
- Well rounded, flexible engineer with design firm as well as facilities operational background.
- Ability to handle a variety of assignments including project management & engineering, commissioning, and operational support.
- Proven ability to manage projects from conception through design, construction, commissioning, start-up and acceptance; manage consultants and contractors; direct junior engineers.
- Ability to contribute immediately with minimal orientation.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineering (PE) license is highly desirable.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
