Job Summary
Energy Engineer
Purdue University -West Lafayette
Purdue University is seeking an experienced BAS-focused engineering professional to provide engineering design, standards, and program oversight for campus Building Automation Systems that support learning, research, and campus life. In this role, you will shape how campus buildings are controlled, monitored, and optimized—helping create efficient, resilient, and responsive facilities that align with Purdue’s mission of innovation and impact.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide engineering design and oversight of campus Building Automation Systems (BAS), ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of HVAC and related systems
- Develop BAS design packages, including specifications, sequences of operations, control drawings, and points lists for new construction, renovations, and system upgrades, and oversee commissioning and functional testing
- Evaluate BAS vendors and platforms, including capabilities, open-protocol support, integration with existing campus systems, lifecycle cost, and service models, and make recommendations that support long-term campus needs
- Lead and manage the retro-commissioning (RCx) program for campus facilities, coordinating internal teams and external contractors to identify control issues, optimize sequences, and capture energy savings
- Provide oversight of BAS networks and architectures, collaborating closely with Purdue IT to ensure secure, transparent, and reliable connectivity for building controls and data
- Develop detailed demand curtailment and load-shedding strategies to reduce peak demand and maintain operations during extreme weather, utility constraints, or grid events
- Contribute to campus standards and guidelines for BAS design, controls sequences, and integration, supporting consistency and continuous improvement across projects
- Assist with developing and delivering training and technical guidance for technicians, operators, and designers, helping build BAS expertise across the organization
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, or related field) or equivalent combination of education and relevant BAS controls experience
- Demonstrated experience with Building Automation Systems in large commercial, institutional, or campus environments, including design, programming, commissioning, and/or optimization
- Understanding of HVAC systems, control strategies, energy management principles, and retro-commissioning or re-tuning practices
- Experience coordinating with IT on networked control systems, cybersecurity considerations, and data integration is preferred
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across facilities, IT, design professionals, and external vendors
Why Purdue
At Purdue, facilities and infrastructure roles directly support a campus dedicated to discovery, learning, and community impact, offering work that is both technically challenging and mission-driven. Employees benefit from a stable, collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits, and the chance to contribute to a more efficient, sustainable campus for students, faculty, staff, and partners.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field preferred, Mechanical Engineering preferred
- Minimum two (2) years of experience in BAS and HVAC design, maintenance, or operations required
- Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
Preferred:
- Professional engineer license
Skills Needed:
- Desire to learn, grow, and contribute to E&U success
- Knowledge:
- in the functional operation of BAS and HVAC systems
- of applicable codes and regulations is required
- Demonstrated ability to act as a liaison between multiple parties
- Ability to evaluate and solve complex technical problems utilizing creativity and ingenuity
- Office and engineering computer skills with the ability to learn new computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and PI archive database
- Exposed to heat, noise, dust, and hazardous areas around machinery, chemicals, etc. in building mechanical rooms and utility distribution infrastructure
- Good:
- planning and organizational skills
- verbal and written communications skills
- interpersonal skills for collaborative work
Additional Information:
- Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period Or Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
- Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
Career Stream
Professional 2
- Pay Band S075
- Job Code #20004139
Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/
Please note that the university will be on a holiday break from December 24, 2025 to January 5, 2026. Applications received during this time will be held until we return.
We wish you the best this holiday season!
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Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an EOE employer.