The Role
Mizzou is looking for a mechanical engineer who has spent years designing buildings and wants to be the one deciding what gets built. As Senior Project Manager for mechanical engineering, you will lead projects from scope through design on behalf of the University, direct the architects and engineers we hire, and serve as the owner's mechanical engineering authority on those projects.
This is a design-side role. You will spend your time on scope, design reviews, and consultant direction, not on construction field supervision. Engineers coming from consulting practice are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why this role
• Be the owner, not the vendor. You set the requirements and approve the design. The consultants work for you.
• Work on systems at real scale. A campus with its own district energy system (steam, chilled water, and combined heat and power), an academic medical center, and research laboratories.
• Shape the standards. You will help write and maintain the University's mechanical design standards, working with the operations and energy management staff who run these systems every day.
• No billable hours. No utilization targets or fee pressure. Your time goes to getting the design right.
• Predictable schedule and strong benefits. Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with University retirement, health, and tuition benefits [HR to insert standard benefits summary].
• Columbia, Missouri. A college town between Kansas City and St. Louis.
What you will do
Mechanical engineering leadership
• Evaluate design alternatives for system performance, maintainability, energy efficiency, and life-cycle cost.
• Review mechanical drawings and specifications at each design phase; identify coordination gaps, constructability concerns, and departures from University standards.
• Develop and maintain University mechanical design standards in coordination with Campus Facilities operations and energy management staff.
• Support construction administration on technical submittals, requests for information (RFIs), and design-related changes.
Project management
• Define scope, schedule, and budget for projects designed by contracted or in-house architects, engineers, and interior designers.
• Select, contract, and direct design consultants: evaluate proposals, develop scopes and fee agreements, and confirm contract requirements are met.
• Track cost and schedule through design and direct corrective action when projects drift.
• Lead the bidding process and prepare project materials for Board of Curators actions.
• Coordinate with campus departments, users, and community partners.
Staff and resource management
• Plan and assign work for design staff, review work quality, and monitor progress against schedule.
• Manage departmental staff time, forecast related costs, and support monthly invoicing.
As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.
Apply Link
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary. Licensure or certification may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Effectively communicate with people at all levels
As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of the University of Missouri.
Starting Salary/Rate
$115,000 - $135,000 annually
Total Compensation and Benefits
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
About Planning, Design & Construction
PD&C manages design and construction for new buildings, renovations, repairs, and infrastructure across the University of Missouri campus. The unit provides planning, architecture, interior design, engineering, space planning, project management, and construction services.
PD&C manages design and construction for new buildings, renovations, repairs, and infrastructure across the University of Missouri campus. The unit provides planning, architecture, interior design, engineering, space planning, project management, and construction services.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.