Mechanical Engineer, Technical Review Team

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer (ME) is an engineering role within UBC Facilities, Technical Review Team, and reports directly to the Senior Mechanical Engineer.

The ME oversees the conceptualization, design, and implementation of mechanical systems (HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection) for all projects at UBC as implemented by UBC Properties Trust, UBC Project Service, and the Construction Office. In conjunction with the Senior Mechanical Engineer, the ME is the mechanical system owner’s rep for these projects and is responsible for providing review and consultation on all major mechanical design and construction decisions. The ME participates in the working group which is tasked with maintaining the mechanical sections of the UBC Technical Guidelines; solicits inputs from other parties and is a key player who identifies, develops and implements changes to the mechanical technical guidelines.

The ME also undertakes mechanical feasibility and conceptual studies for proposed projects, including assessment of existing conditions, development of conceptual system options, identification of risks and constraints, and preparation of preliminary recommendations for potential projects. Prepares marked-up drawings, sketches, and supporting documentation that defines scope, system configuration, and installation intent to provide clear direction to contractors for pricing and execution.

The ME is one of UBC’s in-house technical experts as it pertains to design and construction of building mechanical systems and is required to be familiar with modern design practices and pertinent codes and standards. This includes standards related to regulated equipment such as cross-connection standards and boiler, refrigeration, and pressure vessel standards. This position must maintain a high degree of knowledge of existing, new, and emergent technologies relating to building mechanical and control systems to ensure the department is technically supported to provide the high degree of mechanical reliability that the university expects. The incumbent is expected to stay abreast of updates and changes to all applicable Acts, Regulations, and Codes and to maintain regulatory compliance and to support UBC in interpreting these items as needed, including reviewing their applicability and interpretation with relevant regulatory bodies as needed.

The unique and cutting-edge environment at UBC means that the ME’s expertise extends beyond traditional HVAC systems of the commercial sector. The role also provides expertise to researchers and other UBC stakeholders as it relates to meeting their needs for items such as precise environmental control, process cooling, clean rooms, fume hood exhaust systems, or ultra-pure water systems. The ME also actively contributes mechanical expertise to the Campus as a Living Lab strategy and UBC’s Climate Action Plan for campus decarbonization.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Senior Mechanical Engineer, Technical Review Team, Asset Replacement & Improvements.

Work Performed

This role provides strategic direction to UBC’s project delivery groups (Project Services, UBC Properties Trust, Construction Office) with professional engineering services aimed at reducing risk, increasing compliance with applicable codes and regulations (including the UBC Technical Guidelines), increasing reliability and minimizing maintenance costs/effort. This is achieved by:

• Acting as the translator between technical design teams and non-technical project managers. Works to demystify and simplify mechanical design, identify preferred mechanical systems, and provide direction on approach during pre-design phases of projects
• Completing design reviews on work done by outside consultants to identify design deficiencies. Prepares design review reports with comments for return to the consultants. Further liaises with consultants to review the intent of the comments and to develop and implement solutions that provide the best value to UBC. These design reviews cover all aspects of mechanical design and may include equipment access, equipment selections, equipment sizing, hydronic design, maintenance access, and the like.
• Enabling outside consultants to have success in their site reviews and existing building investigations by highlighting parts of the existing systems which may be pertinent to their design and participating in walkthroughs as needed to ensure a high standard of quality. Reviews projects with UBC Trades, technical experts, and clients to solicit feedback that would not otherwise be available to the outside consultant and relays this information to the consultants/Project Manager.
• Reviewing value engineering proposals from a perspective of total overall value to UBC and identifying new value engineering opportunities as available
• Representing UBC Facilities at working group design meetings

The role ensures that new projects are transitioned to UBC Operations, including:

• Attending commissioning meetings in the role of UBC’s Mechanical System Owner’s Rep. Stay apprised of issues as they arise and review solutions. Highlight concerns throughout the commissioning process that may affect UBC Facilities’ ability to successfully operate the building.
• Coordinating handover demonstrations, including educating the projects on what UBC’s requirements and expectations are.
• Provide expertise for troubleshooting mechanical issues that may occur throughout the commissioning process
• Development of demarcation documents which highlight different components of the mechanical system and who is responsible for their maintenance.
• Support to Building Operations in the period following handover to understand technical aspects of projects and support them by ensuring that any deficiencies are relayed to the Project Manager. Works collaboratively towards resolution of any issues or deficiencies.

The role ensures that UBC’s Technical Guidelines are relevant and up-to-date; and

• Actively participates in the Technical Guideline Mechanical Working Group meetings and is responsible for ensuring that the mechanical technical guidelines are updated and relevant.
• Schedules semi-monthly mechanical meetings with mechanical stakeholders across the facilities portfolio at UBCV and UBCO.
• Identifies and develops proposed changes to the Technical Guidelines and solicits proposed changes from the working group.
• Maintains a shared list of proposed changes, and leads discussion with all stakeholders to achieve consensus on proposed revisions.

The role provides mechanical feasibility & conceptual design services for Construction Office and special projects. It will be expected to stamp and seal drawings and reports as required, in addition to:

• Undertaking mechanical feasibility and conceptual studies for proposed projects, including assessment of existing conditions, development of conceptual system options, identification of risks and constraints, and preparation of preliminary recommendations to support decision‑making, budgeting, and project prioritization.
• Developing preliminary scopes of work and conceptual mechanical designs for small and/or low‑risk projects, translating operational and technical requirements into clear and practical design intent.
• Preparing marked‑up drawings, sketches, and supporting documentation that define scope, system configuration, and installation intent to provide clear direction to contractors for pricing and execution.
• Providing technical direction and engineering support to the Construction Office for low‑risk, in‑house–delivered projects, ensuring work aligns with applicable codes, UBC Technical Guidelines, and Facilities operational requirements.
• Engaging with Facilities stakeholders, contractors, UBC tradespeople, and the Construction Office’s project delivery teams to refine scope, resolve constructability issues, and ensure projects can be effectively delivered with minimal operational risk.

May be asked to support technical managers in other departments within Facilities to help them troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical system issues, help develop scope for deferred maintenance projects, and provide mechanical engineering advice for special projects.

Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Deals with extensive data and provides professional mechanical engineering services to every department within Facilities.

Close attention is required to prevent failures and to identify and correct problems that could result in both a serious financial and/or service loss to the University.

The Mechanical Engineer is expected to keep current with respect to building systems and related equipment design, scheduling concepts, project management techniques, engineering principles, and government regulations and codes pertaining to facilities and infrastructure engineering and operations management. Errors of judgement could cause serious physical risks to people on campus and/or result in substantial financial risk to the university.

Supervision Received

Works within general policy guidelines to achieve overall objectives. Work is reviewed in terms of overall results on projects and objectives.

References other managers in problem situations that cannot be resolved within established procedures

Supervision Given

May supervise professional staff including architects, engineers (including EITs), Co-op students, and administrators.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Eligibility for membership in a professional Institute or Association. Minimum of eight years of related architectural and planning experience including experience with major construction or renovation projects, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Progressive professional engineering experience and responsibility within the construction sector, preferably with design and hands-on experience with institutional buildings.

Superior organizational skills with ability to analyze, develop, and interpret data. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively relate information to a diverse group of staff, workers and colleagues.

Ability to utilize personal and remote computers, including knowledge of enterprise maintenance management systems as a management tool. Literacy with AutoCAD systems for engineering and database management tools, as well as computer simulation techniques, is an asset. Experience working within a unionized environment is preferred.