Utility Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Utility Project Engineer

Department

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260629

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/10/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 09/01/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled No

Description of Work

Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. We invest in our staff by offering fantastic benefits like vacation, sick, and holiday pay, a variety of insurance options, retirement plans, and numerous others. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska’s economy each year.
Husker Energy & Power has three levels of Utility Project Engineers, and the level is determined by a candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and applicable licensure.

• Assist with providing technical support and review for new installations and upgrades of district energy infrastructure, including production and distribution systems for steam, chilled water, and medium voltage electricity.
• Provide continuous communication to internal staff, suppliers, contractors, university project managers, and design firms to ensure projects are executed on time and within budget.
• Assist with the preparation and facilitation of design reviews with internal stakeholders.
• Review and comment on drawings and submittals from design firms and contractors.
• Collaborate with contractors, design professionals, and internal staff to schedule and manage project execution.
• Develop knowledge of plant MEP systems and applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in developing and reviewing technical specifications, standards, drawings, and contracts for engineering services and construction projects.
• Assist with the design and management of small to medium-scale infrastructure upgrade projects, collaborating with internal stakeholders to define the appropriate scope for repairs and upgrades.
• Manage project documentation, including operating and maintenance procedures for new equipment and updating existing technical documentation to reflect infrastructure modifications.

In addition to the Level I requirements, the Level II engineer will:

• Provide technical support and review for new installations and upgrades of district energy infrastructure, including production and distribution systems for steam, chilled water and medium voltage electricity.
• Prepare and facilitate design reviews with internal stakeholders.
• Review and approve drawings and submittals from design firms and contractors.
• Assist with the development of departmental standards, processes, and tools for the design and review of new equipment, replacements, repairs, and upgrades.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and review technical specifications, standards, drawings, and contracts for engineering services and construction projects.
• Design and manage small to medium-scale infrastructure upgrade projects, collaborating with internal stakeholders to define the appropriate scope for repairs and upgrades.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop operating and maintenance procedures for new equipment and update existing technical documentation to reflect infrastructure modifications.

In addition to the Level I and Level II requirements, the Senior engineer will:

• Provide continuous communication to internal staff, suppliers, contractors, university project managers, and design firms to ensure projects are executed on time and within budget.
• Lead the preparation, execution, and continuous improvement of design reviews with internal stakeholders.
• Develop departmental standards, processes, and tools for the design and review of equipment installations, replacements, repairs, and upgrades.
• Lead the development and review of technical specifications, standards, drawings, and contracts for engineering services and construction projects.
• Evaluate small to medium-sized infrastructure improvement initiatives within the department to verify compliance with relevant codes and the application of proper engineering design methodologies.
• Develop and maintain processes for continual review of department technical documentation to confirm accuracy.
• Support leadership and contribute to long-range infrastructure planning efforts and the development and implementation of departmental vision and goals.
• Train, mentor, and verify work of other staff, students, temp, and/or on-call personnel.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

EEO Statement

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Management, or Geotechnical Engineering or other related field of study or equivalent education/experience.
• Analytical acumen with the ability to collect data, apply intuition, and design efficient workflows.
• Creative design skills with the ability to apply design principles to generate innovative solutions.
• Commitment to safety and willingness to learn about safe work practices before putting them into action.
• Sound judgment, problem -solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong time management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Team oriented with effective communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Familiar with change management including development, communicating implementation plans, and managing transitions.
• Familiar with developing strategies for cost reduction.
• Innovative with the ability to present new ideas and information.
• Strong reasoning skills, able to define problems, collect and analyze data, and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Knowledge of business practices to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from diverse audiences.
• Valid driver’s license and eligible to drive on University business.

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, Level II minimum qualifications are:

• 3+ years of engineering experience with progressive responsibility and the design of industrial mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing systems.
• Knowledgeable of plant MEP systems and applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in delegating work assignments, setting expectations, and monitoring delegated activities.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking to develop effective strategies to meet organizational goals, assess external threats and opportunities, and adjust plans to adapt to changing conditions.
• Proactive risk identification and management skills to avoid delays and cost overruns.
• Proficient with change management including development, communicating implementation plans, and managing transitions.
• Proficient with developing strategies for cost reduction.
• Received a pass rate or higher on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, a Senior level minimum qualifications include:

• 6+ years of engineering experience with progressive responsibility and the design of industrial mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing systems.
• 3+ years’ experience training, mentoring, and/or providing functional supervision.
• 3+ years’ experience conducting design reviews for diverse audiences.
• Proven people management skills, including involving staff in planning, decision-making, process improvement, and facilitation.
• Strong business acumen with a thorough understanding of the market and competition, and a demonstrated ability to align work with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Advanced skills in change management including development, communicating implementation plans, and managing transitions.
• Advanced skills developing strategies for cost reduction.
• Advanced skills in business practices to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Nebraska Professional Engineer license and/or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Utility Project Engineer Level I, Level II, and Senior preferred qualifications are:

• Experience within a university facilities setting.
• Experience in the design, construction, and/or operation of thermal and electrical production and distribution systems (e.g., boilers, chillers, underground piping systems, substations, underground electrical distribution systems, and/or industrial facilities).
• Knowledgeable of plant MEP systems and applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with relevant engineering software and tools for design, analysis, and project management including Computer-Aided Design ( CAD ), hydraulic modeling, data historians, pipe stress modeling, and/or others.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices.
• Knowledge of construction processes, materials, and methods related to utility infrastructure projects.

In addition to the above, Level II preferred qualifications include:

• Familiarity with project management processes.
• Commitment to enhancing knowledge of technical skills, industry trends, and best practices in utility engineering and construction.
• Effective presentation skills for conveying project updates, proposals, and findings to diverse audiences.
• Project Management Professional ( PMP )
• Certified Energy Manager ( CEM )
• Certified Industrial Energy Professional ( CIEP )

In addition to the above, Senior level preferred qualifications include:

• Proficiency with relevant engineering software and tools for design, analysis, and project management including Computer-Aided Design ( CAD ), hydraulic modeling, operational data historians, pipe stress modeling, and/or others.
• Familiarity with regional energy markets, trends, and regulations to anticipate risk and enhance strategic decision-making.
• Knowledge of contract administration principles, including negotiation, drafting, and management.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Management, or Geotechnical Engineering or other related field of study.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes

Physical Required

Physical Required Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Posted Salary Salary commensurate upon experience

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Management, or Geotechnical Engineering or other related field of study or equivalent education/experience?
  • Yes
  • No