Design Engineer

Summary

Job Category:
Facility Planning, Design, and Construction
Job Title:
Design Engineer
Job Category Definition:
This category covers all aspects of facility management, master planning, real estate services, building and infrastructure design, project design reviews, design and construction standard development, and construction project management. Responsibilities of these positions include: programmatic administration, coordination and management of projects, budgetary oversight, facilities management, and leadership of programs and services. Functions may include specialized architectural, engineering, site, and construction services; energy engineering; building code analysis; project scheduling, estimating, and management; and support of operations and maintenance.
Job Title Definition:
The Design Engineer conducts investigations, evaluations, and design of building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), site and civil work and structural engineering; projects may be new construction or renovation of University owned facilities at all locations; leads or participates in the development of in-house engineering designs for projects and produce technical studies and construction documents for projects of varying size and scope; performs construction administration duties; reviews engineering designs prepared by outside consultants; helps to formulate and enforce design standards; leads or participates in feasibility studies for future projects; works with community representatives on zoning, building permitting, and other regulatory issues of common interest; relies heavily on computers, design and analysis software and the experience they gather over their careers to perform their duties. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:
Depending on the specific position held, a valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required.

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCPD0601 I Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in an Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure:
FE preferred; Valid PA Driver’s License and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required
Typical Work Duties
  • Assist with the operational reviews and designs of facilities building systems or site work
  • Apply standard practices and techniques in solving problems related to facilities operation and maintenance
  • Contribute to investigations and development of new concepts to solve unique problems in various facilities
  • Contribute data/findings for use in technical reports, designs, documents, or oral/written presentations
  • Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and clients to accomplish organizational goals; may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group level; network primarily with own technical peer group
  • Assist with engineering design functions under the direction of a Registered Professional Engineer
  • Apply standard practices and techniques in engineering
  • Participate on a design team in the preparation of design documents and cost estimates in varying stages for minor to standard engineering designs
  • Assist in the oversight of the installation of such projects
  • Meet with customers; define project scope of work; establish and maintain design and construction schedules and budgets
  • Provide support throughout the project and provide status updates throughout project life
  • Counsel and monitor the professional development of designers
  • Provide assistance to University personnel requiring engineering advice or direction
  • Assist with analysis and evaluation of products for universal University use
  • Provide input into the development and documentation of specific University design standards for use by all professionals working on University design projects
  • Serve on committees as needed

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCPD0602 J Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: FE or PE license preferred
Typical Work Duties
  • Conduct operational reviews and designs of facilities building systems
  • Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of theories and engineering principles basic to the development and improvement of various engineering systems; solve complex and detailed problems related to facilities operation and maintenance
  • Conduct investigations and assist in development of new concepts to solve unique problems related to facilities in the area of energy, electrical systems, mechanical systems or other building infrastructure systems
  • Write technical reports, documents, designs and produce oral/written presentations based on the results of investigations and surveys
  • Perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope
  • Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and clients to accomplish organizational goals; may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group level; network within and beyond own technical peer group
  • Supervise the work of engineering aides, designers and interns
  • Perform engineering design functions under the direction of a Registered Professional Engineer
  • Participate on a design team in the preparation of design documents and cost estimates in varying stages for minor to standard engineering designs
  • Lead development of in-house designs for projects of moderate scope
  • Assist in the oversight of the installation of such projects
  • Meet with customers; define project scope of work; establish and maintain design and construction schedules and budgets
  • Provide support throughout the project and provide status updates throughout project life
  • Serve on committees as needed
  • Counsel and monitor the professional development of designers
  • Provide professional consultation to University personnel requiring engineering advice or direction
  • Assist with analysis and evaluation of products for universal University use
  • Provide input into the development and documentation of specific University design standards for use by all professionals working on University design projects

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCPD0603 K Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

5+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: PE license preferred
Typical Work Duties
  • Assist in concept development and participate in the design analyses of engineering systems independently evaluating, selecting, and applying scientific or engineering procedures and techniques to assignments
  • Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of goals and objectives; responsible for assuring quality, cost effectiveness and timeliness of assigned projects
  • Identify problems and related technical issues leading to long-term, generic solutions; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs
  • Plan and perform tasks of a larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope; assemble team members
  • Author/co-author on reports, proposals, and presentations
  • Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members to accomplish organizational goals; provide ideas to improve organizational efficiency at group and department levels
  • Maintain external relationships to identify and develop new opportunities for services and ways to assist client needs
  • Stay abreast of new technologies, new regulations and changing market conditions that can impact the services provided and the need of the clients
  • Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills
  • Provide engineering design and preparation of construction drawings and specifications for moderate to complex engineering projects, which may include new construction and renovation/upgrade of existing systems
  • Collaborate with design team and building users to establish scope of work, budget and design direction for projects; establish and maintain design and construction schedules; and budgets
  • Serve as point of information and contact related to conference minutes, shop drawing and review and logs, change order review and logs, and answering requests for information
  • Provide project status updates throughout design and construction
  • Prepare feasibility studies for future projects
  • Perform most project design functions in registered discipline
  • Assist with development of University design standards by reviewing construction documents via the design review process to ensure that adopted standards of design are adhered to
  • Provide professional consultation to University personnel requiring Engineering advice or direction
  • Analyze products for universal University use; develop, recommend and document area specific University design standards for use by all professionals working on University design projects
  • Counsel, monitor and mentor the professional development of engineers-in-training and designers
  • Serve on committees as requested

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCPD0604 L Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

10+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registration or Licensure: PE license required
Typical Work Duties
  • Manage multiple or large projects; plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work of a major project or in a total project of moderate steps
  • Determine feasibility of goals/objectives; may evaluate proposed or ongoing projects
  • Create opportunities to enhance technical methodology through expansion of existing or development of new efforts; contribute or lead in development of new concepts and applications in facilities management
  • Provide innovative problem solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities; use peer network to expand technical capabilities and identify new opportunities and ways to serve clients
  • Contribute to broad strategic objectives; nurture and maintain relationships with major customers or external funding
  • Initiate new project concepts and seek funding
  • May develop and prepare and material for and teach workshops and short courses; coordinate or supervise the educational program development and delivery of other engineers
  • Lead design teams in the engineering design and in the preparation of construction drawings and specifications for complex engineering projects, which may include new construction and renovation/upgrade of existing systems
  • Collaborate with design team and building users to establish scope of work, budget and design direction for projects; establish and maintain design and construction schedules and budgets
  • Act as main point of information and contact related to conference minutes, shop drawing and review and logs, change order review and logs, and answering requests for information
  • Provide project status updates throughout design and construction
  • Prepare feasibility studies for future projects
  • Perform all required project design functions in registered discipline
  • Administer University design standards by reviewing construction documents via the design review process to ensure that adopted standards of design are adhered to
  • Provide professional consultation to University personnel requiring engineering advice or direction
  • Analyze and evaluate products for universal University use; develop, recommend and document area specific University design standards for use by all professionals working on University design projects
  • Counsel, monitor and mentor the professional development of engineers-in-training and designers; directly oversee the professional design work of EIT's and designers
  • Serve on committees as requested
  • Supervise designers, engineers-in-training, and/or other engineers

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
FCPD0605 M Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

11+ years related experience

Master’s Degree or higher in Engineering or related discipline

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications, Registrations or Licensure: PE license required
Typical Work Duties
  • Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, and supervise the work of staff engineers and technicians
  • Coordinate activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation and development of novel concepts and approaches
  • Devise plan and lead work on extremely complex problems that impacts current services or addresses broad issues of facilities management
  • Maintain liaison with individuals and units within and outside project, with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to own field
  • Propose and lead new initiatives; guide programs of national significance; identify future problems, trends and opportunities in facilities management
  • Direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation
  • May develop and prepare and material for and teach workshops and short courses; supervise the educational program development and delivery of other engineers
  • Perform all required project design functions in registered discipline
  • Professional seal construction documents and other documents (developed under the employee's direct professional supervision) required to be submitted for review by local municipality, local authority having jurisdiction, or Pennsylvania Labor and Industries
  • Lead or serve on committees as requested

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.