Mechanical Engineer (West Lafayette, IN, US)

Purdue University

Experience: 2+ yrs
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

PI archive database
Spreadsheets
Word processing

About the role

Job Summary

Mechanical Engineer
Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN

Help keep Purdue’s campus running with reliable, efficient utility systems that support learning, research, and daily operations.

As a Mechanical Engineer supporting the Wade Utility Plant, you’ll play a key role in maintaining and improving the systems that power a major research university. This position offers the opportunity to apply your engineering expertise in a collaborative environment where your ideas, judgment, and problem-solving skills directly support Purdue’s operational excellence and long-term infrastructure goals.

What You’ll Do

Provide engineering support for the maintenance and operations of the Wade Utility Plant
Review and evaluate engineering designs, new products, equipment, services, and technologies
Support Heat and Power, Utilities Operations, and Physical Facilities staff with troubleshooting, technical guidance, and problem resolution
Manage and coordinate stewardship projects, including system and equipment outages
Contribute to the selection and procurement of owner-furnished major equipment for utilities-related projects
Investigate Power Plant systems, collect baseline performance data, and help determine optimum operating conditions
Recommend improvements to plant equipment, operations, and overall system performance
Plan, develop, and implement projects, including redlining drawings, preparing specifications, and coordinating with contractors
Work with vendors to obtain information and services for plant equipment
Assist in revising and developing operating procedures for plant systems
Contribute to utilities master planning, condition assessments, and system modeling
Train power plant personnel on system optimization

What You Bring

A strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and utility or plant operations
The ability to solve technical problems, evaluate systems, and make practical recommendations
Experience working collaboratively across operations, engineering, vendors, and campus partners
Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
A proactive mindset and interest in improving systems, processes, and performance

Why Purdue?
At Purdue, your work supports a mission that reaches far beyond the utility plant. You’ll join a team that values innovation, stewardship, and continuous improvement while contributing to the infrastructure that enables teaching, research, and campus life every day. This is a place where engineering expertise has visible impact, and where thoughtful improvements help strengthen a large, complex environment serving thousands of people.

About Us

Be a part of Administrative Operations—the organization that powers Purdue University by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. We support the university’s day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic vision for the future.

Administrative Operations delivers a wide range of essential services through various positions, including custodians, construction project managers, electricians, firefighters, groundskeepers, plumbers and more. We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals as we continue to grow strong, service-focused teams across campus.

Team members work in collaborative environments where their contributions directly impact the success and daily experience of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

Our employees benefit from the stability of year-round work, competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.

Apply now to begin your career with Administration Operations!

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required, Mechanical Engineering preferred
Two (2) years of experience in a utilities or related position
Experience in heavy industrial, utilities distribution, and/or utility plant environments is required
Experience working on multiple projects in a team environment

Preferred:

Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Skills Required:

Desire to learn, grow, and contribute to E&U success
Knowledge:
- of applicable codes and regulations is required
- in the functional operation of a Power Plant including areas of electrical generation, instrumentation & controls, and boiler construction, maintenance, and operations, as well as engineering consultation is required
Good:
- planning and organizational skills
- verbal and written communications skills
- interpersonal skills for collaborative work
Demonstrated ability to act as a liaison between multiple parties
Understanding of mechanical engineering design and construction techniques as they relate to power plants and utilities distribution
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 utility plants and utility distribution infrastructure
Must be able to:
- climb stairs, ladders, and work from heights of up to 100 feet
- enter equipment manholes and confined spaces

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
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

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.

About Purdue University

Public research university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

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