Principal Energy Engineer; Cal Poly Energy, Utilities Sustainability
Listed on 2026-02-03
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Engineering
Operations Manager, Environmental Engineer -
Management
Operations Manager
Overview
Are you a principal-level energy engineer prepared to lead the optimization and long-term evolution of campus energy infrastructure? If so, you may have a strong interest in this role.
At the intersection of engineering expertise and sustainability leadership, the Principal Energy Engineer is responsible for turning energy strategy into action. Under the supervision of the Director of Energy, Utilities & Sustainability, this role leads the planning, optimization, and commissioning of campus energy systems, manages a high-impact green revolving fund, and builds an in-house team dedicated to improving HVAC, lighting, and building automation performance campus-wide.
Why would you want to work for the Cal Poly & be a part of the CSU Family?
Watch this and find out!
Facilities Management and Development (FMD), a unit within the Administration and Finance Division (A&F), is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and repair of university facilities, grounds, and infrastructure. FMD consists of four critical and interdependent support departments, including Customer & Business Services;
Facilities Planning & Capital Projects;
Facilities Operations; and Energy, Utilities & Sustainability. In support of the Cal Poly mission, the Facilities Management and Development department is committed to sustainability, responsible stewardship of natural resources, and promoting an inclusive culture that values individual and organizational integrity, civility, equity, and diversity.
- In close coordination with the Director of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, manage the newly established multi-million-dollar DEEP Energy Fund, including the planning, prioritization, execution and annual accounting of key energy efficiency projects on campus.
- Serve as the campus lead and administrator of campus building automation system (Siemens and otherwise) including managing support contracts, key upgrades and driving key investments to fully leverage these systems.
- In close coordination with the Director of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability, lead long-range planning efforts for the retrofit, and/or replacement of the main campus heating and cooling central plant and two satellite heating plants to optimize carbon reductions in alignment with campus goals.
- Oversee campus building commissioning (new construction and retro-commissioning of existing buildings) including supervision of the campus in-house commissioning agent and any contracted commissioning agents.
- Develop and manage a small trade shop focused on energy optimization and upgrades of building HVAC and lighting systems across campus. This trade shop may include Maintenance Mechanics, Building Service Engineers, Control Specialists and/or Electricians.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or related field AND eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction, operation, commissioning and/or maintenance of mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of (or ability to obtain by date of hire) a valid California Driver’s License.
Salary and BenefitsThe anticipated hiring range for this role is $122,000 - $153,000 per year. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including…
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