Senior Project Manager/ Mechanical Engineer
- Clemson University
- Clemson, SC, USA
- $57,700 - $90,000 yearly
Job Description
WELCOME TO CLEMSON!
Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?
One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.
Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.
So,... are you ready?
JOB SUMMARY:
The Mechanical Project Manager oversees the planning, design, and execution of new construction and renovation projects with a primary focus on mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and building controls, while supporting other assigned projects as needed. This role ensures projects comply with University, State, and Federal standards, applicable codes and regulations, and industry best practices, delivering high¿quality outcomes on schedule and within budget.
The Mechanical Project Manager collaborates closely with cross¿functional teams, including design professionals, contractors, Utilities and Maintenance teams, and University stakeholders, to successfully achieve project objectives. This position requires expertise in managing complex mechanical systems integration within campus infrastructure and experience with alternative delivery procurement methods, such as Construction Manager at Risk (CM¿R) and Design¿Build (D¿B).
Projects assigned may range in value from $10K to $75M. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES:
-Manages the full lifecycle of construction projects ranging from $10K - $75M, with emphasis on mechanical systems including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, process piping, and building controls, as well as other assigned systems.
- Leads mechanical design and construction efforts to ensure compatibility with existing campus infrastructure and consideration for future expansion and scalability.
- Develops project scope, objectives, mechanical design criteria, and technical specifications in collaboration with engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and University stakeholders.
- Evaluates project feasibility and ensures compliance with University standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
- Supports alternative delivery methods, including Construction Manager at Risk and Design Build, to optimize project outcomes.
- Ensures system reliability, efficiency, and maintainability through coordination with campus utilities, operations, and maintenance teams.
- Identifies and mitigates risks related to mechanical safety, system performance, constructability, energy efficiency, redundancy, and operational continuity.
- Ensures compliance with applicable mechanical, fire, and safety codes, and collaborates with safety and commissioning teams on system testing and startup.
25% - Essential - Financial and Schedule Control
- The Project Manager maintains financial and schedule control for assigned projects, ensuring delivery on time and within approved budgets. The role provides regular updates to customers, University leadership, and stakeholders on project status, milestones, risks, and progress.
- The Project Manager develops and monitors detailed budgets with emphasis on mechanical systems, identifies impacts from coordination issues, long lead equipment, system integration, and unforeseen conditions, and recommends corrective actions. Projects may involve multiple funding sources and contingency planning.
- The position coordinates internal and external teams, including designers, engineers, contractors, commissioning agents, and University staff, ensuring mechanical scope integration and accurate documentation for costs, schedules, changes, and contracts.
- The Project Manager prepares cost estimates, forecasts, and schedules coordinating construction, equipment deliveries, utility outages, and commissioning, and identifies risks with mitigation strategies.
- The role administers contract requirements, supports bid reviews, and applies best practices in mechanical coordination and risk management while maintaining accountability for project delivery.
25% - Essential - Coordination and Consultation
- Serves as the primary liaison for mechanical project scope among University leadership, faculty, facilities and maintenance staff, and external consultants.
- Leads project coordination and progress meetings and prepares clear status updates and technical reports to support effective communication.
- Coordinates with Facilities Maintenance, Utilities, Energy Management, Information Technology, and other campus departments to integrate mechanical systems with building infrastructure and operational needs.
- Engages utility providers and service partners to support mechanical connections, metering, and energy initiatives.
- Reviews mechanical designs for constructability, code compliance, efficiency, and long term maintainability.
- Ensures HVAC, plumbing, building automation, and life safety interfaces meet performance and institutional standards.
- Oversees inspections, testing, startup, and commissioning to confirm proper installation and readiness.
- Supports energy efficient and sustainable solutions, including high efficiency HVAC systems, automation optimization, and heat recovery.
5% - Essential - Training & Mentorship:
- Participates in project management training, leadership development programs, and workshops to strengthen coordination, communication, and delivery skills.
- Provides guidance and support to staff and fellow project managers throughout all phases of design, construction, and closeout, with emphasis on mechanical scope coordination and best practices.
- Actively engages in industry training, professional organizations, and continuing education to stay current on advancements in mechanical systems, project delivery methods, and applicable codes and standards.
- Contributes to continuous improvement initiatives by sharing lessons learned, improving processes, and supporting innovations that enhance the efficiency, quality, and consistency of project delivery.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelor's Degree and relevant project management experience.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering
Work Exp 3+ years
RESPONSIBILITIES
JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
20% - Stand for prolonged period
50% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
40% - Walk or move about
20% - Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
100% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
50% - Recognize or inspect visually
100% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision
WORKING CONDITIONS:
10% - Exposure to heat or cold
10% - Exposure to dust/fumes
10% - Wet or humid
15% - Noise
15% - Vibration
10% - Mechanical hazards
25% - Electrical hazards
WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard Hrs: 37.5
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Anticipated Salary Range: ($ 57,700.00 - $ 90,000.00)
Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.
ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL
Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.
JOB LOCATION:
Clemson, SC
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
June 16, 2026
MILITARY AND VETERAN:
MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.
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