Automation engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

The Building People, LLC is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the 81st U.S. Army Reserve Directorate of Public Works (DPW) in Columbia, South Carolina. This position provides an opportunity to support Army Reserve facilities and infrastructure programs that directly contribute to mission readiness.

The successful candidate will work with Army Reserve personnel and multidisciplinary teams to provide engineering, planning, maintenance, and construction support for facility systems throughout the region.

The Building People recognizes that many highly qualified candidates develop their expertise through hands-on field experience, construction leadership, facilities management, military construction, and mechanical systems operations. Candidates with experience supporting HVAC systems, facility infrastructure, maintenance programs, mechanical construction, or construction execution are encouraged to apply.

Professional engineering registrations, HVAC or mechanical licenses, construction management certifications, and relevant trade credentials are preferred but not required. We value practical experience and technical expertise and encourage candidates who have built their careers through mechanical construction, HVAC operations, facilities management, or military construction programs to apply.

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer provides technical and engineering support across the planning, design, maintenance, and execution phases of Army Reserve real property projects. Responsibilities include field data collection, technical drafting, HVAC and mechanical systems support, repair planning, and coordination with project stakeholders to ensure compliance with Army standards and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC).
Responsibilities

Real Property Technical Support

• Provide technical and engineering support throughout planning, design, and execution phases of Army Reserve construction projects.
• Support real property activities through field data collection, technical drafting, and engineering analysis.
• Ensure all work complies with Army and Army Reserve standards, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), and applicable codes.

Field Data Collection and Engineering Support

• Conduct field surveys, utility vault evaluations, and drawing verification activities.
• Collect and document field data supporting real property and facilities management requirements.
• Prepare technical reports and field data collection documentation within required project timelines.
• Coordinate with government personnel and project stakeholders to support successful project execution.

Mechanical Engineering Support

• Provide mechanical engineering technical support for facility systems and infrastructure.
• Diagnose deficiencies and develop repair recommendations for HVAC systems and related mechanical equipment.
• Support routine maintenance activities and assist with troubleshooting mechanical systems.
• Prepare scopes of work, Performance Work Statements (PWS), and Independent Government Estimates (IGE) for repair projects.
• Utilize design documents, specifications, and AutoCAD drawings to support repair planning and project execution.
• Develop cost-effective solutions while maintaining compliance with UFC safety standards and applicable codes.
• Support an estimated six (6) mechanical engineering projects annually.
• Prepare repair plans and supporting documentation within ten (10) business days of task completion.
• Upload project documentation and records into the Facilities Enterprise Management System (FEMS) or other designated CMMS platforms.
• Coordinate with contractors, maintenance personnel, and project stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.

Travel Requirements

• Perform periodic travel in support of site assessments and project execution activities.
• Approximately fifteen (15) site visits per year, averaging three (3) days in duration, are anticipated.
• All travel will be coordinated and approved in advance by the Government COR.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of engineering experience.
• Experience supporting HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, or building systems.
• Ability to perform field assessments and travel as required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Department of Defense or federal facilities programs.
• Knowledge of Army regulations, Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), and military construction processes.
• Experience with HVAC systems, building controls, facilities maintenance, or infrastructure management.
• Experience developing scopes of work and Independent Government Estimates (IGE).
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS/FEMS).
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Prior military service or experience supporting military installations.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• State-issued Mechanical Contractor license or equivalent trade license.
• Master HVAC, Journeyman HVAC, or equivalent HVAC license.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification.
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• USACE Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM-C) certification.
• Building Operator Certification (BOC).
• LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential.

Security Requirements

• Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) clearance in accordance with applicable Army requirements.