Position Summary

Ready to take charge of essential campus systems and keep operations running smoothly? Join our team as a Building Service Engineer and play a critical role in maintaining and repairing the core systems that support our learning environment.

Under general supervision, you’ll perform skilled work in the operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of a wide range of HVAC and mechanical systems. This role goes beyond typical operations, offering you the opportunity to ensure campus facilities function safely, efficiently, and reliably every day.

Key Responsibilities:

• HVAC Systems Maintenance
   Independently operate, maintain, inspect, diagnose, and repair a broad array of heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems across campus.
• System Testing & Calibration
   Test, adjust, and calibrate boiler and air-conditioning equipment, along with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and microprocessor-based control instruments.
• System Repairs & Installation
   Make repairs to steam, gas, water, refrigerant, air, and oil distribution systems. Replace or repair bearings, shafts, seals, rings, and electrical wiring. Install and service central system parts, gauges, valves, and piping.
• Preventive Maintenance
   Implement a proactive and thorough preventive maintenance program designed to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of all relevant systems.
• Emergency Response
   Respond to urgent maintenance issues to protect life safety, property, and the university’s educational mission, ensuring minimal disruption and rapid restoration of essential services.
• Project Collaboration
   Participate in the successful completion of maintenance and construction projects while supporting the university's operational goals and learning environment.

What We Offer:

• Skill Development
   Build expertise across a wide range of mechanical, HVAC, and utility systems in a dynamic and collaborative campus environment.
• Autonomy
   Take ownership of daily maintenance and problem-solving responsibilities with the trust and support to work independently.
• Professional Growth
   Join a team that values craftsmanship, integrity, and continuous improvement—where your contributions directly impact the success and safety of the entire campus community.
  
  

Be a key player in powering San Diego State University’s mission. Your expertise and attention to detail will keep our facilities running efficiently and ensure a safe, comfortable environment for all.

Position Information

• Full-time(1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.

SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university.  Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.

For more information regarding the Facilities Services department, click here.

Education and Experience

Knowledge: Work requires thorough knowledge of high and low pressure boilers, and heating, pneumatic, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration and other mechanical equipment; thorough knowledge of the methods, tools and materials used in the operation, maintenance and repair of such equipment; general knowledge of ventilation principles, thermal dynamics, and closed water systems; working knowledge of energy management systems including the ability to understand and use system features; and a general knowledge of the applicable state and federal safety codes and regulations pertaining to mechanical and HVAC systems. 

Abilities: Must be able to install, operate and repair HVAC equipment and systems; demonstrate a high degree of mechanical skill equivalent to journey-level in one or more related trades such as plumbing, pipe fitting, electrical, or air conditioning; read, interpret and work from blueprints, plans, drawings and specifications; make rough sketches; estimate cost, time and materials of mechanical work; maintain records and retrieve data related to work performed using manual and/or computerized record-keeping systems; prepare standard reports; provide instruction to unskilled and semi-skilled assistants; analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations; read and write at a level appropriate to the position; and perform arithmetic calculations as required by the position. 

Experience: These abilities normally would be acquired through two years of journey-level experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of boilers, heating, ventilating, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and systems or the equivalent combination of formal course work in mechanical technology and hands-on experience.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations, including health and safety codes, CalOSHA, and Federal OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of safe working techniques and safety equipment and must be aware of the typical hazards of the workplace as well as the special hazard that may be encountered (biohazards, chemicals, asbestos/lead containing materials).
• Ability to install, operate and repair HVAC equipment and systems and perform skilled work on all applicable equipment and systems.
• Ability to make rough sketches of HVAC installations; read and work from operating manuals, blueprints, plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to estimate and labor cost of standard HVAC maintenance and repair work; maintain records and retrieve data related to work performed using manual/computerized record keeping systems.
• Proficient in utilizing building automation systems (BAS) to diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC issues, optimize energy efficiency, and monitor and adjust system performance based on real-time data.
• General knowledge of ventilation principles such as airflow calculation, duct sizing and static pressure calculations, pneumatic electric/electronic controls, co-generation plant operation and principles.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $71,976 - $104,844 per year (Step 1 - Step 20); Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 7 ($81,048) for highly qualified candidates. Future increases, including step advancement, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by August 21, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Michelle Puentes at mpuentes2@sdsu.edu.