Building Service Engineer

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary San Diego State University is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Building Service Engineer to support the Office of Housing Administration . In this role, you will maintain, repair, and optimize campus HVAC and mechanical systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable building operations. Responsibilities include performing corrective and preventive maintenance, diagnosing system issues, maintaining accurate documentation, and collaborating with other trades to support campus facilities. Key Responsibilities Corrective Maintenance Diagnose, repair, and maintain HVAC systems including boilers, chillers, air conditioning units, cooling towers, and distribution systems. Test, calibrate, and adjust mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and microprocessor control systems. Perform emergency repairs and respond to service requests to restore air flow, temperature, and humidity balance. Utilize building automation systems to troubleshoot issues and optimize energy efficiency. Preventive Maintenance Perform scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance on HVAC and mechanical systems to ensure proper operation and reduce downtime. Replace filters, belts, pulleys, bearings, and other components as needed. Prepare material lists, maintain shop inventory, and coordinate with other trades to support maintenance projects. Documentation & System Monitoring Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment logs, and work order documentation using computerized systems. Review building automation systems for alarms, defects, and performance concerns. Why Join Us? Apply advanced HVAC expertise in a dynamic campus environment. Support safe, efficient, and energy-conscious building operations. Work collaboratively across trades to maintain critical infrastructure. Contribute to the comfort and safety of the SDSU community. If you are a skilled facilities professional who takes pride in quality workmanship, reliability, and supporting a vibrant campus community, we encourage you to apply and join our team. Position Information This is a full-time (1.0 time-based), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This 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 3:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. This 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. The Department of Facilities Services 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 over 200 employees (full-time and students) and supports approximately 8 million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land. The Office of Housing Administration (OHA) is a self-funded operation responsible for planning, providing, and administering housing operations, services, and facilities with over 100 employees and more than 150 student assistants. With an annual operating budget exceeding $159 million, OHA provides housing for over 9,000 students, live-in professional staff, and faculty across 25 residential buildings totaling more than 2 million square feet of residential facilities. OHA also operates SDSU-IV housing at the Imperial Valley campus. OHA manages the operation of residence halls, apartments, and conference and event spaces. In partnership with the Residential Education Office (REO), OHA supports the educational mission of the university while providing the business operations for all housing-related functions, ensuring a high-quality environment that enhances the student educational experience. For more information regarding the Office of Housing Administration, 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 boiler, 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 Demonstrated experience responding to emergency situations, including identifying, securing, and reporting unsafe conditions. Experience reading and interpreting equipment manuals and electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and construction schematics/drawings. Demonstrated knowledge of safe work practices, hazard recognition (including biohazards, chemicals, asbestos/lead-containing materials), and emergency response procedures. Experience collaborating with maintenance teams to ensure reliable building systems and services. Experience operating maintenance vehicles, specialized tools, and mechanical/electrical equipment. Proficiency using computers or handheld devices for work order management, labor tracking, and Building Automation Systems (BAS). Experience working in confined spaces, at heights, outdoors in varying weather conditions, and around hazardous materials. Flexibility and reliability to work overtime, occasional holidays, adjusted schedules, and respond to emergency call-backs as needed. Experience coordinating with Housing Maintenance Services staff to support reliable building operations (preferred). Two years of experience in central plant operations, including water quality maintenance in closed-loop hydronic systems and cooling towers, and utilization of BAS to optimize building comfort and equipment efficiency (preferred). Licenses/Certifications Required Valid California Driver’s License or 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 : CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,998 - $8,737 per month (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 ($6,754/month) 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 March 11, 2026 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 accommodation will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Sophia Faulk at srfaulk@sdsu.edu .

Keywords: San Diego State University, San Diego , Building Service Engineer, Engineering , San Diego, California