University Engineer

The Office of the University Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining technically sound, well-documented, and compliant infrastructure at Virginia Tech. By integrating engineering expertise with strategic planning, facility data management, design standards enforcement, systems analysis and oversight. The OUE supports the long-term sustainability and functionality of university facilities. These efforts enhance campus operations, promote compliance with evolving regulations, and ensure the efficiency of Virginia Tech’s buildings and infrastructure systems. The office is structured into specialized teams, each contributing a crucial role in managing the life cycles of the University’s buildings and infrastructure assets:

The BUILDS (Buildings, Utilities, Infrastructure, Library Data and Survey) team manages and maintains Virginia Tech’s infrastructure and facility records, ensuring accurate, up-to-date documentation for decision-making, operations, and strategic planning. The team consists of the following units:

■ University Surveyor Team: Collects and verifies as-built utility and property data, interpreting deeds, easements, and construction information.

■ Space Data (CAD) Team: Provides accurate floor plans, verifies room attributes, and updates space management databases (AiM/HokieServ).

■ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Team: Maintains enterprise GIS asset databases, collects field data, and provides mapping and visualization tools.

■ Plans Library: Manages the Laserfiche digital repository of construction plans and as-built documents, ensuring efficient document retrieval.

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This team is responsible for design and construction consistency across campus projects by:

■ Maintaining and updating the Design & Construction Standards Manual (DCSM), checklists, and appendices to reflect evolving university and industry standards.

■ Providing stakeholders with guidance, training, and access to design standards.

■ Tracking and managing waivers related to design and construction standards to ensure compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements.

The Engineering Services team provides technical expertise and oversight for campus utilities and infrastructure systems. Key responsibilities include:

■ Plan Review: Assess mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and transportation systems for compliance with university and industry standards.

■ System Performance & Risk Management: Evaluate building system performance, identify equipment failures, assess infrastructure systems capacities, and provide recommendations for renewal to address risks.

■ Infrastructure Renewal & Budget Planning: Recommend Maintenance Reserve priorities and prepare six-year capital budget project requests.

■ Supports the evaluation/transfer of building systems from construction to the facilities operations.

■ Support of Strategic Initiatives: Oversee major projects such as the Utility Master Plan, Solar PPA or campus mobility framework project.

Over the past decade, Virginia Tech has become a leader in seeking a sustainable society, with the university’s original Climate Action Commitment endorsed by the Board of Visitors in 2009 and revised and reaffirmed in 2014 and 2020.

Sustainability is an integral part of the fabric of the university as Virginia Tech pursues enhanced economic stability and affordability, diversity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, expansion of knowledge, and education of future leaders.

The Office of Sustainability works to educate the Virginia Tech community about how to live a more sustainable and low-impact lifestyle through behavior change and an understanding of the impacts one’s personal actions can have on a global scale. The office works with the understanding that even the smallest behavior changes can create a more sustainable world.

The Site & Infrastructure Services team ensures compliance with stormwater management and environmental regulations while overseeing infrastructure-related permit processes. Key responsibilities include:

■ Stormwater & Erosion Control Compliance: Reviewing stormwater and erosion control plans and issuing permits for construction and land disturbance activities.

■ Infrastructure Management: Overseeing fire hydrant flushing, sewer flow monitoring, and dam safety programs.

■ Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs): Conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.