Emric Howard

• As the Mechanical Engineer, I am responsible for maintaining all of the components of the New Embassy Compound (NEC) and Old Embassy Compound (OEC) Mechanical Systems including the Building Automation System, Chiller Plant, Air Handling Units, Variable Air Volume (VAV) System, the Potable Water treatment plant and distribution system, Sanitary Sewage and storm water management systems, the irrigation system, the swimming pool equipment, and the Oil Water Separator Systems.
• Responsibilities include supervision of the posts maintenance staff that maintains all mechanical equipment and systems throughout the New Embassy Compound/New Consulate Compound (NEC/NCC) office, residential and ancillary buildings, and the grounds.
• Oversees the operations and maintenance of large, complex, mechanical systems and equipment including the Building Automation System, air handling units, the air and/or water-cooled chiller plant, VAV boxes, motorized, gravity and fire dampers, the potable water treatment facility and distribution system, the fire suppression system including the fire pump, the sanitary sewage and storm water management systems, swimming pool and associated equipment, the irrigation system, and oil water separator system. Resolves complicated mechanical problems with minimal disruption to NEC/NCC operations and restores these systems to their designed operating parameters and efficiency following the manufacturer’s guidance and industry best practices. Tasks include regular exercise of the fire pump, valves and dampers; lubrication of mechanical joints, gears and bearings; testing of the potable water; adjustments to dosing system equipment; air balancing, etc.
• Oversees an aggressive and comprehensive preventative maintenance program for critical and non-critical HVAC equipment and systems by directing subordinate mechanical technicians from the facility maintenance staff, and/or monitoring contracted service providers – ensuring they use KPIs to analyze equipment and system performance, and that their repair and service techniques are code and life safety compliant. Maintains; monitors; troubleshoots; configures; identifies; isolates and corrects faults; performs diagnostic tests; ensures the proper operations of designated equipment and systems. Prepares weekly, monthly and annual status reports, documenting the operation performance, and efficiency of equipment and systems, with recommendations to the Senior/Deputy Facility Manager for scheduling outages for preventive maintenance, major overhauls, or replacement. Solves complicated mechanical problems to increase mechanical systems efficiency. Estimates future maintenance costs and potential savings; formulates recommended mechanical projects and assists the Facility Manager with future project and annual budget projections.
• Develop an in-depth working knowledge of the general contractual and detailed requirements of the construction contract for the Post managed projects and other Agency Projects as appropriate. Observe the execution of construction to assure adherence to approved drawings and specifications, inspect construction workmanship, materials, methods of equipment, and report to Senior Facility Manager as to their conformity and non- conformity to the approved drawings and specifications. Make recommendations to the Senior Facility Manager on how to correct deficiencies and resolve problems during construction. Work independently and maintain daily construction surveillance logs insuring contractor compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract as warranted between the construction contractor and the Government. The value of construction contract oversight will not exceed $250,000.

Focused on all components of the mechanical systems, the Mechanical Engineer provides budget input for operating, maintenance and repair, and replacement costs to include all tools, special equipment and spare parts required to maintain all systems within the designed operational performance requirements and within operating budget limits. Assists the Senior/Deputy Facility Manager in briefing post management on work and project status. Attends senior level staff meetings, as delegated, to provide justifications for equipment/system outages for preventive maintenance, minor repairs, major overhauls, or replacement.

The Mechanical Engineer position will assist in maintaining post’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) known as Global Maintenance Management System (GMMS) for the mechanical department, in conjunction with post’s Work Control Clerk to ensure that planned preventative service events and unscheduled events are recorded/documented in the CMMS and closed out when they are completed. Manages and maintains the mechanical portion of the technical library consisting of as-built documents (plans and specifications), operations and maintenance manuals, manufacturer’s data sheets, list of spare parts and tools, manufacturer’s and supplier’s contact data, and warranty information on mechanical equipment and systems.

products and services outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and other contract requirements. Additional duties include the following: develop project acceptance reports; punch lists management; quality control inspections with tests as required, and project/contract closeout documents.

Develops short- and long-range work plans for self and others; prioritizes assignments based upon criticality and order of receipt.

Ancillary / Collateral Duties: 10%

Perform any other engineering support duties related to Facility Management operations as may be requested by the Facility Manager. Participate in executive meetings and conduct discussions with local/municipal authorities, as appropriate, on matters pertaining to the utilities and or construction site activities when requested by the Facility Manager.

Review and analyze material samples, catalogues and brochures, shop drawings, installation manuals, and other technical documents submitted by the construction contractor for conformity with construction contract requirements. Prepare written reports of the analysis, incorporating the comments, and provide recommendations and alternatives for appropriate action to the Facility Manager.

Assists the Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO) in the day-to-day management of the safety program. Provides weekly safety training to subordinate staff on various topics such as use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lock-out/tag-out procedures, ladder safety, and confine space entry safety. Conducts daily inspections of facilities to ensure fire and life safety practices are in compliance with DOS fire and live safety requirements. Develops deficiency reports with recommendations for solutions along with independent government cost estimates to bring facilities, especially mechanical equipment and systems, into compliance. Ensures that OBO Fire and SHEM deficiency reports and action items are corrected in a timely manner, and that on line reporting (SMARTS) requirements are kept up to date. Performs inspections of safety repairs for compliance with DOS requirements to ensure work does not present health problems or risk of injury to mission staff, contract workers or visitors to the facility.

• Performing Quality Assurance and Control during the construction of the New US Embassy New Office Building.
• Conducted material analysis to determine suitability for various applications.
• Collaborated with team members on engineering projects and design reviews.
• Supported testing procedures for mechanical systems and devices.
• Participated in safety assessments to ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Attended training sessions to learn about advanced engineering techniques and tools.
• Maintained records of all activities related to mechanical engineering projects.
• Inspected equipment installations and repairs as necessary to ensure quality control.
• Developed and tested mechanical components to ensure proper functioning.
• Trained personnel on operating procedures related to machinery maintenance and repair.
• Created detailed drawings using AutoCAD software for parts fabrication and assembly.
• Performed root cause analysis of problems, documented faults in tracking system and generated daily reports.

• Supervised mechanical maintenance activities for port equipment and machinery.
• Coordinated maintenance schedules for equipment to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
• Trained team members on machinery operation and best safety practices.
• Monitored inventory levels of spare parts and ordered supplies as needed.
• Conducted inspections of equipment to identify and address potential issues promptly.
• Collaborated with engineering teams on process improvements and equipment upgrades.
• Implemented preventive maintenance programs to extend equipment lifespan and reliability.
• Led safety meetings to promote a culture of safety among staff members.
• Developed preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Inspected installations for compliance with safety regulations and company standards.
• Supervised the design, fabrication, installation, testing, maintenance and repair of complex mechanical equipment.
• Responded to critical breakdowns and directed team response.
• Resolved customer complaints about malfunctioning machines in an efficient manner.
• Supervised daily mechanical operations to ensure compliance with safety standards.