Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent required
P.E. licensure required
10+ years in the AEC Industry preferred
Strong understanding of project financials and client relationships required
Proficiency in Revit required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and flexible personality required
Responsibilities
Lead design and documentation of complex mechanical systems with minimal oversight
Validate and approve key mechanical engineering calculations
Oversee setup of mechanical Revit models and standards
Resolve system conflicts through interdisciplinary collaboration
Serve as primary mechanical technical contact for project teams
Review and approve mechanical submittals and RFIs
Perform site visits and generate professional-level mechanical field reports
Guide QAQC reviews and assist in developing quality plans
Mentor junior engineers and designers through coaching
Participate in project proposal development and resource planning
Lead project meetings to present mechanical system concepts
Benefits
Hybrid work model promoting autonomy and collaboration
Professional open-space office environment
Opportunities for mentorship and professional development
Engagement in high-performance, complex projects
Involvement in shaping engineering strategy and practice-wide standards
Full Job Description
Mechanical Engineer - Mission Critical
Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to our group of talented engineers. The Mechanical Engineer is a technical expert and design leader responsible for shaping high-performance, integrated mechanical engineering solutions across major and complex projects.
Position Summary
This role sets the standard for technical execution, QAQC rigor, and interdisciplinary coordination across the firm. Mechanical Engineers at this level operate with full autonomy, own major portions of mechanical project design delivery, and mentor cross-functional teams. As trusted advisors, they represent the firm in client relationships, ensure technical excellence, and guide engineering strategy at the highest level. Their work influences practice-wide standards, design innovation, and technical mentorship.
Essential Functions:
Lead the design and documentation of complex mechanical systems-such HVAC, plumbing and/or fire protection systems - - with minimal oversight.
Validate and approve key mechanical engineering calculations -such as refrigerant concentration limit calculations, plumbing system sizing, and equipment sizing - and integrate results into system design.
Oversee setup of mechanical Revit models, including views, sheet organization, system browser strategies, and annotation standards.
Resolve system conflicts during interdisciplinary coordination by collaborating with architectural, structural, and civil teams.
Serve as the primary mechanical technical contact across internal and external project teams.
Review and approve mechanical submittals, RFIs and substitutions; coordinate detailed responses with the broader team.
Perform site visits, field verification, and punch walks with high autonomy; generate professional-level mechanical field reports.
Provide mechanical design leadership from early concept through construction administration; inform system selection, performance targets, and documentation strategy.
Guide QAQC reviews for mechanical deliverables and assist in the development of project-specific mechanical quality plans.
Mentor junior engineers and mechanical designers through delegation, technical feedback, and one-on-one coaching.
Participate in fee development, scoping, and resource planning for mechanical scope in project proposals.
Lead internal and external project meetings by presenting mechanical system concepts, decisions, and trade-offs.
Mission Critical Specific Functions:
Have a strong understanding of mission critical HVAC systems, including but not limited to Fan Coil Walls, MDR/MMR CRAHs, air and water cooled chiller systems, and liquid cooling systems.
Ability to review and interpret CFD reports to understand impacts to equipment performance and use to inform design decisions.
Ability to estimate loads for equipment sizing and work with team members to oversee detailed load calculations.
Knowledge of IEEC, ASHRAE 90.1 & 90.4 requirements for equipment/system efficiency requirements.
Knowledge of typical redundancy requirements for data centers and impact on design requirements for specific tier.
Knowledge of master planning for high level client interaction and support for site planning of future buildings and estimate utility impacts.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent, required.
P.E. licensure required.
10+ years in the AEC Industry preferred.
An understanding of the financial status of projects as they progress, development of cost budgets for projects, value of client relationships and be able to deliver projects with a focus on the quality is required.
Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
Strong organizational skills required.
Revit experience required.
Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.
Work Environment
We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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About HED
HED is an architecture and engineering firm that provides design and consulting services for a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and corporate. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. HED has offices in several cities across the United States and has worked on projects around the world. The company is committed to sustainable design and has received numerous awards for its work. HED's mission is to create environments that enhance the human experience and improve the quality of life.
