MEP FORENSICS ENGINEER (Project Associate) New York, NY | Hybrid | Full-Time
Position OverviewThe
Project Associate (PA), MEP Forensics Engineer, supports forensic investigations and condition assessments involving building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. Working under the guidance of Directors and Project Managers, this role performs engineering evaluations of existing building systems to identify deficiencies, diagnose performance issues, assess code compliance, and develop practical repair, replacement, and upgrade solutions. Responsibilities include field investigations, root-cause analyses, technical reporting, and the assessment of system components such as HVAC equipment, boilers, chillers, plumbing, and piping systems. This position is ideal for an early-career MEP engineer seeking hands-on experience evaluating, diagnosing, and developing solutions for complex building systems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO- Support forensic investigations, physical condition assessments, and failure analyses of building MEP systems, including HVAC equipment, boilers, chillers, plumbing, piping, electrical, and fire protection systems.
- Assist in evaluating existing MEP systems to identify deficiencies, performance issues, operational failures, code compliance concerns, and remaining useful life.
- Participate in field investigations and inspections to document existing conditions, collect data, diagnose system issues, and support the development of repair, replacement, or upgrade recommendations.
- Prepare technical reports, assessment findings, and other project documentation that clearly communicate observations, analyses, and recommended solutions.
- Assist with code reviews and compliance assessments involving NYC Building Codes, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Fire Code, and other applicable regulations.
- Perform and participate in field inspections requiring roof access, mechanical spaces, sub-grade areas (basements/crawl spaces), supported scaffold inspections, suspended scaffold inspections, and other challenging site conditions.
- Collaborate with project teams, clients, architects, and engineers while effectively managing priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
WHAT YOU'LL BRINGRequired:- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Building Systems Engineering, or related MEP Engineering discipline
- 1-5 years of experience in MEP engineering, forensic engineering, building systems consulting, facility assessments, commissioning, design engineering, or a related field
- Knowledge of building mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems
- Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot building system deficiencies and performance issues
- Familiarity with HVAC equipment, boilers, chillers, plumbing systems, piping systems, pumps, and related building infrastructure
- Understanding of engineering analysis, system assessments, and technical problem solving
- Knowledge of applicable building codes, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports and documentation
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- NYC Department of Buildings recognized Supported Scaffold User and Suspended Scaffold User certifications (HLZAE will provide training, if required).
Preferred:- Experience performing MEP condition assessments, forensic investigations, commissioning, or facility condition assessments
- Familiarity with NYC Building Codes, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, and applicable industry standards
- Progress toward PE licensure
- Experience preparing engineering calculations, system evaluations, or technical recommendations for repair, replacement, or capital improvement projects
Work Environment & Schedule- Based in NYC with a hybrid work schedule
- Standard hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
- Fieldwork required approximately 50% of the time
Compensation & Benefits- Salary range: $80,000 - $100,000, based on knowledge, skills, and experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision, insurance, and 401K plan with a match.
- Paid time off: Holiday, vacation, sick time, personal, and birthday
- Career development, mentorship, and growth opportunities