7-10 years of experience in commercial construction
4-year engineering degree or equivalent
Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
Strong understanding of HVAC systems and installation standards
Familiarity with California building codes
Proficient in Carrier HAP, Trace 700, or Energy Pro
Experience with AutoCAD; Revit preferred
Responsibilities
Own mechanical design execution from basis-of-design to issued-for-construction deliverables
Establish basis of design, system selection, and equipment sizing as Lead Designer
Design and troubleshoot air-side and water-side systems
Ensure QA/QC for loads, duct/pipe sizing, and coordination
Assist Project Managers in client presentations and proposals
Participate in site walks and existing conditions investigations
Provide field support during construction, including submittal reviews and RFIs
Benefits
Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k with 4% company match)
Paid Time Off (PTO & Paid Holidays)
Full Job Description
The Senior Mechanical Engineer is one of our Engineering Department's hands-on technical lead designers. This role is accountable for code-compliant, buildable, well-coordinated permit and construction documents. At UMI, our designs get built. You won't just issue drawings; you'll watch your designs get installed, started up, and perform, giving you direct feedback from the field. This position has project and deliverable accountability with no direct personnel responsibility. The Senior Engineer mentors junior engineers, raises the bar on QA/QC, and serves as a trusted technical partner to Project Managers and the field. The intent is to deliver designs that support smooth field execution, clear client communication, and predictable project outcomes.
Responsibilities
Technical ownership
Own mechanical design execution from basis-of-design through permit and issued-for-construction (IFC) deliverables.
Serve as Lead Designer: establish the basis of design, system selection, equipment sizing, control intent, and document strategy from kickoff through IFC.
Design and troubleshoot both air-side (VAV, DOAS, exhaust, pressurization, filtration, heat recovery, etc.) and water-side (hydronic plants, pumping, control valves, coils, heat rejection, etc.) systems.
Apply California codes and local requirements, including AHJ amendments and applicable energy code.
QA/QC + standards
Own QA/QC: loads/assumptions, duct/pipe sizing, schedules, details, sequences, coordination, and general "will this actually work" sanity checks.
Coordination + field integration
Assist Project Managers in presenting and explaining proposals, systems, findings and options to clients, general contractors and engineers
Participate in site walks and existing conditions investigations
Work with Project Managers and the engineering staff to prepare or refine the project scope
Provide field support during construction: submittal review, RFIs, and design clarifications.
Mentorship + leadership
Direct and coordinate the project-based engineering activities of both in-house and outsourced engineering teams
Guide and mentor junior engineers through real project work: fundamentals, codes, design judgment, and document quality.
Give Engineering leadership clear feedback on training needs, performance growth, and where the team needs better tooling or standards.
Requirements
7-10 years' experience in the commercial construction space
4-year engineering degree or equivalent
Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required
Excellent understanding of engineering fundamentals, HVAC system types, equipment, installation standards, and procedures.
The ability to assume responsibility, interface, and communicate with others is essential
Must be fully versed in California and applicable local building codes
Proficient in the use of Carrier HAP, Trace 700, Energy Pro, or equivalent
Proficient in AutoCAD: Revit experience preferred
Prior experience with a mechanical contractor or engineering consultant preferred.
