Staff Engineer

Staff Engineer for Animal Care Facility Design

Design buildings that improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Design Learned, Inc. (DLI) is seeking an Engineer (Mechanical or Electrical) to join our specialized animal care facility design team in Norwich, Connecticut.

Since 1993, DLI has focused exclusively on the planning and design of animal care facilities throughout the United States and Canada. Our projects include animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, animal adoption centers, specialty veterinary facilities, and other animal care environments.

Our multidisciplinary team provides architectural and interior design, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and noise engineering services—all with a focus on creating facilities that support animal health and welfare, staff safety, efficient operations, and long-term facility performance.

This is an opportunity for an engineer who wants more than a narrowly defined role. At DLI, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, work directly with clients and contractors, coordinate with architects and other engineers, participate in construction administration, and contribute to projects from planning through construction.

This is a full-time, in-person position in Norwich, Connecticut. Remote work is not available.

Job Description/Primary Responsibilities:

· MEP engineering design and planning for animal care facilities.

· Preparation of technical calculations for MEP systems

· Client engagement and interaction

· Interaction with vendors and manufacturers to select products and materials

· Knowledge and application of standards and regulations

· Research, review and implementation of building and other Code requirements

· Technical drawing preparation and review using REVIT and AutoCAD

· Preparation and review of detailed construction documents, including specifications and technical drawings

· Coordination with architectural and subconsultant disciplines to ensure drawing and specification accuracy

· Troubleshoot design and construction challenges and develop practical solutions

· Review plans for quality, coordination, constructability, and code compliance

· Provide construction administration including review contractor submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs to ensure project compliance

· Participate in on-site construction visits

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering with a GPA of 3.3 or higher

· Strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality work

· Professional experience designing commercial buildings or other complex facilities

· Proficiency in REVIT, AutoCAD, Bluebeam and standard office software

· Strong organizational skills, work ethic and ability to meet deadlines

· Excellent ability to document information accurately and concisely

· A proactive, adaptable mindset and a desire to collaborate and grow within a small team

· Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

· Understanding of design, building codes, and construction practices

· Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with clients, contractors, architects, engineers, and other team members

Preferred Qualifications:

· Current Professional Engineering (PE) license or EIT in mechanical or electrical engineering

· 5 years engineering design experience with commercial projects

· 3 years REVIT experience

· Experience with IBC, NFPA Codes and CSI format specifications

· Construction administration experience, including submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs

Why Work at DLI?

DLI is a small, highly specialized engineering and design firm where your work has a direct impact on both our projects and our company.

· You won't be one engineer among hundreds working on a small piece of a massive organization. You'll have the opportunity to:

· Take ownership of meaningful projects.

· Work directly with experienced engineers and designers.

· Build relationships with clients, architects, and contractors.

· See projects through design and into actual construction.

· Solve unique engineering challenges that aren't found in a typical office building.

· Learn the specialized design requirements of animal shelters and veterinary facilities.

· Contribute ideas that can directly influence DLI's standards and processes.

· Work in a collaborative environment where team members are expected to think, communicate, problem-solve, and help each other.

Our work directly affects the health, safety, and welfare of animals, veterinary professionals, shelter staff, and the communities these facilities serve.

If you're an engineer who enjoys technical problem-solving, meaningful projects, collaboration, and seeing your work come to life, we'd like to hear from you.

Application Requirements:

· Cover letter explaining your interest in DLI and this position

· Current resume including three professional references

· College transcripts

Salary & Benefits:

· $72,000 - $84,000 (Salary is negotiable and will be commensurate with skill level and experience)

· Health insurance

· Retirement plan

· Paid personal days and holidays

· Opportunities for professional growth

DLI is a small, specialized firm where your work has a direct impact on both our projects and our company. You won't be one of hundreds of engineers working on a small piece of a project. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership, work directly with experienced engineers and designers, interact with clients and contractors, and help shape the way we approach our work.

Our projects are unique, technically challenging, and focused on creating better environments for animals, the people who care for them, and the communities they serve. If you're a talented engineer who enjoys solving problems, leading others, and being part of a team in a small, effective company, we'd like to hear from you. DLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status. DLI is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. We reserve the right to test all applicants.