Mechanical Engineer - HVAC

Position Overview

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, engineering, and coordination of HVAC and mechanical building systems for commercial construction projects. This role will support projects from initial site investigation and conceptual design through construction documents, permitting, construction administration, and project completion.

Projects may include commercial office buildings, corporate headquarters, high-rise buildings, tenant improvements, renovations, and base-building system upgrades. The ideal candidate has experience designing HVAC systems for commercial buildings and is comfortable coordinating mechanical designs with architectural, electrical, plumbing, structural, and other building systems.
Key Responsibilities

• Design HVAC and mechanical systems for commercial buildings, tenant improvements, renovations, and base-building upgrades.
• Perform heating and cooling load calculations and assist with HVAC equipment selection and sizing.
• Design air distribution systems, including supply, return, exhaust, and outside air systems.
• Develop ductwork and piping layouts while considering space constraints, constructability, and coordination with other trades.
• Design chilled water, hot water, condenser water, refrigerant, and other mechanical piping systems as applicable.
• Prepare mechanical plans, details, schedules, specifications, and construction documents.
• Perform field surveys and verify existing mechanical systems and building conditions before beginning design.
• Evaluate existing HVAC equipment and infrastructure to determine capacity for renovations and tenant improvements.
• Coordinate supplemental cooling requirements for server rooms, IT spaces, conference rooms, and other high-load areas.
• Coordinate mechanical designs with architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls systems.
• Perform ventilation, airflow, and outside air calculations.
• Support Title 24 and applicable energy-code compliance calculations.
• Review equipment selections, schedules, controls requirements, and sequences of operation.
• Identify design conflicts, constructability concerns, and potential system performance issues.
• Participate in project meetings with architects, owners, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and contractor questions during construction.
• Perform construction site observations, punch walks, and system verification as required.
• Assist with commissioning, startup, and post-occupancy system troubleshooting when necessary.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining project schedules and design quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 3+ years of mechanical engineering or HVAC design experience preferred.
• Experience designing HVAC systems for commercial buildings.
• Experience with commercial tenant improvement and/or base-building projects highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of HVAC equipment, air distribution, ventilation, and mechanical piping systems.
• Ability to perform heating and cooling load calculations and equipment sizing.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural construction documents.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary MEP coordination.
• Knowledge of applicable mechanical, building, and energy codes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a consulting engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus for more experienced candidates.
• Experience with commercial office, corporate headquarters, high-rise, or large tenant improvement projects.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Experience with HVAC load calculation software such as Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with Title 24 and California energy-efficiency requirements.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE standards and applicable mechanical codes.
• Experience with VAV systems, chilled water systems, VRF/VRV systems, heat pumps, rooftop equipment, and supplemental cooling systems.
• Familiarity with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and HVAC controls.
• Experience providing construction administration and field support.