Mechanical Design Engineer

GFT is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Building and Places Team in Chicago. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago office.At GFT, the Mechanical team is dedicated to creating efficient, innovative solutions for mechanical systems, ensuring comfort and sustainability in every project. From energy-efficient power systems to advanced HVAC and plumbing designs, our team contributes to a resilient and sustainable built environment, pushing the boundaries of building system design and optimizing performance while addressing the unique needs of each facility. Explore some of our signature projects.What you’ll be challenged to do:We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer (HVAC) in our Chicago office. Candidate will be responsible for designing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; plumbing systems; Relevant experience may include LiDAR scanning and point cloud integration to BIM; REVIT family creation; systems design and applications; economic evaluations; life-cycle cost analyses; equipment selection; specifications authorship; construction estimating; construction administration; and commissioning of mechanical systems. Projects involve public works, mass transit, commercial, educational, and federal facilities. Experience with supervising employees and sustainability certifications are a plus. As a Mechanical Engineer at GFT you will be providing technical support on design aspects on assigned projects. The successful candidate must demonstrate creativity, foresight and mature engineering judgment in anticipating and solving problems.In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:Design of building HVAC and plumbing systems including calculations, layouts, sizing, equipment selections, specifications and coordination.Lead and participate in meetings with clients, state agencies, city agencies, utility service representatives and project teams.Deliver projects on time and within client budgetsDeliver projects in compliance with client and company quality control procedures and engineering guidelinesDaily interaction and collaboration on cross-functional teams across multiple disciplinesDocument work product in REVIT.Construction administration services; on-site construction administration, shop drawing review, request for information response, as well as client meetings and coordination.Perform site visits, surveys/inspections to evaluate existing building mechanical systems.Participate in marketing efforts.Project and Task ManagementWhat you will bring to our firm: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering with mechanical focus5+ years of relevant experience in the design of HVAC and Plumbing systems.HVAC design skills including heating and cooling load and equipment performance (pumps, fans, compressors, boilers, chillers) calculation routines and systems’ documentation and familiarity with ASHRAE GuidelinesPlumbing design skills including water supply and drainage systems piping layouts and familiarity with ASPE GuidelinesKnowledge of applicable codes.General knowledge base for Building Design and Building Services Coordination, mechanical (HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) systems layout within REVIT. Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows in Mechanical system design.Proficient in the use of Office 365 applications.Excellent writing, oral communication, and presentation skills are requiredEffective interpersonal communications skills, a team-oriented disposition and work style, where cooperative work sharing and peer-to-peer mentoring is a daily habit.Personal inclination to learn and grow via internal training, external training and senior staff mentorship.Compensation:The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $120,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.Featured Benefits: • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. Location: Chicago, ILCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-TimeSalary Range: $85,000 - $120,000Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location#LI-AC1#LI-HybridApplicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.Job SummaryJob ID: 2026-14384Job Category: MechanicalEmployment Status: Full-Time