Mechanical Field Engineer

Mechanical Field Engineer II

Location: St. Louis, MO, Columbia MO , Kansas City , MO, or Topeka, KS

Level: 6+ years of experience

Department: 360 Construction Services

Reports to: Operation Manager

Company Profile

At KAI, our company mission is “Transforming Communities” through integrated design and construction excellence. We are driven by our five core values; we are Faithful Stewards, we Listen to Understand, Give Back, Love One Another, and we Hustle! Our mission and our values drive our culture and spirit.

For more than 45 years we have provided delivery-oriented building solutions with a diverse portfolio of experience, in-house multi-discipline professionals and expertise in both design and construction. KAI has played a significant role in dozens of award-winning projects providing Program & Construction Management, Architecture, Interiors, MEP/FP engineering and construction Inspection services throughout the Central Region of the U.S. KAI projects have been instrumental in improving the quality of life and environment in communities across the country.

Our primary operations hubs are centered in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and St. Louis. KAI is proud to be an MBE-Certified AEC firm built upon a foundation of teamwork and collaboration.

To learn more about KAI, visit kai-db.com .

Position Summary

We are seeking a Mechanical Field Engineer with 6+ years of experience supporting various project types including commercial, institutional, healthcare, and industrial projects. The Mechanical Field Engineer will provide technical leadership and field engineering support throughout all phases of a project, including design review, construction administration, installation oversight, coordination, commissioning, and closeout activities.

The ideal candidate is experienced in HVAC, plumbing, piping, and building mechanical systems who can effectively collaborate with contractors, owners, architects, and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all design requirements.

The Mechanical Field Engineer position allows for a healthy work/life balance with a 40hour work week, no overtime and no travel required.

Essential Functions

Construction & Field Engineering

• Provide field engineering support for mechanical systems during construction, installation, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Conduct site visits to verify construction progress, installation quality, and compliance with contract documents.
• Monitor installation of HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical equipment systems.
• Review contractor work for conformance with engineering drawings, specifications, project requirements, and code compliance.
• Identify field conflicts and coordinate resolutions among owners, architects, contractors, and design teams.
• Review shop drawings, product submittals, RFIs, change orders, and as-built documentation.

Mechanical Systems Oversight

• Verify equipment installations meet manufacturer recommendations and project specifications.
• Evaluate mechanical system performance and recommend corrective actions when needed.
• Support projects involving : HVAC systems, Chilled water systems, Heating hot water systems, VRF and heat pump systems, Boilers and chillers, Cooling towers, Air handling units (AHUs), Rooftop units (RTUs), Exhaust and ventilation systems, Plumbing and domestic water systems, medical gas systems (where applicable), Fire protection system coordination

Commissioning & Quality Assurance

• Participate in startup, testing, balancing, and commissioning activities.
• Witness functional performance testing and system acceptance procedures.
• Support commissioning agents and project teams during turnover and occupancy phases.
• Track deficiencies, punch list items, and corrective actions through project completion.

Engineering & Project Support

• Perform engineering assessments and work with designers and estimators to develop solutions for complex field issues.
• Assist with design reviews and constructability evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with local building codes, energy codes, and industry standards.
• Support cost estimating, value engineering, and scope development efforts.
• Prepare technical reports, field observation reports, and engineering recommendations.

Client & Team Collaboration

1. Serve as a technical liaison between clients, designers, contractors, vendors, and internal project teams.
2. Participate in project meetings and provide status updates.
3. Build strong relationships with project stakeholders and maintain a high level of customer service.

Qualifications

Required Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
2. Active Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required
3. Minimum 6 years of experience in MEP consulting engineering, construction, commissioning, or related mechanical engineering disciplines.
4. Experience supporting construction projects from design through turnover.
5. Strong understanding of: HVAC systems, Plumbing systems, Mechanical equipment selection, Building automation systems, Energy-efficient building design, Construction administration processes
6. Ability to interpret: Mechanical plans, Specifications, Shop drawings, Equipment submittals
7. Knowledge of applicable building and mechanical codes.

Required Skills

1. ASHRAE Standards, SMACNA Standards, ASME Standards
2. NFPA Codes International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), international Building Code (IBC)
3. Building automation and control systems
4. Mechanical systems expertise
5. Construction administration
6. Field coordination
7. Quality assurance and quality control
8. Problem solving and troubleshooting
9. Client relationship management
10. Time management and organization
11. Ability to perform site inspections on active construction projects.
12. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.
13. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This summary reflects the core responsibilities of the Mechanical Field Engineer II and may evolve based on the candidate’s skillset and interests.

KAI provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetics, age, marital status, gender identity or expression, veteran’s status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.