Mechanical Associate

Michael Baker International•Houston, TX

11d•$85,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Michael Baker International is seeking a Mechanical Associate II in our Houston, TX office. In this role, you will support senior engineers and designers in the planning, design, and analysis of mechanical building systems—including HVAC, plumbing, and hydronic systems. You’ll contribute to projects that improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and building performance across a variety of facilities.

Requirements

2–4 years of relevant mechanical engineering or mechanical building systems design experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
Regular tasks include sitting, talking, hearing, and working with fine motor skills.
Close vision required for detailed design work.

Nice To Haves

Strong technical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, and mechanical design software tools.
EIT strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Use computer‑aided design and engineering tools—such as Revit—to support mechanical system design, modeling, and documentation.
Conduct detailed energy modeling and evaluate strategies to improve building performance, including EPAct and LEED energy calculations.
Assist with the selection, layout, and coordination of mechanical equipment for HVAC and plumbing systems.
Develop mechanical room layouts, ductwork systems, piping systems, and hydronic distribution diagrams.
Support the preparation of sustainability and certification documentation, including LEED credits related to energy, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and refrigerant management.
Communicate effectively through written reports, design narratives, and project discussions.
Travel occasionally for site investigations, coordination meetings, and project reviews.
Carry out additional tasks as assigned to support project needs.
Assist in creating 3D BIM models that integrate HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection layouts with structural and architectural systems.
Perform basic HVAC load calculations and equipment sizing inputs using industry‑standard tools.
Support analysis of ventilation requirements, outside air strategies, and indoor environmental quality considerations.
Prepare plans, sections, details, and schedules for construction documents.
Participate in interdisciplinary clash detection and system coordination reviews.
Review submittals, shop drawings, and field conditions to ensure mechanical designs are accurately implemented.
Contribute to the evaluation and selection of sustainable design strategies, high‑performance equipment, heat‑recovery systems, and low‑energy HVAC concepts.
Assist in documenting existing site conditions through field verification, measurements, and photo logs.