Mechanical Engineer - Mission Critical

Harley Ellis Devereaux•San Diego, CA

1d•$130,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

HED is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to provide technical expertise and design leadership for high-performance, integrated mechanical engineering solutions on major and complex projects. The role sets standards for technical execution, quality assurance and quality control, and interdisciplinary coordination. The engineer works autonomously, owns major portions of mechanical project design delivery, advises clients, represents the firm, and guides engineering strategy. The position influences practice-wide standards, design innovation, and technical mentorship. The engineer leads mechanical design from concept through construction administration, provides guidance on system selection and performance targets, and oversees documentation and coordination. Mission-critical work includes data center HVAC systems, CFD report review, equipment load estimation, efficiency requirements, redundancy and tier design considerations, and master planning and utility impact support. The position also includes client and project team leadership, quality review, staff mentoring, proposal scoping and resource planning, and field visits. The role is based in the US or Canada. HED uses a hybrid work model, with work-from-home flexibility and regular in-office days. The office is a professional open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.
10+ years in the AEC industry is preferred.
Understanding of project financial status, project cost budget development, client relationship value, and delivering quality projects.
Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position.
Strong organizational skills.
Revit experience.
Experience with computers, including word processing, spreadsheet use and creation, and email.
Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible, and curious approach.
Ability to work well with others under deadline situations.
Must be located in the US or Canada.
Strong understanding of mission-critical HVAC systems, including Fan Coil Walls, MDR/MMR CRAHs, air- and water-cooled chiller systems, and liquid cooling systems.
Ability to review and interpret CFD reports and use them to inform design decisions.
Ability to estimate equipment loads and oversee detailed load calculations with team members.
Knowledge of IEEC and ASHRAE 90.1 and 90.4 efficiency requirements.
Knowledge of typical data center redundancy requirements and the design implications of specific tiers.
Knowledge of master planning and supporting site planning for future buildings, including estimating utility impacts.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of experience in the AEC industry.

Responsibilities

Lead design and documentation of complex mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and/or fire protection, with minimal oversight.
Validate and approve mechanical engineering calculations, including refrigerant concentration limit, plumbing system sizing, and equipment sizing calculations, and integrate results into system design.
Oversee setup of mechanical Revit models, including views, sheet organization, system browser strategies, and annotation standards.
Resolve system conflicts during interdisciplinary coordination with architectural, structural, and civil teams.
Serve as the primary mechanical technical contact for internal and external project teams.
Review and approve mechanical submittals, RFIs, and substitutions, coordinating detailed responses with the broader team.
Perform site visits, field verification, and punch walks autonomously, and prepare professional mechanical field reports.
Provide mechanical design leadership from early concept through construction administration, informing system selection, performance targets, and documentation strategy.
Guide QAQC reviews for mechanical deliverables and assist in developing project-specific mechanical quality plans.
Mentor junior engineers and mechanical designers through delegation, technical feedback, and individual coaching.
Participate in fee development, scope definition, and resource planning for mechanical work in project proposals.
Lead internal and external project meetings, presenting mechanical system concepts, decisions, and trade-offs.
Apply knowledge of mission-critical HVAC systems, including Fan Coil Walls, MDR/MMR CRAHs, air- and water-cooled chiller systems, and liquid cooling systems.
Review and interpret CFD reports to assess equipment performance impacts and inform design decisions.
Estimate equipment loads and work with team members to oversee detailed load calculations.
Apply IEEC and ASHRAE 90.1 and 90.4 efficiency requirements to equipment and system design.
Apply knowledge of data center redundancy requirements and how tier affects design requirements.
Support client master planning and site planning for future buildings, including estimating utility impacts.