Mechanical Plans Engineer

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections is seeking mechanical plans engineers at the journey level to provide plans review for all types of building mechanical and energy systems for new construction or alteration projects ensuring compliance with the Seattle Mechanical Code, Seattle Energy Code, policies and objectives. Journey-level engineers evaluate HVAC system designs, energy-efficiency strategies, and mechanical system configurations across residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The role requires strong technical judgment, clear communication, and the ability to guide applicants toward compliant and practical solutions. Familiarity with energy modeling and Total Building Performance (TBP) documentation enables candidates to make substantive contributions to reviewing performance-based compliance pathways under the Seattle Energy Code.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field with significant mechanical engineering coursework.
Three years of related professional mechanical engineering experience (any other combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background will be considered).
Ability to interpret and apply municipal codes, including the Seattle Mechanical Code and Seattle Energy Code.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Proficiency with standard office software and the ability to learn permitting and plan-review systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mechanical plan review in a governmental or regulatory environment.
Familiarity with energy modeling tools (e.g., eQUEST, EnergyPlus, IESVE) and performance-based compliance documentation.
Strong understanding of HVAC system design, building science, and energy-efficiency strategies.

Responsibilities

Examines a wide variety of plans (e.g. from single family homes to high-rise multifamily buildings), including all support documents, reports and calculations for new construction or alteration projects to determine compliance with mechanical and energy code regulations.
Identify areas of non-compliance, communicate findings to applicants, recommend alternatives, and approve compliant solutions.
Performs mechanical and energy analysis/calculations as required to supplement calculations submitted with plans in order to verify the adequacy of designs
Review and evaluate energy modeling documentation and Total Building Performance reports for projects pursuing performance-based compliance.
Assist field inspectors with interpretations, revisions and problems encountered during construction.
Respond to public inquiries regarding mechanical and energy code requirements.
Provide technical support to colleagues on mechanical, energy, and building code topics.
Interpret code requirements related to alternative materials and methods of design.
Perform other related duties of a comparable/ type as assigned.