DESIGN INTEGRATION | MEP TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Rogers-O'Brien Construction•Austin, TX

16h

About The Position

The MEP Technical Director is a licensed Professional Engineer who serves as Rogers-O'Brien's in-house MEP systems expert within the Design Integration team. This role brings engineering authority and technical credibility to the design review process, Design-Build projects, design-assist engagements, pursuits, and constructability reviews. The primary focus of this role is on the preconstruction and design phases, guiding alternative mechanical and electrical design solutions, evaluating MEP systems for cost and performance optimization, and providing expert-level guidance to project teams, clients, and design partners. This role strengthens RO's ability to proactively identify and resolve MEP coordination issues, reduce RFIs, and deliver a better set of construction documents — particularly on complex projects in the Advanced Manufacturing & Technology, mission-critical, and healthcare sectors.

Requirements

Proficiency with Revit, Navisworks, and/or energy modeling software
Deep technical knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, including central plants, air handling systems, and building automation
Demonstrated experience reviewing and interpreting MEP construction drawings and specifications
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including client-facing presentations
Ability to travel to project sites and regional offices as needed
Professional Engineer (PE) license (Texas or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
10+ years of experience with progressive responsibility
Experience in advanced manufacturing, technology, mission-critical (data centers), and healthcare sectors
Prior experience at a general contractor, MEP contractor, or design-build firm
Proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
8+ years of experience in HVAC/mechanical systems design, construction, or consulting within the AEC industry

Nice To Haves

LEED AP, CxA, or similar sustainability/commissioning credential
Experience with energy modeling and building performance simulation

Responsibilities

Serve as the MEP subject matter expert within the Design Quality Review process, reviewing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design documents for coordination gaps, code compliance concerns, missing information, and constructability issues
Review mechanical specifications and drawings for completeness, risk assessment, and alignment with project requirements
Provide detailed, technically grounded mark-ups and written feedback to both the RO project team and the external Design Team on MEP-related items
Identify design coordination issues and installation challenges early in the project lifecycle, reducing costly changes during construction
Support the Design Integration Sr. Manager in managing third-party review consultants on MEP-specific scopes
Analyze existing mechanical and electrical designs and develop creative alternatives to achieve project goals related to cost, schedule, energy performance, and constructability
Support preconstruction leads and the Design Integration team in value engineering efforts for HVAC and mechanical systems, including lifecycle cost analysis
Provide alternative design recommendations when appropriate, presenting real-world solutions that align with client budgets and project goals
Evaluate emerging mechanical technologies and sustainability strategies for project application
Partner with the Design Integration Sr. Manager on Design-Build and Design-Assist projects, providing MEP technical leadership throughout the design phase
Participate in design coordination meetings with internal stakeholders (Estimating, Operations, VDC, Quality) and external design teams, representing MEP interests
Monitor MEP design progress against the project budget and flag scope or cost concerns to the project team and estimating
Work closely with VDC and Operations teams during the clash coordination process, providing MEP technical expertise to resolve complex system conflicts
Partner with Estimating to ensure MEP design decisions remain aligned with project budgets and that cost comparisons of alternative design solutions are well-informed
Collaborate with Quality to carry lessons learned from MEP construction and warranty data back into the design review process
Validate trade partner assumptions and scopes related to mechanical and electrical systems
Provide technical input for RFP responses, interviews, and client presentations, representing RO's MEP engineering capabilities
Support project pursuit teams on Design-Build and Design-Assist opportunities, contributing MEP expertise to design approach strategy and proposal development
Develop new and foster existing relationships with design firms, ownership groups, material suppliers/vendors, and trade partners