Senior Mechanical Engineer - HVAC

Salas O'Brien•Plymouth, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Salas O’Brien is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their multi-discipline design team in the Plymouth, Michigan office. This role focuses on the design of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovation projects. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will provide technical leadership in creating construction drawings and specifications, conducting existing system studies, and leading master planning efforts. They will also mentor less experienced engineers and support departmental QA/QC. This position involves client interaction, project team collaboration, and communication with code officials and contractors to address mechanical issues and represent Salas O'Brien as a subject matter expert. The clientele includes higher education, healthcare, commercial, automotive and advanced manufacturing, science and technology, and municipal and institutional facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program.
Ten (10) or more years of mechanical and HVAC design experience for commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings.
Active Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Michigan, or the ability to obtain Michigan licensure by reciprocity within an agreed-upon timeframe.
Strong working knowledge of ASHRAE, ASME, NFPA, and NEC standards.
Advanced familiarity with the International Building Code (IBC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), and the Michigan-adopted versions of these codes.
Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, and Microsoft Office.
Advanced knowledge of psychrometrics, heat transfer, and HVAC load calculation methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and review the work of junior and mid-level engineers.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills, including direct client-facing experience.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience serving as Engineer of Record and sealing construction documents.
PE. licensure in multiple states, or demonstrated ability to obtain reciprocal licensure as project needs require.
LEED accreditation or extensive sustainability design experience.
Extensive experience with laboratories, healthcare facilities, K-12 / higher education, or mission critical projects.
Advanced experience with Trane TRACE 3D Plus or equivalent energy modeling and load calculation software.
Experience with building automation systems (BAS / BMS) and controls coordination.
Experience supporting business development and client development activities, including proposal writing and client presentations.

Responsibilities

Design HVAC systems including air handling, energy recovery, hydronic heating and cooling, chilled water, hot water and steam distribution, and air-side and water-side equipment.
Direct system design calculations, equipment selections, and schematic layouts for building HVAC and plumbing systems.
Review and approve detailed design documents, engineering reports, specifications, and technical studies.
Perform HVAC load calculations and oversee load calculations using industry-standard tools (e.g., Trane TRACE 3D Plus, Carrier HAP, IESVE).
Lead field investigations, existing-building surveys, and documentation of existing HVAC and plumbing systems.
Establish HVAC and utility design parameters based on industry standards, client standards, and specific project requirements.
Lead coordination of mechanical system design with other engineering disciplines, architects, and project stakeholders.
Serve as a technical resource on code compliance and communicate design considerations directly to clients.
Perform QA/QC review of project documents and mentor junior and mid-level staff.
Lead the writing and editing of project specifications.
Lead construction administration services including review of submittals and shop drawings, response to contractor RFIs, punch-list and site observation visits, and support of construction-phase coordination.
Communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure alignment on design intent.