Senior Mechanical Engineer - Plumbing

CRB•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer III plays a key role in the design and engineering of HVAC, mechanical utilities, and plumbing systems for advanced technology facilities, including new construction, renovations, and process-driven environments. This role requires demonstrated technical competence, independent judgment, and the ability to manage multiple design efforts of intermediate complexity. This position places a strong emphasis on plumbing and specialty piping system design, with responsibilities spanning system planning, detailed design, coordination, and construction support. The engineer will contribute to all phases of project delivery—from early studies and programming through construction administration—while collaborating closely with internal disciplines, external partners, and clients. The Mechanical Engineer III may oversee the mechanical discipline scope on small to medium projects, contribute to discipline budgets, and provide mentorship to less experienced engineers and designers.

Requirements

ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering (mechanical focus).
Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering design within an AEC consulting environment.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in good standing.
Intermediate experience designing HVAC, mechanical utility, and plumbing systems, including piping system integration.
Ability to work independently and manage assigned design responsibilities with limited oversight.

Nice To Haves

Experience in life sciences (pharmaceutical, biotech, laboratory) and/or food & beverage facilities.
Intermediate knowledge of GMP manufacturing environments.
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Bluebeam Revu.
Strong working knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and building codes.
Familiarity with applicable industry standards (ASHRAE, SMACNA, ISPE, FDA, ISO, NFPA, OSHA).
Intermediate experience leading field surveys and supporting field reporting.
Demonstrated experience in plumbing and specialty piping design, coordination, and documentation.
Exposure to Revit plugins (e.g., Enscape, Unifi) and parametric tools (e.g., Dynamo, Grasshopper, Rhino).
Proven ability to coordinate effectively with cross-discipline teams, construction trade partners, vendors, and manufacturers.
LEED, WELL, or other sustainable design accreditation or experience.

Responsibilities

Design and engineer mechanical and plumbing systems of intermediate complexity in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.
Lead the design and coordination of plumbing and piping systems, including: Domestic hot and cold water systems Sanitary and storm drainage systems Natural gas, compressed air, and utility piping Specialty and process-related piping systems
Perform and review engineering calculations such as load analysis, pressure drop, and equipment sizing, applying sound engineering judgment.
Develop system narratives, design reports, P&IDs, plans, schedules, installation details, and technical specifications with limited oversight.
Direct and coordinate mechanical and plumbing design activities across all phases of design, including studies, conceptual and schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
Work closely with architects, engineers, designers, construction managers, vendors, manufacturers, and trade partners to ensure coordinated and constructible designs.
Manage multiple priorities and tasks independently or under the direction of a Lead Engineer or Project Manager.
Support construction-phase services, including RFI responses, submittal reviews, punch list development, site observations, and progress reporting.
Identify design requirements, document project decisions and open issues, and translate requirements into clearly defined scopes of work.
Conduct and lead field surveys of existing conditions, identifying non-compliant or deficient mechanical and plumbing systems.
Lead or participate in mechanical discipline quality checks and contribute to overall project quality assurance.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior Mechanical Engineers and Designers.
Develop or contribute to internal mechanical and plumbing design training materials and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Support proposal development under the guidance of Lead or Senior Engineers.
Attend professional development activities and continue to expand technical expertise, particularly in plumbing and process-related systems.
Act as Engineer-of-Record for small to medium projects when serving in a lead mechanical role.