Senior Mechanical Engineer - HVAC

Senior Mechanical Engineer - HVAC

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary: Salas O'Brien's Plymouth, Michigan office is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join a multi-discipline design team in a technical leadership role, focused 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 the creation of construction drawings and specifications, existing system studies, and master planning efforts, while mentoring less experienced engineers and supporting departmental QA/QC.

Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others to address mechanical issues, develop effective working relationships, and represent Salas O'Brien as a subject matter expert. The project clientele includes higher education, healthcare, commercial, automotive and advanced manufacturing, science and technology, and municipal and institutional facilities.

Responsibilities:

Design & Engineering

• Develop designs for mechanical systems on assigned projects, exercising independent professional judgment and sealing construction documents.
• Lead the design of 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 prepared by project team members.
• Perform HVAC load calculations and oversee load calculations performed by others, 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 on complex or critical-facility projects.
• Establish HVAC and utility design parameters based on industry standards, client standards, and specific project requirements.

Coordination & Compliance

• 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 as the Engineer of Record, Design Lead, or Project Manager.
• Perform QA/QC review of project documents produced by other engineers and designers, and mentor junior and mid-level staff.

Lead the writing and editing of project specifications.

Construction Administration

• 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, and represent the firm directly, with clients, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure alignment on design intent.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Location: Plymouth, MI (Hybrid)

Travel: Up to 15%

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $140,000 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.