Associate Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP)

Job Title: Associate Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP)

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)

About the Job:

We are seeking an experienced Associate Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP) to lead mechanical engineering design efforts on complex commercial building projects. This leadership role is responsible for managing multidisciplinary MEP teams, overseeing HVAC system design, maintaining strong client relationships, and ensuring high-quality project delivery from concept through construction. The ideal candidate has extensive consulting experience in mechanical building systems, project management expertise, and a proven ability to mentor engineering teams while driving business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage mechanical (HVAC) design for commercial, institutional, healthcare, educational, mixed-use, and other building projects.

Serve as the mechanical discipline lead on multiple concurrent MEP projects.

Build, mentor, and oversee local mechanical engineering and design teams.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with architects, owners, developers, and project stakeholders.

Perform HVAC load calculations, equipment sizing, system selection, and energy-efficient design.

Prepare mechanical construction drawings, specifications, engineering calculations, and technical documentation.

Ensure designs comply with applicable building codes, industry standards, and project requirements.

Coordinate with electrical, plumbing, structural, architectural, and other project disciplines.

Provide technical leadership throughout all project phases, including design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration.

Conduct site visits, field observations, and respond to RFIs and submittals during construction.

Manage project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and resource allocation.

Review engineering work for quality assurance and technical accuracy.

Support business development efforts by maintaining existing client relationships and identifying new project opportunities.

Deliver exceptional customer service while ensuring successful project execution.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME).

10+ years of Mechanical Engineering experience in MEP consulting or building systems design.

Extensive experience designing HVAC systems for commercial building projects.

Strong project management experience within the MEP consulting industry.

Experience leading engineering teams and mentoring junior engineers.

Thorough understanding of mechanical building systems and HVAC design principles.

Strong knowledge of International Building Code (IBC), Mechanical Code (IMC), ASHRAE standards, and other applicable codes.

Experience preparing engineering calculations, construction documents, and technical specifications.

Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and client relationship management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional Engineer (PE) License.

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Experience with IES-VE energy modeling software.

Experience with sustainable and high-performance building design.

Strong business development and client management experience.

Preferred Technical Skills:

HVAC System Design

Mechanical Engineering

MEP Consulting

Building Systems Design

Load Calculations

Equipment Selection

Construction Administration

Engineering Calculations

Building Codes & Standards

ASHRAE Standards

IMC / IBC Compliance

Mechanical Specifications

Energy Modeling

Sustainable Design

Project Management

Client Management

Team Leadership

Quality Control

Site Observation

Revit MEP

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

IES-VE (Preferred)

Industries:

MEP Consulting

Mechanical Engineering Consulting

Building Engineering

Architecture & Engineering (A&E)

Commercial Construction

Healthcare Facilities

Education Facilities

Mission Critical / Data Centers

Hospitality

Mixed-Use Developments

Government Buildings

Commercial Real Estate

Industrial Facilities