Associate, Mechanical Engineering Lead - Central Plants & District Energy

Arup; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 147,050 - 189,700; Full time

Job summary

Arup is seeking an Associate, Mechanical Engineering Lead for Central Plants & District Energy on the West Coast. You will direct district energy projects, coordinate multi-discipline teams, and ensure high-quality, sustainable designs while nurturing client relationships.

The role emphasizes leadership in central plant design, hydronic networks, and decarbonization efforts, with opportunities to mentor staff and advance project delivery across markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or architectural engineering.
• US Professional Engineering license is required.
• 12+ years of professional experience in building HVAC design.
• Experience with central plants and hydronic distribution.
• Knowledge of relevant codes and standards.
• Proven client relationship and project leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as Mechanical Lead for District Energy and Central Plant projects.
• Coordinate with multiple disciplines and project managers to deliver design deliverables.
• Develop proposals and participate in client interviews for district energy decarbonization.
• Maintain client relations and communicate project goals and financials.
• Lead drawings, specs, reports, and presentations with sustainable design methods.
• Mentor team members and foster an inclusive environment.

Skills

Professional Engineering License (US)

12+ years HVAC central plant exp

Hydronic networks design

Familiar with codes & standards

Client leadership & team management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or architectural engineering

Job description

At Arup, you will work on projects across markets including higher ed, healthcare, aviation, science, and beyond, delivering innovative and sustainable systems. Our West + LATAM Healthcare team is looking for an Associate, Mechanical Engineering Lead - Central Plants & District Energy to join our multidisciplinary team on the West Coast.

The Opportunity

• Act as a Mechanical Lead to direct District Energy and Central Plant projects across multiple markets, coordinating with multiple disciplines and with project managers to deliver comprehensive design deliverables, ensuring quality standards, commercial metrics, and client relationships.
• Serve as a key team member in building relationships with target clients, identifying opportunities, positioning, developing proposals and participating in interviews, particularly for projects focused on central plant & district energy decarbonization.
• Maintain strong client relations during project delivery and repeat business, representing project teams to clients and communicating project goals and financials.
• Provide comprehensive understanding of mechanical system design, especially heating & cooling central plants and large-scale hydronic distribution networks; experience with steam systems is a plus.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders and code officials to deliver integrated projects through construction, leading teams to prepare drawings, specifications, technical reports, and presentation materials while incorporating sustainable design methods.
• Assisting, supervising or mentoring team members, delivering timely feedback and recognition, fostering an inclusive environment for junior and senior team members.

The Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or architectural engineering
• Professional Engineering License in the US required
• 12+ years professional experience designing building HVAC systems, including significant experience designing central plant & hydronic system components, including distributed hydronic networks.
• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards
• Track record of winning work and proven expertise in building and managing successful client relationships.
• Experienced, dynamic, and engaging leader with a strong track record of leading and managing teams; serves as an aspirational role model.
• Ability to facilitate connections between external stakeholders and internal disciplines.

Preferred Skills

• LEED Accreditation or WELL Certification
• Engineering analysis and energy modeling experience including whole building energy analysis, façade thermal analysis, and airflow modeling.

Hiring Range

The good faith base salary hiring range for this job performed in Los Angeles is $147,050 - $189,700 per year. The range is commensurate with experience, educational background, and skill level. Benefits are not included in the base salary. Hiring ranges for candidates performing work outside Los Angeles will differ.

Flexible Working

Flexibility is available, including alternative schedules and the ability to work outside of the office for a portion of the work week.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, spouse of protected veteran, or disability. Arup will never ask for bank information as part of its recruitment process.