Associate Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

RiseMe; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee ownership

Robust benefits

Generous time off

Purpose-driven culture

Career development

Job summary

Interface Engineering Inc. in Chicago is seeking an Associate Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP) to lead local MEP design teams, develop client relationships, and oversee HVAC design and calculations. The role blends hands-on leadership with high-impact project delivery.

This 100% employee-owned firm offers a hybrid schedule (2 days in-office weekly), ESOP ownership, robust benefits, and a culture focused on collaboration, growth, and social equity.

Qualifications

• BSME degree and PE preferred; 10+ years in MEP design/consulting.
• Strong leadership and project management experience in MEP space.
• Excellent communication and client service skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build local MEP design teams.
• Develop and maintain local client relationships (architects/owners).
• Oversee HVAC design, drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Provide site observations and construction administration.

Skills

BSME

10+ years experience

Team leadership

Project management

High-energy client services

Excellent communication

Building codes knowledge

Design systems knowledge

Education

Professional Engineering License

LEED Accreditation

Tools

IES-VE Knowledge

Job description

Join a People-First, Employee-Owned Firm That's Redefining Flexibility and Growth

Associate Principal / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP) - Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Interface Engineering Inc. At Interface Engineering, we believe your career should be as dynamic and rewarding as the projects you support. As a 100% employee-owned firm, We're proud to offer our Collaboration from Home policy-giving you the flexibility of a hybrid schedule (2 days in-office per week minimum) while staying connected to a team that values innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Why Interface?

We are not just engineers-we are collaborators, mentors, and trailblazers in high-performance design.

Pathway to Leadership

program offers a transparent, personalized roadmap for career advancement, empowering you to grow in the direction that excites you most.

Our Culture

Interface has the company culture and work environment you have been seeking! You will find a workplace with a culture of fun, and superior work/life balance benefits, expansive personal development opportunities, innovative technology, and great relationships. You will work alongside MEP industry leaders who will help you develop your own thriving career path. Our work takes us around the globe and on a steady growth curve. Our success and innovation are powered by people like you!

Our Core Values:

• Conscientious.
• Empowered.
• Respectful.
• Resilient.
• Transformative.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and lead local MEP design teams.
• Develop and maintain a book of local clients (architects and owners). HVAC system selection, engineering & design.
• Preparation of HVAC drawings, analysis, specifications, and calculations.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills.
• Provide oversight of HVAC support staff.
• Provide construction administration & site observations related to your projects.
• Provide exemplary service to team members and clients.

What You'll Bring:

Required

• BSME
• 10+ years' experience in MEP design/consulting
• Team leadership/management experience
• ProjectManagement Experience in the MEP space
• High-energy client services skills
• Excellent communication ability
• Complete understanding of building codes
• Thorough design system knowledge

Preferred

• A Professional Engineering License (or equivalent experience)
• LEED Accreditation
• Working IES-VE Knowledge

What You'll Love:

• Competitive Pay: $122,712 to $150,404 annual salary and conditional bonus
• Employee Ownership: Build equity through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Robust Benefits: 401(k), medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, transportation benefits...and more!
• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and company closure to clients from Christmas to New Years
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Paid volunteer time and a commitment to social equity
• Career Development: Work alongside industry leaders and access continuous learning opportunities

Ready to grow with us?

If you are looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference— and become part of the Interface Engineering family.

Social Equity:

Interface is committed to social equity within our walls and in our communities. We are a diverse, inclusive, and responsible firm. Interface provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classifications. We support local business and seek to partner with small and minority-owned firms on our projects. Our staff is empowered to design community service programs (e.g., clean up beaches, serve meals at shelters, tutor school-aged children, etc.) - using paid volunteer time.

Please note: H1-B visa sponsorship or transfer is not approved for this position.