MEP Technical Director

Rogers-O'Brien Construction; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Austin, Texas, is seeking an MEP Technical Director to serve as in-house expert on MEP systems. This role involves guiding preconstruction and design phases, evaluating cost-effective solutions, and providing technical expertise on complex projects in healthcare, technology, and more. The ideal candidate holds a PE license, has a Master's in Mechanical Engineering, and over 10 years of related experience. Strong skills in systems design and project collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license (Texas or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• Must have a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of experience with progressive responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the MEP subject matter expert within the Design Quality Review process.
• Review mechanical specifications and drawings for completeness and risk assessment.
• Provide detailed mark-ups and written feedback on MEP-related items.
• Identify design coordination issues early in the project lifecycle.
• Support the Design Integration Sr. Manager in managing third-party review consultants.
• Analyze existing mechanical designs and develop creative alternatives.
• Support preconstruction leads in value engineering efforts for HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Evaluate emerging mechanical technologies and sustainability strategies.

Skills

Proficiency with Revit, Navisworks, and/or energy modeling software

Deep technical knowledge of commercial HVAC systems

Demonstrated experience reviewing and interpreting MEP construction drawings

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to travel to project sites

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

10+ years of experience

Experience in advanced manufacturing and healthcare

LEED AP, CxA, or similar credential

Experience with energy modeling

Prior experience at a general contractor

Proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

8+ years in HVAC/mechanical systems design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit

Navisworks

Procore

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About Job

The MEP Technical Director is a licensed Professional Engineer who serves as Rogers‑O’Brien's in‑house MEP systems expert within the Design Integration team. This role brings engineering authority and technical credibility to the design review process, Design‑Build projects, design‑assist engagements, pursuits, and constructability reviews. The primary focus of this role is on the preconstruction and design phases, guiding alternative mechanical and electrical design solutions, evaluating MEP systems for cost and performance optimization, and providing expert‑level guidance to project teams, clients, and design partners. This role strengthens RO's ability to proactively identify and resolve MEP coordination issues, reduce RFIs, and deliver a better set of construction documents—particularly on complex projects in the Advanced Manufacturing & Technology, mission‑critical, and healthcare sectors.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency with Revit, Navisworks, and/or energy modeling software
• Deep technical knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, including central plants, air handling systems, and building automation
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and interpreting MEP construction drawings and specifications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including client‑facing presentations
• Ability to travel to project sites and regional offices as needed
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (Texas or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 10+ years of experience with progressive responsibility
• Experience in advanced manufacturing, technology, mission‑critical (data centers), and healthcare sectors
• LEED AP, CxA, or similar sustainability/commissioning credential
• Experience with energy modeling and building performance simulation
• Prior experience at a general contractor, MEP contractor, or design‑build firm
• Proficiency in Procore, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• 8+ years of experience in HVAC/mechanical systems design, construction, or consulting within the AEC industry

Responsibilities

• Serve as the MEP subject matter expert within the Design Quality Review process, reviewing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design documents for coordination gaps, code compliance concerns, missing information, and constructability issues
• Review mechanical specifications and drawings for completeness, risk assessment, and alignment with project requirements
• Provide detailed, technically grounded mark‑ups and written feedback to both the RO project team and the external Design Team on MEP‑related items
• Identify design coordination issues and installation challenges early in the project lifecycle, reducing costly changes during construction
• Support the Design Integration Sr. Manager in managing third‑party review consultants on MEP‑specific scopes
• Analyze existing mechanical and electrical designs and develop creative alternatives to achieve project goals related to cost, schedule, energy performance, and constructability
• Support preconstruction leads and the Design Integration team in value engineering efforts for HVAC and mechanical systems, including lifecycle cost analysis
• Provide alternative design recommendations when appropriate, presenting real‑world solutions that align with client budgets and project goals
• Evaluate emerging mechanical technologies and sustainability strategies for project application
• Partner with the Design Integration Sr. Manager on Design‑Build and Design‑Assist projects, providing MEP technical leadership throughout the design phase
• Participate in design coordination meetings with internal stakeholders (Estimating, Operations, VDC, Quality) and external design teams, representing MEP interests
• Monitor MEP design progress against the project budget and flag scope or cost concerns to the project team and estimating
• Work closely with VDC and Operations teams during the clash coordination process, providing MEP technical expertise to resolve complex system conflicts
• Partner with Estimating to ensure MEP design decisions remain aligned with project budgets and that cost comparisons of alternative design solutions are well‑informed
• Collaborate with Quality to carry lessons learned from MEP construction and warranty data back into the design review process
• Validate trade partner assumptions and scopes related to mechanical and electrical systems
• Provide technical input for RFP responses, interviews, and client presentations, representing RO's MEP engineering capabilities
• Support project pursuit teams on Design‑Build and Design‑Assist opportunities, contributing MEP expertise to design approach strategy and proposal development
• Develop new and foster existing relationships with design firms, ownership groups, material suppliers/vendors, and trade partners