Mechanical Engineer

Salas O'Brien; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company stock purchase discount

Paid time off and holidays

Performance bonuses and merit increases

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in San Diego is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support the design and delivery of mechanical systems for healthcare and complex facilities. This role involves technical execution, documentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and has 2-5 years of experience. The position offers a salary range of $70,000 to $110,000 and benefits including medical, dental, and 401(k).

Qualifications

• 2–5 years experience in Mechanical Engineering.
• Registration as EIT or PE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop HVAC system designs based on client RFPs.
• Provide engineering design of mechanical systems for healthcare and life sciences.
• Conduct existing building surveys of HVAC systems.
• Prepare detailed design documents and reports.
• Assist in construction administration services.

Skills

Proficiency in engineering tools and software including Autodesk Revit and Navisworks

Ability to perform HVAC load calculations utilizing EnergySoft and Trace energy modeling software

Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects

Ability to work independently and take initiative

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineer (Early Career) 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 members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. Each has limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, 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 work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our expertise 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.

Job Summary

The entry‑level Mechanical Engineer will support the design and delivery of mechanical systems for healthcare and other complex facilities. The role focuses on technical execution, coordination with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to high‑quality project outcomes. The successful candidate will apply engineering fundamentals, develop technical documentation, and support project delivery while continuing to build expertise in mechanical design for healthcare, institutional, and industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop HVAC system designs for a project based on scope of work or client RFPs.
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for healthcare, life sciences, higher education, and data center market types.
• Conduct existing building surveys and document existing HVAC systems.
• Develop system design calculations and select equipment for use in buildings.
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies.
• Have general knowledge of project specifications and editing techniques.
• Have general knowledge of California code requirements, including CBC and HCAI‑specific requirements.
• Complete code compliance research.
• Coordinate work with other disciplines.
• Provide construction administration services.

Skills

• Proficiency in engineering tools and software including Autodesk Revit and Navisworks.
• Ability to perform HVAC load calculations utilizing EnergySoft and Trace energy modeling software.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.

Team Contribution & Development

• Collaborate with senior engineers and project managers to deliver projects on schedule and within scope.
• Support proposal development and technical input for projects as needed.
• Participate in knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of design standards and best practices.
• Contribute to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration.
• Continue to build technical expertise in specialized mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2–5 years experience in Mechanical Engineering.
• Registration as EIT or PE preferred.

Location

• San Diego, CA (on‑site with remote Fridays)

Travel

• Up to 25 %

Compensation & Benefits

Salas O’Brien health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Team members have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. The company offers U.S. and Canadian PTO plans for full‑time salaried, exempt and non‑team members, 10 paid holidays, and paid leave programs for military service and new parents. Certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $70,000 to $110,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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.