HVAC Design Engineer

United Mechanical; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &amp

Retirement Plan (401k with 4% company

Paid Time Off (PTO & Paid Holidays

Job summary

United Mechanical is seeking Mechanical Engineers at Level II and III to design and engineer commercial HVAC and plumbing systems for construction projects in California. You’ll develop load calculations, equipment selections, and layouts, while coordinating with project teams and clients to ensure code-compliant solutions.

The role offers independent ownership of design tasks, collaboration with architects and trade partners, and opportunities to advance to senior responsibilities as you

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial construction aligned with the role level.
• Proficient in HVAC/plumbing system design and code compliance.
• Proficient with AutoCAD, HAP or equivalent design software.

Responsibilities

• Design HVAC and/or plumbing systems including loads and layouts.
• Develop drawings and specifications using AutoCAD, Revit.
• Coordinate with project teams and clients.
• Evaluate system performance and energy efficiency.
• Participate in design reviews and site visits.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Collaboration

Client coordination

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT)

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

HAP

Revit

Job description

Build Your Career with United Mechanical!

United Mechanical is seeking talented Mechanical Engineers at Level II, and III to join our growing Engineering team! Whether you’re early in your engineering career or an experienced professional ready to take on greater project ownership, we offer opportunities to grow your technical expertise and contribute to innovative commercial HVAC and plumbing projects.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you’ll play an important role in the design and engineering of mechanical systems for commercial construction projects. You’ll collaborate with project managers, architects, trade partners, and clients to develop practical, efficient, and code-compliant solutions from initial design through construction and commissioning.

What You’ll Do

• Design commercial HVAC and/or plumbing systems, including load calculations, equipment selections, and ductwork and piping layouts.
• Develop engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation using AutoCAD, Revit, and other design software.
• Coordinate with project teams, architects, clients, and trade partners to ensure successful design integration.
• Evaluate system performance, energy efficiency, and compliance with applicable building codes and standards.
• Participate in design reviews, project meetings, and technical discussions.
• Conduct site visits to assess existing conditions, verify design feasibility, and support construction activities.
• Assist in resolving technical challenges throughout design, construction, and commissioning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovative engineering solutions.

Requirements

Find Your Fit: Mechanical Engineer II, or III

We are hiring across three levels based on experience, technical capabilities, and ability to independently manage engineering responsibilities.

Mechanical Engineer II | Independent Contributor

Typical Experience: 3–5 years

Compensation Range: $64.63 - $59.14 per hour

Ideal for an engineer who can independently execute complex design assignments and manage multiple aspects of a project with minimal supervision.

• Designs complex HVAC and/or plumbing systems, including load calculations, energy modeling, and equipment selections.
• Independently develops and reviews engineering drawings, specifications, and submittals.
• Coordinates design activities, project timelines, and technical deliverables.
• Identifies and resolves design challenges in collaboration with project teams.
• Participates in client presentations and design-build coordination meetings.
• Evaluates existing mechanical systems and recommends improvements or upgrades.
• Supports construction and commissioning activities with limited oversight.

Mechanical Engineer III | Advanced Engineer

Typical Experience: 3–5+ years, with demonstrated advanced technical capabilities and independent project ownership

Compensation Range: $55.29 - $69.71 per hour

Ideal for an experienced engineer who can take ownership of complex engineering assignments and independently manage design responsibilities from concept through completion.

• Independently manages complex HVAC and/or plumbing engineering design activities from initial design through project completion.
• Takes ownership of technical design quality, code compliance, and engineering deliverables.
• Coordinates project schedules, budgets, resources, and design milestones.
• Resolves complex engineering challenges and recommends practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Represents the engineering team in client meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional coordination.
• Evaluates mechanical systems and recommends design improvements that enhance performance and efficiency.
• Exercises advanced technical judgment and accountability with minimal oversight.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant commercial construction experience consistent with the level of the position.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, HVAC and/or plumbing systems, equipment, and installation practices.
• Knowledge of applicable local and state building codes and engineering standards.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, HAP, or comparable engineering design software.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with internal teams, clients, and trade partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience working for a mechanical contractor or engineering consulting firm.
• Revit or BIM experience.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification for Levels I and II.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent qualification for Level III.

Position Level

Candidates will be considered for Mechanical Engineer II, or III based on their experience, technical proficiency, project complexity, and demonstrated ability to work independently.

At United Mechanical, we believe in investing in our people and providing opportunities to build rewarding, long-term careers.

Join a collaborative team where you’ll have the opportunity to expand your engineering expertise, contribute to meaningful commercial construction projects, and grow professionally.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k with 4% company match)
• Paid Time Off (PTO & Paid Holidays)

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