HVAC Mechanical Engineer

GH Engage; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GH Engage is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in California to lead HVAC/plumbing design from concept through construction documents. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners, provide on-site support, and ensure compliance with codes and project requirements.

The role requires strong leadership, field assessment skills, and the ability to guide junior engineers and CAD staff while coordinating with project managers and field teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• 5–10 years in HVAC/plumbing design for commercial/industrial facilities.
• EIT certification required; CA PE preferred.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and design standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC/plumbing design on projects of varying size and complexity.
• Oversee design phases to meet timelines and budget.
• Present proposals to clients and design teams.
• Conduct field assessments and evaluate system options.
• Prepare energy compliance documentation and LEED calculations when applicable.
• Perform load calculations, energy modeling, equipment selection, and system analysis.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers and CAD staff.
• Ensure adherence to codes, standards, and constructability.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

EIT certification

PE license (CA preferred)

Tools

Trace 700

AutoCAD 2016+

Revit or BIM tools

Job description

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for taking a lead role in mechanical system

design, from initial concept development through to final construction documentation. This

position involves close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to ensure the

successful delivery of high-quality engineering solutions. The Senior Mechanical Engineer

will also provide on-site support, technical direction, and ensure compliance with relevant

codes and project requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead engineer for HVAC and/or plumbing design on projects of varying size and complexity.
• Oversee planning and design phases to ensure deliverables align with project timelines.
• Participate in client and design team meetings as the primary engineering representative.
• Conduct field assessments to evaluate existing mechanical systems and identify
• Analyze equipment options and system modifications based on constraints such as cost, space, energy efficiency, and timelines.
• Present design proposals to internal project teams and external stakeholders for review.
• Prepare energy compliance documentation and assist with LEED certification calculations when applicable.
• Perform detailed engineering tasks including load calculations, energy modeling, equipment selection, acoustic studies, control strategies, and system analysis.
• Provide guidance to junior engineers, CAD technicians, and field personnel to ensure design intent and constructability are clearly communicated.
• Interpret and apply applicable building codes, standards, and regulations.
• Serve as a technical expert on assigned projects and support engineering-related decisions.
• Evaluate value engineering opportunities and assess the constructability of internally and externally designed systems.
• Review and respond to field change requests, ensuring compliance with overall design goals.
• Collaborate closely with project managers and field teams throughout the design and build phases.
• Take on additional tasks and assignments as directed by management

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent mix of education and industry experience.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in HVAC and/or plumbing systems for commercial and/or industrial facilities.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required; Professional Engineer (PE) license in California preferred.
• Solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles and best practices.
• Familiarity with various mechanical systems, components, installation methods, and construction standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local and state building codes.
• Proficiency with design software including Trace 700 and AutoCAD (2016 or newer); experience with Revit or other BIM tools is a plus.
• Strong communication and coordination skills for working with clients, architects, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Capable of managing projects independently with minimal oversight.
• LEED accreditation and an understanding of sustainable design practices are advantageous.
• Prior leadership or project management experience is bonus