Lead Mechanical Engineer - Mission Critical

careers-ame; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Traditional and Roth 401k

Tuition reimbursement

Scholarship for associates’ children

Sabbatical after five years + travel

Volunteer leave each year

Charitable match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

ARCO/Murray Engineering seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to guide the full mechanical scope for mission critical and data center projects in Illinois. You will lead HVAC design, coordinate with sales and construction teams, and ensure design excellence from concept to turnover.

The role offers a growth path in a fast‑growing design/build organization within AME. The ideal candidate has 8–10+ years in mechanical engineering, strong data center experience, and proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering.
• 8–10+ years in mechanical engineering; 5+ years in mission critical or data centers.
• Experience with chilled water, economizers, CRAC/CRAH, airflow, and liquid cooling.
• PE license or equivalent is a plus.
• Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Provide internal technical leadership across HVAC and mechanical design for mission critical/data center projects.
• Lead the development of mechanical/HVAC concepts and reviews with cross‑functional teams.
• Guide from concept design through turnover and operation; ensure client criteria are met.
• Collaborate with sales/construction during pursuit and design phases.
• Apply codes/standards to optimize mechanical systems for data center environments.
• Support commissioning and site activities to validate performance and readiness.
• Develop standards, procedures, and training for the mission critical design group.

Skills

HVAC design leadership

Mission critical / data center

CFD modeling

Revit

AutoCAD

PE license (preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD software

BMS systems

Energy modeling tools

Job description

ABOUT YOU

ARCO/Murray Engineering is currently seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Mission Critical team here in Illinois. This role will be responsible for guiding the full mechanical scope and leading the development of mechanical and plumbing system designs in support of design/build data center projects.

This is an incredible opportunity to join an established, but fast-growing design/build business as a key leader within our engineering design team. The team collaborates closely with our internal construction partners which are comprised of experienced Engineers and Project Managers with a passion for delivering exceptional results throughout the entire design/build process. If that sounds like the kind of career opportunity you are looking for, come be part of the AME way!

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We are dedicated to the well‑being of our associates and are proud to be consistently recognized as a Best Place to Work. Our compensation and benefits package supports our associates, their families, the causes they support and the local communities.

• Industry‑leading performance‑based bonus program
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Traditional and Roth 401k
• Tuition reimbursement for associates
• Scholarship for associates’ children up to $28,000 per child
• 1‑month paid sabbatical after every five years of employment, plus $5,000 for travel
• 1‑week paid volunteer leave each year
• 100% charitable match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Paid parental leave

Typical base compensation for the Senior Mechanical Engineer role is between $150,000.00 and $175,000.00. Candidates with extensive experience may exceed this range. In addition to base salary, the role is eligible to receive discretionary bonus compensation based on individual and company

At AME Engineering, our first core value is to treat people fairly and do the right thing. We are committed to building and sustaining a culture that supports diversity and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Provide internal technical leadership across HVAC and mechanical design disciplines specific to mission critical and data center projects
• Partner with sales and construction teams during pursuit and conceptual design of data center projects by acting as mechanical/HVAC subject matter expert
• Apply knowledge of building codes, standards, and project requirements to assist in displaying the value of the design/build approach through up front planning and optimization of mechanical systems for data center environments
• Guide and review the design from concept design all the way to turnover and operation
• Coordinate with design and construction team to ensure the final deliverable meets the client criteria
• Assist the project team during construction to review any RFIs, submittals, and field challenges
• Support commissioning and site activities to validate system performance and operational readiness
• Lead the development of standards, procedures, and training programs for the mission critical design team

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor‑level degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering or related field
• 8 – 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably with 5+ years in mission critical or data center environments
• Proven expertise in chilled water systems, economizers, CRAC/CRAH units, airflow management, and liquid cooling.
• Strong familiarity with ASHRAE guidelines, building codes, and environmental regulations.
• Experience with CFD modeling, BMS systems, and energy modeling tools.
• Experience using Revit and AutoCAD
• Proven record of technical innovation solving client’s challenges.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once
• Comfortable with working in a fast‑paced environment

MAKE YOUR MOVE

At ARCO/Murray Engineering, we proudly collaborate with a nationally recognized Design‑Build firm and are one of the fastest‑growing Engineering Design Groups in the industry. Our success is built on strong client relationships and driven by entrepreneurial design, innovation, and automation.

Our diverse portfolio spans multiple product types, including manufacturing, light and heavy industrial, multifamily, entertainment, and self‑storage facilities. We are committed to delivering value to our clients, team, and communities. At AME, you’ll have the opportunity to independently lead state‑of‑the‑art projects, grow professionally, and see your ideas come to life—from design to completion. Join us to shape the future of engineering, design and construction!

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

EOE, including disability/vets