Lead Mechanical Engineer (REMOTE - TRAVEL)

Chinook Systems; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join their innovative team. This remote position, requiring up to 50% travel, focuses on code enforcement reviews and inspections for government projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mechanical engineering, particularly with air-handling equipment and related systems. This role offers the chance to lead facility engineering projects while making a significant impact in the fields of sustainability and cybersecurity. If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding position, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in mechanical equipment design, construction, or operation.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Strong knowledge of federal building codes and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform code enforcement design and construction reviews.
• Conduct inspections and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Manage assigned staff and ensure compliance with codes.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Code Enforcement

Problem-Solving

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Construction Project Management Software

Job description

Who is Chinook?

Chinook Systems, Inc. is a leader in delivering lifecycle energy security solutions to mission critical government and commercial facility Owners. We specialize in the engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations of intelligent, cyber secure, code compliant, and energy efficient building systems. Our solutions save millions of dollars in utility costs, reduce harmful emissions to the environment, and mitigate cyber‐attacks on facilities. Chinook provides motivated candidates with the opportunity to join a fast‐growing, innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative work environment.

The Work:

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer on our government-focused team you will be primarily focused on performing code enforcement reviews and inspections. You will be adept at interpreting and enforcing applicable construction codes, standards, and regulations for government construction projects. If you have a strong background in mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on air-handling equipment, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, controls, fans, heat exchangers, pumps, and other mechanical equipment, we want to hear from you.

In addition, you will serve as a technical authority for Chinook. As a registered Professional Engineer this individual will lead facility engineering projects throughout the facility planning, design, construction, warranty, and operations lifecycle. You will exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments and supervises, coordinate, provide leadership to and review the work of assigned staff. Chinook has built a reputation for excellence in our industry and the Lead Mechanical Engineer will uphold that tradition by being diligent, proactive, solutions oriented and a facilitator of success for team members, both internal and external. This position offers a career path to a Program Management position within the organization. Moreover, it is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in the growing markets of sustainability, resiliency, and cybersecurity with mission critical facilities.

This position is REMOTE, but you must be able to travel to client sites up to 50% of the time. Due to the location of the majority of our clients, candidates in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States are preferred, especially candidates in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform code enforcement design and construction reviews to evaluate whether the construction documents have met the requirements of the mechanical applicable codes and standards for the evaluated projects.
• Conduct surveys of existing areas and facilities, conduct design reviews, conduct code compliance inspections, witness code required testing, assist in code development and implementation, and execute small systems designs.
• Perform mechanical code compliance inspections of all projects for which a permit has been issued to ensure conformance with the approved design and the applicable codes and standards.
• Prepare comprehensive inspection reports and document all violations identified during the inspection. Code references should be included for each violation; and when allowable, photographic documentation should be provided to clarify a condition or violation.
• Review and provide comments on designs for configuration, sustainability, reliability, redundancy.
• Review equipment and controls technology selections and strategies.
• Review and provide comments on equipment submittals, test reports, and manuals.
• Provide quality assurance to ensure compliance with client criteria, codes, standards, and policies and procedures.
• Work with senior leadership to grow our mechanical practice.
• Manage assigned staff.
• Be responsible for the application of company policies.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce provisions of the construction codes, standards, and regulations to clients, contractors, architects, and engineers.
• Provide technical advice and liaise with government departments, construction teams, architects, and engineers to ensure building projects comply with the necessary codes.
• Address complaints, violations, and disputes regarding construction projects and code compliance.
• Prepare comprehensive reports regarding inspections and enforcement actions and maintain accurate records of code violations and actions taken.
• Stay up to date with the latest changes in building codes, construction techniques, and government regulations.
• Coordinate with other inspectors and code enforcement officials, as necessary.
• Participate in meetings as required.
• Handle stressful situations, multi-task, and meet tight deadlines.
• Exercise your strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Prove your self-motivation as well as your ability to work independently and as a part of a team while providing multi‐discipline coordination.
• Disseminate information both in writing and verbally, explaining complex technical information clearly to engineers, contractors, and facility/owner staff across all communication platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an ABET accredited college or university in mechanical engineering or a related field is required.
• Must have at least 15 years of experience in the design, construction, or operation of air-handling equipment, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, controls, fans, heat exchangers, pumps, and other mechanical equipment.
• Requires at least 6 years of experience managing people.
• Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Requires detailed knowledge of federal building codes, construction practices, and safety standards.
• Experience working with construction management and process protocols of large buildings or projects greater than 250,000 square feet is required.
• Must be proficient in the use of technology, including construction project management software and mobile devices.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to travel to various construction sites.
• Must possess an in-depth knowledge of federal building codes / standards / guidelines, construction practices, and safety standards (e.g., ANSI, ASHRAE, ASME, ICC, NFPA, UFC / UFGS).
• Must have a track record of client satisfaction in mission-critical facilities and a passion for analyzing, troubleshooting, optimizing, and upgrading integrated systems in aging facilities and campus environments.

Citizenship/Clearance Requirements:

• Applicants for employment must be U.S. Citizens and must be able to obtain and maintain up to a Top Secret clearance due to our customer requirements and the nature of the work that we do.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An Active Secret or higher Security Clearance.
• Experience in Federal Government projects.

Physical Considerations:

• Must be able to walk construction sites with uneven surfaces, carry up to 25 lbs., climb stairs and ladders, and work both indoors and outdoors in severe weather conditions, and in dust generating environments.
• Must be able to crawl to get to wherever a problem is so that you can see it for yourself.
• Applicants must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Chinook Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against anyone because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation.

Chinook is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.