Mechanical Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

Ghafari Associates, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates, LLC in Chicago is seeking a Summer 2027 New Graduate Mechanical Designer to contribute to design of mechanical systems for new construction and renovations, under supervision. You will develop construction drawings and specifications, and address installation, interconnection and control of mechanical components in line with building codes.

The role involves CAD work with Revit and AutoCAD, field measurements, coordinate with disciplines, and prepare project files.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field preferred
• Experience: Prior internship in the building design consulting industry preferred
• Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred

Responsibilities

• With assistance, perform calculations, formulate design and layout of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection
• Create engineering documents using CAD technology utilizing Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD or manually with support from more junior staff
• With assistance, edit or draft project specifications
• Conduct field measuring and checking at the construction site
• Review drawings for omissions, errors, overall quality, content accuracy, compliance with standards and codes
• Review product submittals for design content (shop drawings), specify action to be taken to reach specification compliance
• Maintain organized project file containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference materials, etc.
• With assistance, select and source equipment
• Coordinate project with other disciplines

Skills

BIM knowledge

Technical/analytical

Trane Trace 3D Plus

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Trane Trace 3D Plus

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Job Description

Job Description: This posting is for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities. General Summary: The Mechanical Designer, with some supervision from the Manager of Mechanical Engineering, will provide or extend mechanical systems design for new construction and/or renovation of industrial, commercial and institutional facilities as requested by the client. The Mechanical Designer will develop construction drawings and specifications which address the installation, integration, interconnection and control of mechanical components within the standard building codes and will work independently on smaller, less complex projects.

Essential Job Functions

• With assistance, perform calculations, formulate design and layout of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection
• Create engineering documents using computer aided design (CAD) technology utilizing Autodesk (Revit and AutoCAD) or manually with support from more junior staff
• With assistance, edit or draft project specifications
• Conduct field measuring and checking at the construction site
• Review drawings for omissions, errors, overall quality, content accuracy, compliance with standards and codes
• Review product submittals for design content (shop drawings), specify action to be taken to reach specification compliance
• Maintain organized project file containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference materials, etc.
• With assistance, select and source equipment
• Coordinate project with other disciplines

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Teladoc
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional License Reimbursement
• Educational Assistance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays

The annual base salary range for this position is $72,000.00 to $80,000.00. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training. Communicate scope changes to department manager and Project Manager. Perform other duties as assigned.

Employment Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field preferred

Experience: Prior internship in the building design consulting industry preferred

Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred

Skills/Competencies

• Basic knowledge in the use of Building Information Modeling (Building Information Model) software (Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD)
• Strong technical and analytical skills including knowledge of principles relating to heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics as they relate to mechanical systems design for buildings
• Familiar with Trane Trace 3D Plus and Bluebeam Revu
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong attention to detail

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect. Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities. We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency: Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process.

Ghafari is a community where talent thrives. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and work on transformative projects around the globe.