Mechanical Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

ghafari; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) match

Health Savings Account

Educational Assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Holidays

Job summary

Ghafari Associates is seeking a Mechanical Designer for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities in Chicago, IL. The role involves extending mechanical systems design for new construction and renovations across industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities, with supervision.

You will develop construction drawings and specifications, address installation and control of mechanical components, and collaborate with discipline teams to ensure code compliance and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering or related field.
• Internship in building design consulting preferred; EIT license preferred.
• Proficiency with BIM software and building systems knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design and layout of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Create construction drawings using Revit/AutoCAD.
• Conduct field measurements and site verification.
• Review drawings for omissions and code/compliance.
• Coordinate with other disciplines and source equipment.

Skills

BIM software knowledge

Strong engineering analysis

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Architectural Eng

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

Trane Trace 3D Plus

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

Communicate scope changes to department manager and Project Manager

Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive 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, and 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.

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 ess