Mechanical Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

ghafari; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates in Dearborn, MI seeks a Mechanical Designer to develop mechanical systems for new construction and renovations, under supervision. You will prepare construction drawings and specs, addressing HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection in line with building codes.

With assistance, you will perform field measurements, review drawings for quality and compliance, and coordinate with other disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• EIT certification preferred.
• Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (Revit/AutoCAD) preferred.
• Knowledge of building systems design and codes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of mechanical systems (HVAC, piping, plumbing, fire protection).
• Create construction drawings and specifications using CAD tools or manually with supervision.
• Perform field measurements and site checks for accuracy.
• Review drawings for omissions, errors, and code compliance; ensure specification alignment.
• Coordinate with other disciplines and communicate scope changes to management.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

EIT certification preferred

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Trane Trace 3D Plus

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Job Description:

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

Employment Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field required

Experience

• E ngineer-in-training (EIT) certification preferred
• Prior internship in the building design consulting industry 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.

Accommodation

Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disab