Mechanical Designer I: HVAC, BAS & Building Systems

Progressive Companies; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The SSI Group in Charlotte, NC seeks a Mechanical Engineering Designer I to design HVAC, plumbing, and building automation systems from concept through construction documents. You will work with licensed P.E.s and a multidisciplinary team in a mentorship‑driven environment.

Gain hands-on experience with Revit, AutoCAD, system sizing, and energy modeling, while growing toward licensure and a Mechanical Engineer career path in a nationally active practice with ESOP ownership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Pursuing the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam preferred.
• Post-graduation professional engineering experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate building models and contract documents with Revit and AutoCAD.
• Size HVAC and mechanical systems, perform static pressure calculations and energy model inputs.
• Research and document code requirements for plumbing, mechanical, and fuel/gas codes for projects.

Skills

Building systems design

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

FE exam pursuit preferred

PE experience preferred

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

As a Mechanical Engineering Designer I, you will help design the HVAC, plumbing, and building automation systems that keep buildings comfortable, efficient, and safe — taking project work from concept design through final construction documents alongside licensed P.E.s and a multidisciplinary team. You’ll work across a variety of building types, sizes, and delivery methods, with mentorship built into your day-to-day.

This role offers the chance to build hands-on expertise in Revit, AutoCAD, system sizing, and energy modeling, take on increasing client-facing responsibility, and grow toward licensure and a Mechanical Engineer career path — with the project variety of a nationally active practice and the ownership stake of an employee-owned (ESOP) firm.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

1. Produce accurate building models and contract documents. Prepare Revit and AutoCAD models and drawing sets for assigned projects that clear senior-engineer and P.E. review with minimal rework, steadily increasing the share of each project package you can own independently.
2. Size and analyze mechanical systems with confidence. Perform HVAC and mechanical system sizing, static pressure calculations, and energy model inputs on 2–3 active projects, with accuracy confirmed in P.E. review and fewer corrections on each successive project.
3. Apply codes and controls knowledge to real designs. Research and document applicable plumbing, mechanical, and fuel/gas code requirements for every assigned project, and contribute sensor, actuator, and basic control strategy selections for Building Automation Systems (BAS) on at least one project.
4. Keep project teams aligned and deliverables clean. Check your own work before it goes to review, flag design and documentation inconsistencies to senior staff, assist with specifications that match the drawings and firm standards, and keep shared project documentation current for internal teams, consultants, contractors, and clients.
5. Ramp up quickly on the firm’s tools and standards. Within the first 90 days, reach working proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and the firm’s design and analysis tools, and contribute to the contract documents on at least one active project.
6. Grow toward licensure and client-facing leadership. Pursue the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam, take part in team meetings and ‘Lessons Learned’ sessions on every project, and take on a growing share of client communication as you build trust through demonstrated expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Licensure

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• Pursuing the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam is preferred.
• Post-graduation professional engineering experience preferred.

Technology Skills

• Revit experience highly preferred.