Mechanical Engineer

Optima Engineering PA; Asheville, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-Owned Company

Flexible/Hybrid work schedules

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Retirement plan with 401(k)

Discretionary bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Optima Engineering is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Asheville, NC team. We are an employee-owned MEP engineering consulting firm delivering high-quality mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology design solutions for buildings across the Southeast.

The role focuses on designing HVAC systems, performing load calculations, and producing construction drawings in Revit or AutoCAD, with coordination across disciplines and mentorship for junior staff.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in North Carolina.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in MEP building systems design.
• Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD.
• Strong communication, coordination, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams to develop mechanical system designs from concept through construction.
• Design HVAC systems including air distribution, heating and cooling systems, and equipment layouts in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Prepare construction drawings, specifications, and calculations using Revit or AutoCAD.
• Perform heating and cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, and system selection.
• Conduct site visits and field investigations to evaluate existing mechanical systems.
• Provide construction administration support including submittal review, RFI responses, field observations, and closeout documentation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary coordination and internal quality control reviews to ensure accurate and complete deliverables.
• Support and mentor junior staff as appropriate.

Skills

HVAC design

Coordination

Load calculations

Codes knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

PE licensure in NC

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

At Optima Engineering, an employee-owned MEP engineering consulting firm, we focus on delivering high-quality mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology design solutions for buildings across the Southeast. Our projects include higher education, municipal, K-12, and commercial facilities. We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Mechanical Engineer to join our team and help us continue to provide thoughtful and efficient designs for our clients.

Requirements

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in North Carolina
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in MEP building systems design for higher education, municipal, K-12, and/or commercial facilities.
• Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD required.
• Strong communication, coordination, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers and multidisciplinary teams to develop mechanical system designs from concept through construction.
• Design HVAC systems including air distribution, heating and cooling systems, and equipment layouts in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Prepare construction drawings, specifications, and calculations using Revit or AutoCAD.
• Perform heating and cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, and system selection.
• Conduct site visits and field investigations to evaluate existing mechanical systems.
• Provide construction administration support including submittal review, RFI responses, field observations, and closeout documentation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary coordination and internal quality control reviews to ensure accurate and complete deliverables.
• Support and mentor junior staff as appropriate.

Skills

• Perform HVAC system design and sizing (equipment, ductwork, piping, ventilation, controls, etc.), including load calculations and equipment selection
• Coordinate and integrate HVAC systems with other building services (electrical, plumbing, structural, architectural, and fire protection) to ensure functionality, compliance, and energy efficiency
• Produce HVAC design drawing packages including plans, schedules, construction details, specifications, sequences of operation, and life safety documentation
• Familiarity with building codes, ASHRAE standards, NEC, and other applicable design standards

Why Work at Optima Engineering

Optima Engineering is a 30-year-old, employee-owned, multi-discipline engineering firm with offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, and Greenville, South Carolina. We provide clients with comprehensive services—including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, technology/low voltage, lighting design, and commissioning—across diverse markets such as mission critical, education, healthcare, commercial, and government.

Recognized four times by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the Best Places to Work, we take pride in fostering a people-first culture where collaboration, innovation, and professional growth thrive. Our mission is to deliver reliable, high-quality engineering solutions for our clients while creating a rewarding and supportive environment for our team.

If you want to be excited about going to work and making a difference in the organization you represent, we’d love to talk with you about joining our team.

Benefit Highlights

• Employee-Owned Company
• Flexible/Hybrid work schedules with early Fridays year-round
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Flexible Spending Account; financial and estate planning assistance; and other additional benefits
• Multi-tiered Retirement Plan including Employer 401(k) contributions, Profit Sharing, and Employee Stock Ownership (an additional retirement benefit funded entirely by the company)
• Discretionary bonuses throughout the year
• Ongoing education and professional development opportunities
• Frequent volunteer and community involvement opportunities

To learn more about Optima Engineering, please visit www.optimaengineering.com.

Optima Engineering is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants — including individuals with disabilities and veterans — are encouraged to apply. Optima Engineering participates in the E-Verify employment authorization program.