Mechanical Engineer

Ghafari Associates; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Teladoc

Employee Assistance Program

License Reimbursement

Educational Assistance

Pet Insurance

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

8 Paid Holidays

Job summary

Ghafari Associates in Chicago is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and refine mechanical systems for new construction and renovations across industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. The role includes developing construction drawings and specifications addressing installation, interconnection, and control within local building codes.

Responsibilities include leading HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection design, performing energy calculations, coordinating with project

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering or related field.
• Professional Registration (PE) preferred.
• LEED accreditation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review project scope, budget, constraints with PM/Client.
• Communicate with design team and owner representatives.
• Prepare feasibility studies and project cost estimates.
• Lead design of HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection.
• Create drawings and specs using CAD/BIM tools.
• Perform calculations and energy models.
• Mentor less experienced staff.

Skills

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Communication skills

Attention to detail

BIM360

Carrier HAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering

Professional Registration

LEED Accredited Professional preferred

Tools

Trane Trace 700

Autodesk BIM 360

HAP knowledge (Carrier)

Job description

General Summary: The Mechanical Engineer will provide, revise or extend mechanical systems for new construction and/or renovation of industrial, commercial, or institutional structures as requested by the client. The Mechanical Engineer will develop construction drawings and specifications which address the installation, integration, interconnection and control of mechanical components within the standard building codes.

General Summary: The Mechanical Engineer will provide, revise or extend mechanical systems for new construction and/or renovation of industrial, commercial, or institutional structures as requested by the client. The Mechanical Engineer will develop construction drawings and specifications which address the installation, integration, interconnection and control of mechanical systems within the standard building codes.

Job Description

General Summary

The Mechanical Engineer will provide, revise or extend mechanical systems for new construction and/or renovation of industrial, commercial, or institutional structures as requested by the client. The Mechanical Engineer will develop construction drawings and specifications which address the installation, integration, interconnection and control of mechanical components within the standard building codes.

Essential Job Functions

• Review and/or establish project scope, mechanical budget, necessary constraints and design approach with Project Manager and/or client
• Proper communication skills to be involved in design team / owner meetings and communicate directly with the owner and / or owner’s representative
• Prepare feasibility studies and project cost estimates
• Maintain working knowledge of latest building and codes used in the industry
• Formulate and lead design of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection
• Perform and/or review calculations and building energy models; formulate design of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection
• Create engineering documents using computer aided design (CAD) technology utilizing Autodesk (Revit and AutoCAD) and/or Bentley CAD software (2D and 3D applications) or manually with support from more junior staff
• Edit or draft project specifications
• Conduct field measuring and checking at the construction site
• Review drawings for omissions, errors, interferences, overall quality, content accuracy, compliance with standards and codes
• Review product submittals for design content, specify action to be taken to reach specification compliance
• Maintain organized project file containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference materials, etc.
• Assist with checking, standards review, and maintenance of master specifications
• Develop and mentor less experienced staff
• Perform related duties as assigned

Employment Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field required
• Professional Registration
• LEED accredited professional preferred

Experience

• 5-14 years of related experience in mechanical engineering (HVAC/building systems)

Skills/Competencies

• Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD, Trane Trace 700 or other building energy calculation software, and Bluebeam
• Knowledge in ProjectWise BIM360 and Carrier HAP a bonus
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong attention to detail

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 $95,000.00 to $120,000.00. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.

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 there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.