Mechanical Engineer

HED; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HED is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer III to join our Detroit or Chicago hybrid team. You will own portions of project design, documentation, and coordination, advancing from concept through construction with minimal supervision.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in the AEC industry, a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and a P.E. license. Revit experience is essential for system layouts and coordination with other disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is required.
• P.E. licensure is required.
• 5+ years in the AEC industry preferred.
• Ability to work in hybrid Chicago or Detroit office.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development and calculations for mechanical systems across phases.
• Perform load calculations, equipment sizing, controls sequences, and code checks.
• Develop and review mechanical layouts in Revit with coordination.
• Mentor mechanical designers and interns in modeling and documentation.

Skills

Design development

Coordination

QAQC

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

P.E. licensure

Tools

Revit

Job description

Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to our group of talented engineers. The Mechanical Engineer builds on foundational experience to take independent ownership of portions of project design, documentation, and coordination.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary

This role is trusted to perform mechanical engineering tasks with minimal supervision and supports project delivery from concept through construction. The Mechanical Engineer III serves as a technical contributor and emerging mentor, contributing to calculations, code research, QAQC, and coordination across disciplines. Individuals in this role are expected to deepen their technical knowledge, begin supporting client interaction, and develop the critical thinking required for future engineering leadership roles.

Essential Functions

• Lead design development and calculations for assigned mechanical systems across schematic, design development, and construction document phases.
• Independently perform mechanical design tasks – such as load calculations, equipment sizing, controls sequences and diagrams, and code compliance checks - with minimal input.
• Prepare technical documentation for mechanical systems, including system descriptions and narratives, Division 21, 22 & 23 specifications, equipment schedules, and redline markups.
• Develop and review mechanical system layouts in Revit – including HVAC, plumbing and/or fire protection - in coordination with architectural and structural backgrounds.
• Coordinate mechanical design with internal disciplines and external consultants to resolve design conflicts and progress design.
• Review and respond to mechanical RFIs and submittals with support from engineers
• Perform field verification for mechanical conditions, assist with punch walks, and participate in mechanical construction observation visits.
• Participate in early-phase design strategy discussions and support mechanical discipline leads with technical insight.
• Engage in internal QAQC processes and perform peer reviews of mechanical drawings and documentation for code compliance and drafting consistency.
• Begin mentoring mechanical designers and interns in software use, modeling best practices, documentation standards, and calculation basics.
• Participate in internal and external project meetings, and support the preparation of agendas, meeting minutes, and follow-up documentation with a focus on mechanical scope.
• Track and manage hours on assigned work and assist in project planning discussions regarding scope and resource allocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent, required.
• P.E. licensure required.
• 5+ years of experience in the AEC industry preferred.
• Candidates must be able to go to either our Chicago or Detroit office in a hybrid schedule. This is required.
• An understanding of the financial status of projects as they progress, development of cost budgets for projects, value of client relationships and be able to deliver projects with a focus on the quality is preferred.
• Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
• Strong organizational skills required.
• Revit experience required.
• Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
• Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
• The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.