Mechanical Engineer/Designer

Salas O'Brien; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Salas O’Brien in Richmond, VA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer/Designer to design mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovations, producing construction drawings and specs while coordinating with project teams and clients.

The role focuses on HVAC system design, load calculations, and code compliance, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and contribute to a diverse portfolio across education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering required or equivalent experience.
• PE license preferred.
• LEED accreditation or sustainable design experience is a plus but not required.
• 2–4 years of design experience.
• Knowledge of HVAC design and applicable codes.

Responsibilities

• Develop HVAC system designs for projects based on scope and client RFPs.
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for various markets.
• Perform Load/Energy calculations with software such as Trace 700 and IES.
• Conduct existing building surveys and document HVAC systems.
• Develop system design calculations and select equipment for buildings.
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disciplines.
• Provide construction administration services and oversee junior engineers.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

HVAC design

Code compliance

Coordination with disciplines

Mentoring juniors

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

PE license

LEED accreditation

Tools

Trace 700

IES

Job description

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineer/Designer serves to focus on the design of mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovation projects. This will require providing technical design for the creation of construction drawings and specifications, and existing system studies. Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others to address mechanical issues to develop effective working relationships. The project clientele includes K-12 Education, Higher Education, Commercial, Health Care, Science and Technology, municipal, and institutional facilities.

In This Role, You Will

• Develop HVAC system designs for a given project based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market types
• Perform Load/Energy calculations with software such as Trace 700, IES and similar programs
• Conduct existing building surveys and documentation of existing HVAC systems
• Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in buildings
• Write/edit project specifications
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
• Coordinate and communicate information and progress with all three disciplines (mechanical, electrical and plumbing)
• Code compliance research
• Coordinate work with other disciplines
• Provide construction administration services

You Will Be a Great Fit If

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is preferred; equivalent education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• LEED accreditation and/or sustainable design experience is a plus but not required.
• You have a minimum of 2–4-year design experience
• You have knowledge in the design of HVAC systems
• You have knowledge and understanding of codes, standards, and design guidelines
• You have an excellent work ethic and attitude
• Coordinate work with other disciplines
• Provide construction administration services
• Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers

Skills/abilities

• Must have strong verbal and written communications skills in design and specifications

Location

Richmond, VA

Travel

Less than 10%

Compensation

This is a full-time position as a Salas O’Brien employee. Benefits include a health insurance plan, a 401K profit sharing plan, and PTO. The position offers competitive compensation based on candidate experience.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.