Mechanical Engineer - Mission Critical Data Centers Specialized

Woolpert; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,100 - 108,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to Work program

Principal program: become owner of the

Flexible PTO

Career development

Health, life, vision, dental insurance

Paid sick time & retirement plan

Job summary

Woolpert seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead Mission Critical Data Center projects, oversee scope and schedule, and perform HVAC design work to ensure code compliance and high quality deliverables.

The ideal candidate has PE certification, a track record in building HVAC systems for diverse sectors, and strong communication skills. Travel to project sites or offices may be required as needed.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or MA/MS in related field with 3+ years related experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) certification required.
• Experience with building HVAC system design for commercial, mixed‑use, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and high‑rise.
• Experience designing sustainable building systems (LEED/Green Building Institute).
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities for internal and external relations.
• Experience with discipline software applications and calculation tools.
• Substantial experience designing in Autodesk Revit 3‑D modeling software and directing construction documents preparation.
• Experience conducting QA/QC and coordination of design documents between disciplines.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical documents.
• Proficient in MS Teams, OneDrive/SharePoint, and MS Office.
• Ability to respond to sensitive inquiries from clients/regulators.
• Ability to write technical opinions and thought leadership content.
• Willing to travel to project sites or offices.

Responsibilities

• Design and support Mission Critical HVAC and mechanical systems for data centers (air‑cooled and liquid‑cooled).
• Perform cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, and airflow analysis.
• Model and analyze thermal performance across design scenarios.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate alternatives and redundancy strategies.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews to ensure code‑compliant, high‑quality deliverables.
• Develop and modify mechanical/plumbing drawings and plans.
• Present design concepts and solutions in reviews and meetings.
• Mentor staff and lead project coordination and training.

Skills

HVAC design

CFD modeling

Project leadership

Autodesk Revit

Technical communication

QA/QC

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Eng

PE license

Tools

CFD software

MS Teams/SharePoint

MS Office

Construction docs prep

Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking. Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic Mechanical Engineering team. This position is responsible for leading Mission Critical Data Center engineering projects; overseeing project scope and schedule, performing mechanical HVAC engineering technical work on complex design projects, mentoring staff, applying proficiency in designing, analyzing, and reviewing Mechanical and Plumbing systems to ensure compliance with applicable clients and industry standards. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Joining Woolpert's engineering team means becoming part of a dynamic and supportive environment where growth and creativity are not just encouraged but are integral to the team's success and Woolpert’s broader mission.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What You Will Do as a Mechanical Engineer at Woolpert:

• Design and support Mission Critical HVAC and mechanical systems for data centers, including air‑cooled and liquid‑cooled cooling systems, chilled water plants, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, and associated distribution systems.
• Experience utilizing CFD modeling software, such as 6Sigma, to model and analyze airflow distribution, thermal performance, cooling effectiveness, and evaluation of multiple design scenarios in air‑cooled and liquid‑cooled data center projects.
• Perform cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, airflow analysis, and mechanical system modeling to support high‑density IT environments and critical infrastructure.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to evaluate and present HVAC system alternatives, redundancy strategies, and cooling solutions to clients and project stakeholders.
• Perform technical and QA/QC reviews to ensure the delivery of code‑compliant, and high‑quality engineering deliverables.
• Develop and modify models, plans, details, and drawings of mechanical and plumbing engineering systems and components according to applicable standards and modeling techniques.
• Effectively communicate and present HVAC and plumbing design concepts, system alternatives, and engineering solutions during multidisciplinary design reviews and project coordination meetings.
• Motivate and inspire team members.
• Conduct training sessions for internal employees when necessary.

Personal & Professional Growth

• Team members have access to continuous learning programs, including workshops, seminars, certifications, and participation in professional membership organizations. This allows our engineers to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies, broaden their expertise, and network with industry peers.
• Mentorship programs where senior engineers guide and support junior staff, providing invaluable insights and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
• Career advancement through personalized career path planning and regular performance evaluations, ensuring that each team member's progress is recognized and rewarded.
• Opportunities to take on new challenges, lead projects, and expand skill sets, further enhancing personal and professional capabilities.

What You Will Bring

• BA/BS or MA/MS in related field and 3 or more years related experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) certification required.
• Experience with building HVAC system design for commercial, mixed‑use, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and/or high‑rise preferred.
• Experience designing sustainable building systems, including familiarity with LEED, Green Building Institute, or other sustainability credentialing.
• Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Expert verbal and written communication abilities for both internal and external relationships.
• Experience with discipline related software applications and calculation tools.
• Substantial experience designing in Autodesk Revit 3‑D modeling software and directing the preparation of construction documents.
• Experience conducting and leading QAQC and coordination of design documents between disciplines.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents including scientific and technical journals, handbooks, and industry information.
• Proficient in use of MS Teams, OneDrive/SharePoint, and MS Office suite.
• Ability to provide effective responses to sensitive inquiries from clients, regulatory agencies, and or members of the business community.
• Able to write technical opinions, articles, and thought leadership social media using original or innovative techniques or style.
• Mentally and physically capable of performing all essential duties required of the position.
• Willing to travel to project sites or offices, as needed.

Benefits You Will Love

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!

Pay Range

$87,100 - $108,900 USD

Level up your career with Woolpert. Apply today and join our team to help shape the future of tomorrow!

Woolpert is an equal‑opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.