Mechanical Engineer - Plumbing

HED; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

In-office days

Job summary

HED is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our San Francisco team where you will own portions of project design, documentation, and coordination from concept through construction.

You will contribute to calculations, code research, QAQC, and coordination across disciplines, while mentoring designers and interns and supporting client interactions for future leadership.

This hybrid role emphasizes collaboration with a culture of learning and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• P.E. licensure required.
• 5+ years in the AEC industry preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Revit and basic computer applications.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead design development and calculations for mechanical systems across schematic to construction documents.
• Independently perform load calculations, equipment sizing, and code compliance checks.
• Prepare technical documentation including system descriptions and equipment schedules.
• Develop and review HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection layouts in Revit.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to resolve design conflicts.
• Review RFIs and submittals with support from engineers.
• Perform field verification and participate in construction observation visits.
• Mentor mechanical designers and interns in software use and documentation standards.
• Participate in project meetings and support agendas and minutes.

Skills

Revit

Design calculations

Coordination

QAQC

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Professional Engineer (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 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 in the AEC Industry preferred.
• 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.