Mechanical Engineering

edkey; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Wellness credit

Paid time off & holidays

Professional development & licensure

Mentorship & structured training

Employee ownership/ESOP

Job summary

Confidential Client in Chicago, IL is seeking a Mechanical Engineering New Graduate to join our hybrid, full-time office. You'll gain hands-on experience designing and analyzing HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for vertical building projects, mentored by senior engineers.

This entry-level role emphasizes collaboration with architects and project managers, opportunities for growth, and exposure to client-focused consulting, with safety and quality at the forefront.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Understanding of design techniques, tools, and the production of technical plans and specifications.
• Strong technical and analytical foundation in thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics as applied to building systems.
• Experience or familiarity with industry-standard engineering software, including HVAC load calculation tools.
• Basic experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts and software.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to coordinate with teams and clients.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to travel up to 5% (occasional overnight stays).

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems using engineering software to produce specifications, calculations, and drawings that meet code and firm standards.
• Communicate with clients to gather requirements, present technical information, and support strong client relationships.
• Support project execution as a member of consulting teams—help with planning, scheduling, and meeting project milestones.
• Document design decisions and client instructions while monitoring design progress and quality.
• Analyze low- to medium-complexity engineering challenges and collaborate with senior staff to develop solutions.
• Participate in quality control processes to ensure compliance with internal and industry standards.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices; contribute to internal innovation efforts.
• Prioritize safety by identifying and helping mitigate risks associated with mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including architects, engineers, and project managers—to deliver coordinated project outcomes.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

MS Office

Client communication

Team collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification

Tools

HVAC load calculation tools

BIM software

Job description

Important disclosure: Careertakes, by Edkey, is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client. Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

Overview

Confidential Client is hiring a Mechanical Engineering New Graduate to join their Chicago, IL office. This entry-level, full-time (hybrid) role offers hands‑on experience designing and analyzing mechanical systems—HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection—for vertical building projects. You’ll work with experienced engineers, receive mentorship, and contribute to client‑focused consulting projects with opportunity for professional growth.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in the design and analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems using engineering software to produce specifications, calculations, and drawings that meet code and firm standards.
• Communicate with clients to gather requirements, present technical information, and support strong client relationships.
• Support project execution as a member of consulting teams—help with planning, scheduling, and meeting project milestones.
• Document design decisions and client instructions while monitoring design progress and quality.
• Analyze low- to medium‑complexity engineering challenges and collaborate with senior staff to develop solutions.
• Participate in quality control processes to ensure compliance with internal and industry standards.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices; contribute to internal innovation efforts.
• Prioritize safety by identifying and helping mitigate risks associated with mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including architects, engineers, and project managers—to deliver coordinated project outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Understanding of design techniques, tools, and the production of technical plans and specifications.
• Strong technical and analytical foundation in thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics as applied to building systems.
• Experience or familiarity with industry‑standard engineering software, including HVAC load calculation tools.
• Basic experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts and software.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to coordinate with teams and clients.
• Attention to detail, problem‑solving ability, and eagerness to learn.
• Ability to travel up to 5% (occasional overnight stays).

Preferred

• Prior internship experience in building design consulting.
• Engineer‑In‑Training (EIT) certification.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk, see, hear, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally required to drive, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, reach, or grasp.
• Limited exposure to outside weather and intermittent noise on some project sites.
• =

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000 - $78,000 per year.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one; preventive care; wellness credit; paid time off and holidays; professional development and licensure support (EIT → PE); mentorship and structured training programs; employee ownership/ESOP participation; flexible dress policy; and innovation programs that include AI and tooling resources.

Why Confidential Client

Confidential Client puts people at the center of their work—delivering design and consulting services that create positive outcomes for clients, communities, and the environment. New graduates receive structured training, an assigned mentor, and clear pathways for technical and consulting growth.

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.