Mechanical Specialist

EEI; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

LTD/STD and life insurance

Voluntary life and critical illness

Profit-sharing

401(k) plan

Travel award (Milestone)

Paid certifications and conferences

Professional development

Job summary

EEI in Chicago is seeking a Mechanical Specialist to independently perform commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and verification of mechanical systems supporting data centers and other high-reliability facilities. You will own field activities, coordinate issue tracking, and move systems through startup, testing, and closeout.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in mechanical systems and strong knowledge of HVAC and building operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical systems and facilities operations.
• Knowledge of HVAC, chilled water, cooling towers, pumps and controls.
• Ability to read drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Authorized to work in the US full-time.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in mechanical engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning, testing, and verification of mechanical systems for mission-critical facilities and data centers.
• Troubleshoot mechanical performance issues and coordinate with project teams and contractors.
• Coordinate field activities, testing, and project documentation for successful delivery.
• Review drawings and specs to validate installation readiness.
• Communicate project status and technical findings to clients and teams.
• Mentor developing commissioning professionals through field collaboration.

Skills

3+ years experience mechanical systems

HVAC systems knowledge

Read drawings & specs

Troubleshooting & field testing

Communication & teamwork

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Commissioning tools

Job description

At EEI, we believe in doing things the right way, with excellence, integrity, and genuine care for our people. As an employee-owned company, our People First culture is rooted in trust, accountability, and shared success.

As a Mechanical Specialist for EEI’s Mission Critical team, you will independently perform commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and verification of mechanical systems that support data centers and other high-reliability facilities. You will work alongside experienced technical professionals and project stakeholders to help ensure critical facility systems operate safely, efficiently, and reliably.

In this role, you will take ownership of assigned field activities, support functional performance testing, coordinate issue tracking, and help move mechanical systems through startup, testing, documentation, and closeout. This position is ideal for a hands-on mechanical professional who enjoys field work, troubleshooting, and contributing to successful mission‑critical project outcomes.

Annual Compensation Range: $86,000 - $121,000

The above salary range is based on the Chicago, IL labor market and subject to change based on location.

• Lead assigned commissioning, testing, and verification activities for mechanical systems supporting mission-critical facilities and data centers.
• Troubleshoot mechanical system performance issues and support resolution efforts with project teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Coordinate field activities, testing efforts, and project documentation to help ensure successful project delivery.
• Review drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and system information to validate installation and operational readiness.
• Communicate project status, technical findings, and recommendations with clients, contractors, and internal project teams.
• Support and mentor developing commissioning professionals through field collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to safe, reliable, and high-quality project execution in a fast-paced mission-critical environment.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical systems, facilities operations, commissioning, construction, engineering, maintenance, building operations, military mechanical work, or a related technical environment.
• Working knowledge of HVAC systems, chilled water systems, cooling towers, pumps, air distribution, controls, and related mechanical equipment used in mission-critical or high-reliability facilities.
• Understanding of MEP systems, controls, and integrated building operations.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, submittals, technical documentation, and system information.
• Ability to independently execute assigned technical activities while collaborating effectively with project teams.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and commissioning documentation tools or project software.
• Strong commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality.
• Currently authorized to work in the U.S. full-time

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, and/or a related field preferred.
• Experience with data centers, mission-critical facilities, healthcare facilities, building automation systems, controls integration, or high-reliability environments.
• Hands‑on experience supporting functional performance testing, equipment startup, issue tracking, commissioning documentation, or project closeout activities.
• Relevant certification or active interest in professional development related to commissioning, building performance, or mission‑critical operations.

Certifications

• PE, LEED, CxA, PMP, and/or other equivalent certifications strongly preferred.

Working Conditions

• Typical Travel: Up to 75%. Travel requirements vary by project and individual location.
• Work Environment: Hybrid environment of office and field-based work for site visits. Site visits may include mission-critical facilities, data centers, active construction environments, mechanical rooms, uneven ground, varying weather conditions, and field interactions.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform site inspections, which may include walking project sites, climbing ladders, occasionally lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, and working in confined spaces when needed. Reasonable accommodation may be provided.
• Reports to: Mechanical Lead or assigned project technical lead.
• Supervisory duties: This role is primarily an individual contributor and does not have direct supervisory responsibility. The position may provide day-to-day guidance, technical support, and field coordination for Mechanical Support personnel and less‑experienced team members.
• Partners with: Works closely with EEI project teams, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, equipment manufacturers, project stakeholders, engineers, project managers, and senior technical team members across disciplines.
• Key Representative to: EEI clients, contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders.

About EEI

EEI is a recognized leader in facility and energy consulting. We deliver innovative, performance-focused solutions that maximize building performance, extend system lifecycles, and reduce utility costs. This dedication has earned us trusted partnerships with Fortune 500 organizations, national healthcare networks, prestigious universities, and leading government agencies.

Nationally recognized for building commissioning and building performance, EEI also provides facility assessments, master planning, energy audits, and technical program management, supported by specialty teams serving healthcare, data center, and mission-critical facilities.

Our reputation is built by the people who lead our work every day. That’s why our values aren’t just words; they are lived out daily in how we make decisions, build trusted relationships, and deliver quality. As an employee‑owned company, we share success through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), reflecting our commitment to building something meaningful together. And as EEI rapidly grows, we’re looking for talented people who want meaningful work, a supportive team, and room to grow.

Learn more at https://eeibuildingperformance.com/

Taking care of our people is our highest priority. We’re committed to creating a workplace where our people are supported through meaningful connection, genuine care, and real opportunities to grow. That’s why we provide the benefits, tools, and resources our team needs to thrive and do their best work.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); 100% employer-funded
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
• Company-paid LTD, STD, and basic life insurance
• Voluntary life, accident coverage, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Profit-sharing + discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match; 100% immediate vesting
• Milestone Travel Award (Every 5 Years)
• Paid certifications, seminars, and conferences
• Professional development opportunities

PEOPLE + BUILDING + PERFORMANCE

EEI is a proud equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to an inclusive culture. EEI does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.

EEI participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your completed Form I-9 to confirm your work authorization in the United States.

Attention Search Firms / Third-Party Recruiters

EEI is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes for this role. Resumes submitted without a valid written search agreement are the sole property of EEI; no fee will be paid if a candidate is hired.