Mission Critical Mechanical Designer

SmithGroup; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 3 weeks

8 paid federal holidays

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Career coaching

Job summary

SmithGroup in Chicago is seeking a Mission Critical Mechanical Designer to design HVAC systems for data centers and other critical facilities. You will develop design concepts, BIM/Revit models, and construction documents across project phases, collaborating with architects and engineers.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of experience, an EIT certification, Revit/IES proficiency, and strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a mechanical emphasis.
• 2–5 years of experience designing HVAC, plumbing, and specialty systems for data centers or mission critical facilities.
• Experience designing air- and water-cooled rack cooling systems, chiller plants, and performing HVAC load analyses.
• EIT certification and eligibility to pursue licensure; LEED credentials are a plus.
• Proficiency with Revit, IES, Microsoft Excel, and MS Office; strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and document HVAC systems and controls for data centers and other mission critical facilities.
• Perform engineering analyses including heating and cooling load calculations, CFD modeling, and assessments.
• Develop design concepts, BIM/Revit models, reports and construction documents.
• Prepare project narratives, reports, and presentations communicating solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers and consultants to integrate mechanical systems.
• Support construction administration: review submittals, RFIs, site observations, record drawings.
• Coordinate tasks with senior engineers and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Revit

CFD modeling

HVAC load calculations

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a mechanical emphasis

Tools

IES

Microsoft Excel

Job description

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.

The Chicagooffice of SmithGroupis looking for aMission Critical Mechanical Designerto join our team.

Working with us, you will:

• Design and document HVAC systems and controls for data centers and other mission critical facilities, including air- and water-cooled rack cooling systems and chiller plants.
• Perform engineering analyses, including heating and cooling load calculations, CFD modeling, and mechanical system assessments, to support design decisions.
• Develop design concepts, engineering documentation, BIM/Revit models, technical reports, and construction documents throughout all phases of project delivery.
• Prepare project narratives, technical reports, and presentation materials to communicate design solutions and recommendations.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and other consultants to integrate mechanical systems into complex facility designs.
• Support construction administration activities, including reviewing submittals, RFIs, and change requests, conducting site observations, and preparing record drawings.
• Coordinate project tasks with senior engineers and help guide the work of junior team members.
• Mentor and train junior staff while encouraging collaboration amongst multidisciplinary teams.

An ideal candidate has:

• A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a mechanical emphasis.
• 2 to 5 years of experience designing HVAC, plumbing, and specialty systems for data centers, mission critical facilities, or other complex building types.
• Experience designing air- and water-cooled rack cooling systems, chiller plants, and performing HVAC load analyses.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification and eligibility to pursue professional licensure; LEED credentials are a plus.
• Proficiency with Revit, IES, Microsoft Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000 to $93,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].