Project Engineer

National Mechanical Experts Inc.; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k 6% match

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Vehicle Allowance

Company Cell Phone

Job summary

National Mechanical Experts Inc. in Columbia, SC invites a recent mechanical engineering graduate to join our entry-level engineering team.

You will gain hands-on experience across commercial and industrial HVAC design-build projects, from concept through installation and commissioning, working with seasoned leaders. You will assist with load calculations, equipment selection, layouts, site assessments, and value engineering, while developing skills in estimating, pre-construction, and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Entry-level candidates and recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• FE/EIT certification or pursuing licensure is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer and project sites as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cooling and heating load calculations, equipment selection, and psychrometric analysis for commercial and industrial facilities.
• Develop mechanical system layouts, ductwork and piping routing, and engineering schematics.
• Participate in site assessments and gather field information required for system design and project planning.
• Assist in ensuring designs meet applicable building codes, ASHRAE standards, manufacturer requirements, and energy-efficiency standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

FE/EIT certification or pursuing licensure

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Trane TRACE

Carrier HAP

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This entry-level engineering position is designed for a recent graduate looking to build hands-on experience across commercial and industrial HVAC design-build projects in our South Carolina region based out of our Columbia office. Working alongside experienced engineering and operations leaders, you'll gain exposure to mechanical system design, estimating, technical sales, and project delivery from initial concept through installation and commissioning.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering & System Design

• Assist with cooling and heating load calculations, equipment selection, and psychrometric analysis for commercial and industrial facilities.
• Develop mechanical system layouts, ductwork and piping routing, and engineering schematics
• Participate in site assessments and gather field information required for system design and project planning.
• Assist in ensuring designs meet applicable building codes, ASHRAE standards, manufacturer requirements, and energy-efficiency standards.

Estimating & Pre-Construction

• Review project scopes, drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Assist with quantity take-offs and obtain equipment, material, vendor, and subcontractor pricing.
• Develop project cost estimates, labor forecasts, budgets, and supporting documentation for design-build proposals.
• Work with Operations to identify practical and cost-effective solutions for customer projects.

Client & Sales Support

• Participate in meetings and site visits with building owners, facility managers, and other customer stakeholders.
• Assist in identifying customer needs and developing technical solutions related to equipment performance, efficiency, reliability, and operational concerns.
• Support the development and presentation of engineered solutions, value-engineering alternatives, and project recommendations.
• Develop the technical and communication skills necessary to build and support long-term customer relationships.

Project Management & Execution

• Support project planning, scheduling, equipment procurement, site coordination, and subcontractor activities.
• Assist with monitoring project costs, budgets, change orders, and schedules under the guidance of project and operations leadership.
• Coordinate with field personnel throughout installation and assist in resolving technical or project-related issues.
• Participate in system startup, testing and balancing (TAB), commissioning, and project closeout.
• Conduct jobsite visits to monitor project progress and verify work is consistent with project requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience / Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline required.
• Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of HVAC fundamentals, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or similar engineering/design software preferred.
• Familiarity with HVAC load calculation software such as Trane TRACE or Carrier HAP is an asset.
• FE/EIT certification or interest in pursuing professional engineering licensure is a plus.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to customer and project sites as required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude.
• Willingness and ability to learn HVAC design, estimating, project management, and technical sales.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands‑on environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Sales, Operations, field technicians, vendors, and customers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Combination of office and field-based work.
• Regular travel to commercial and industrial customer sites and active project locations.
• Exposure to mechanical equipment, construction environments, and varying weather conditions during site visits.
• Must comply with company and customer safety requirements while visiting project sites.

Company Benefits

• 401k 6% match
• Flexible Spending Account
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for the Primary Employee with 100% premium coverage
• Paid Primary Employee Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage
• Paid Primary Employee Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Company Vehicle Allowance and Gas Card
• Company Cell Phone
• Holiday Pay with Flex Days and PTO
• Career Development Opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.