Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC and Plumbing Design (PE License Required)

J&T Business Consulting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with flexible work

Comprehensive insurance options

PTO and holidays

401(k) retirement plan with company 2%

Professional development and licensure

Job summary

BKV Group in Chicago, IL, seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer with 8+ years of HVAC and plumbing design experience to lead projects from concept through construction.

The role requires an active PE license and strong leadership, client-facing skills, and collaboration across disciplines. You will mentor engineers, refine design standards, and support QA/QC with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Active PE license in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of HVAC and plumbing design experience for commercial buildings.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and Trane TRACE; MS Office suite.
• Strong knowledge of ASHRAE standards, IMC, IPC, IECC and local codes.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to lead technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and basis-of-design documentation for commercial/mixed-use projects.
• Direct HVAC and plumbing calculations, models, drawings and specifications.
• Coordinate with architecture, structural, electrical, and project management teams.
• Represent the Mechanical discipline in client meetings and design workshops.
• Support construction administration by reviewing submittals and RFIs.
• Mentor engineers and designers and guide career development.
• Maintain and implement firm-wide mechanical/plumbing design standards with leadership.
• Partner with the Mechanical Director for QA/QC of project deliverables.

Skills

PE License

Leadership

Mentoring

Tools

Revit

Trane TRACE

MS Office

Job description

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC and Plumbing Design (PE License Required)

Chicago, United States | Posted on 11/12/2026

Salary Range: $150,000 – $170,000 / year (commensurate with experience)

About the Role

Seeking an accomplished and collaborative Senior Mechanical Engineer with 8+ years of HVAC and plumbing design experience to join the BKV Group team in Chicago, IL.

In this role, you will provide senior technical leadership and design direction to the growing local Chicago mechanical team and national practice. You will lead projects from concept through construction, determine systems selections and basis of design, represent the Mechanical discipline in client and stakeholder meetings, mentor engineers and designers, and ensure high quality and coordination across all mechanical/plumbing deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering design, systems selections, and basis-of-design documentation for leading-edge commercial and mixed-use projects.
• Direct and execute comprehensive HVAC and plumbing calculations, models, drawings, and specifications.
• Coordinate mechanical and plumbing engineering designs seamlessly with architecture, structural, electrical, and project management disciplines.
• Represent the Mechanical discipline at client presentations, stakeholder meetings, and design workshops.
• Support the construction administration phase by reviewing contractor submittals, responding to RFIs, and addressing site inquiries.
• Provide technical mentorship, coaching, and career guidance to mechanical engineers and designers.
• Maintain, refine, and implement firm-wide mechanical and plumbing design standards in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Partner with the Mechanical Director to conduct rigorous quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) reviews on all project deliverables.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Licensure: Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of focused mechanical (HVAC) and plumbing design experience, with a strong background in commercial building projects.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Revit and Microsoft Office Suite. Hands-on experience with Trane TRACE (or comparable building energy and load calculation software).
• Codes & Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of ASHRAE standards, International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), energy codes (IECC), and local municipal building codes.
• Communication & Leadership: Strong presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead technical discussions, resolve design challenges collaboratively, and interface directly with clients.

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary with flexible work schedules
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution options
• Professional development, licensure renewal support, and continuing education programs

An Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.