Senior Mechanical Engineer

Salas O'Brien, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and company holidays

Wellness programs and EAP

Job summary

Salas O’Brien in Chicago, IL is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of HVAC systems for high-rise, commercial, healthcare, and data center projects. You will provide technical leadership, create construction drawings, perform load calculations, and coordinate with other disciplines.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or architectural engineering with mechanical emphasis, a PE license, and a minimum of 8 years of design experience; 2 years of project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering with mechanical emphasis.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of design experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of project management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of HVAC design, codes, standards, and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the design of HVAC systems for projects based on scope and client RFPs.
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning for mechanical systems across building types.
• Perform load calculations using Trace 700/3D, IES, and similar programs.
• Conduct existing building surveys and document HVAC systems.
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies.
• Coordinate work with other disciplines and provide construction administration services.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers.
• Lead project teams and serve as primary client contact.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

MS Office

Travel

HVAC design

Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering (mechanical emphasis)

Tools

Trace 700/3D

IES

Job description

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people‑first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee‑owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high‑rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Senior Mechanical Engineer serves to work in a fast‑paced multi‑discipline team environment. The position responsibilities primarily are focused on the design of mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovation projects. This will require providing technical leadership for the creation of construction drawings and specifications, existing system studies and master planning efforts. Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others to address mechanical issues to develop effective working relationships. The project clientele includes High‑Rise, Commercial, Health Care, Higher Education, Mixed‑Use, Science and Technology and Data Centers.

In this role, you will

• Develop and lead the design of HVAC system of a given project based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of building types
• Perform Load calculations with software such as Trace 700/3D, IES and similar programs
• Conduct existing building surveys and documentation of existing HVAC systems
• Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in buildings
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies
• Complete code compliance research
• Coordinate work with other disciplines
• Provide construction administration services
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers
• Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients
• Assist in the procurement of new work, including the development of client relations and participation in project interviews

You will be a great fit if

• You have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or Architectural Engineering with mechanical emphasis
• You possess Professional Engineer (PE) license
• You have a minimum of 8 years of design experience
• You have a minimum of 2 years of project management experience (preferred)
• You have knowledge in the design of HVAC systems
• You have knowledge and understanding of codes, standards, and design guidelines

Skills/abilities

• Excellent work ethic and attitude
• Good communication skills, combined with organizational skills, the ability to plan, balance and prioritize work
• Ability to lead a team and work as a team
• Proficiency in Auto CAD, Revit, and MS Office
• Ability to travel

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Compensation: $120,000 or higher depending on experience

The expected base salary range for this role is $120,000 USD per year or higher depending on experience. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance‑based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here .

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability‑related needs of applicants as required by law.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering.

Experience

8 years: A minimum of 8 years of design experience

Preferred

2 years: A minimum of 2 years of project management experience (preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.