Senior Mechanical Engineer

United Mechanical; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Flexible Time Off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

United Mechanical is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design for commercial projects in California. You will own design from basis-of-design through IFC, troubleshoot air-side and water-side systems, and ensure code compliance with AHJ requirements.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with project teams, and provide field support during construction to ensure successful startup and operation.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years’ experience in the commercial construction space.
• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required.
• Excellent understanding of engineering fundamentals, HVAC system types, equipment, installation standards, and procedures.
• The ability to assume responsibility, interface, and communicate with others is essential.
• Must be fully versed in California and applicable local building codes.
• Proficient in Carrier HAP, Trace 700, Energy Pro, or equivalent; AutoCAD and Revit experience.

Responsibilities

• Technical ownership of mechanical design from basis-of-design through IFC deliverables.
• Lead Designer: establish basis of design, system sizing, and document strategy from kickoff through IFC.
• Design and troubleshoot air-side and water-side systems (VAV, DOAS, hydronic plants, pumps, valves, coils).
• Apply California codes and local AHJ amendments and energy code.
• Own QA/QC: loads/assumptions, duct/pipe sizing, schedules, details, and coordination checks.
• Assist Project Managers in presenting proposals and options to clients, general contractors, and engineers.
• Provide field support during construction: submittals, RFIs, and design clarifications.
• Direct and coordinate project-based engineering activities of both in-house and outsourced teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Field coordination

HVAC systems knowledge

Mechanical design

Education

4-year engineering degree

PE license (preferred)

Tools

Carrier HAP

Trace 700

Energy Pro

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

The most distinctive aspect of working at United Mechanical is our vibrant culture and spirit of innovation. You will work side by side with company leaders and industry pioneers who have extensive knowledge and experience. We are a diverse, ambitious team excited about what we do. We have developed a work environment that allows every employee to have job satisfaction while providing the best quality products and services available on a profitable basis. We are committed to hiring and developing the best in our industry. We offer competitive compensation and lots of opportunities for career growth!

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, company-paid life insurance, and much more!

Flexible Time Off

Employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off as well as paid holidays.

401(k)

Our competitive retirement plan includes a generous 100% company match up to 4% of contribution.

Together, we have a dynamic, fun, inspiring work environment where we can be ourselves and grow each day. We work hard and play hard. Our culture encourages, supports, and celebrates our diversity. Join us!

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is one of our Engineering Department’s hands‑on technical lead designers. This role is accountable for code‑compliant, buildable, well‑coordinated permit and construction documents. At UMI, our designs get built. You won’t just issue drawings; you’ll watch your designs get installed, started up, and perform, giving you direct feedback from the field. This position has project and deliverable accountability with no direct personnel responsibility. The Senior Engineer mentors junior engineers, raises the bar on QA/QC, and serves as a trusted technical partner to Project Managers and the field. The intent is to deliver designs that support smooth field execution, clear client communication, and predictable project outcomes.

Location

San Jose, CA (Headquarters) or Alameda, CA

Reports to

Director of Engineering

Responsibilities

Technical ownership

• Own mechanical design execution from basis-of-design through permit and issued-for‑construction (IFC) deliverables.
• Serve as Lead Designer: establish basis of design, system selection, equipment sizing, control intent, and document strategy from kickoff through IFC.
• Design and troubleshoot both air‑side (VAV, DOAS, exhaust, pressurization, filtration, heat recovery, etc.) and water‑side (hydronic plants, pumping, control valves, coils, heat rejection, etc.) systems.
• Apply California codes and local requirements, including AHJ amendments and applicable energy code.

QA/QC + standards

• Own QA/QC: loads/assumptions, duct/pipe sizing, schedules, details, sequences, coordination, and general “will this actually work” sanity checks.

Coordination + field integration

• Assist Project Managers in presenting and explaining proposals, systems, findings, and options to clients, general contractors, and engineers
• Participate in site walks and existing conditions investigations
• Work with Project Managers and the engineering staff to prepare or refine the project scope
• Provide field support during construction: submittal review, RFIs, and design clarifications.

Mentorship + leadership

• Direct and coordinate the project‑based engineering activities of both in‑house and outsourced engineering teams
• Guide and mentor junior engineers through real project work: fundamentals, codes, design judgment, and document quality.
• Give Engineering leadership clear feedback on training needs, performance growth, and where the team needs better tooling or standards.

Education Requirements and Relevant Skills

• 7-10 years’ experience in the commercial construction space
• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required
• Excellent understanding of engineering fundamentals, HVAC system types, equipment, installation standards, and procedures.
• The ability to assume responsibility, interface, and communicate with others is essential
• Must be fully versed in California and applicable local building codes
• Proficient in the use of Carrier HAP, Trace 700, Energy Pro, or equivalent
• Proficient in AutoCAD: Revit experience preferred
• Prior experience witha mechanical contractor or engineering consultant preferred.

United Mechanical is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected