Senior Mechanical Engineer: Building Systems Lead (Hybrid)

Ghafari Associates; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and in-office environments

Robust internship program

Career mapping and mentorship

Licensure coaching

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Ghafari Associates seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of mechanical systems for new or renovated buildings. You will deliver HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection solutions, model energy use, review submittals, and guide junior staff while ensuring code-compliant drawings and specifications.

You will collaborate with project teams and owners to define scope, budgets, and design approaches, maintaining high-quality construction documents and client-facing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field
• 15+ years of mechanical engineering experience (HVAC/building systems)
• Experience as lead engineer on projects of varying sizes
• Professional registration (preferred)
• LEED accredited professional (preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Leadership and mentoring

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, budget, constraints, and design approach with PM/ client
• Communicate with design teams and owners; liaise with owners/representatives
• Develop feasibility studies and cost estimates
• Stay current with building codes and standards
• Lead design of mechanical systems: HVAC, piping, plumbing, fire protection
• Perform or review calculations and energy models
• Create engineering CAD drawings using Revit/AutoCAD or with junior support
• Draft/edit project specifications
• Conduct field measurements at construction site
• Review drawings for omissions, errors, and code compliance
• Review product submittals and enforce specification compliance
• Maintain organized project files and calculations
• Prepare file updates, transmittals, reports, and procurement requests
• Assist with standards review and maintenance of master specifications
• Produce construction documents with quality control; mentor junior staff
• Perform other tasks as needed
• Develop and mentor less experienced staff

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Team coordination

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Trane Trace 700

Energy calculation software

Bluebeam

Job description

Ghafari Associates seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and integration of mechanical systems for new or renovated buildings. You will deliver HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection solutions, model energy use, review submittals, and guide junior staff while ensuring code-compliant drawings and specifications.

You will collaborate with project teams and owners to define scope, budgets, and design approaches, maintaining high-quality construction documents and client-facing