Senior Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

WSP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

Retirement savings

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Paid parental leave

Bereavement, voting, naturalization

Job summary

WSP seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Chicago to lead HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical building system design for a diverse portfolio including commercial, healthcare, and education projects.

The role involves mentoring junior staff, coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, and delivering sustainable, code‑compliant solutions. PE preferred, experience with Revit/AutoCAD, and strong communication recommended.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program.
• 5 years of mechanical engineering experience focused on building systems design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within a reasonable timeframe.
• Experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, mixed‑use, or other complex building projects.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard software such as Revit, AutoCAD, HVAC load calculation software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of applicable building codes, energy standards, and mechanical design practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical building systems for new construction and renovation projects.
• Develop engineering calculations, design narratives, specifications, and construction documents.
• Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and other disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Perform quality reviews of mechanical designs, drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
• Participate in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource management activities.
• Interface directly with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Support business development efforts through proposal preparation, client presentations, and project pursuits.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers.
• Conduct field investigations, site visits, and construction administration activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and WSP quality procedures.
• Support sustainable building design initiatives, energy‑efficient solutions, and decarbonization strategies where applicable.

Skills

Revit

AutoCAD

HVAC load calc

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

HVAC load calculation software

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Property & Buildings (P&B) team in Chicago, Illinois. This position provides an opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects across the commercial, corporate, healthcare, higher education, science & technology, mixed‑use, and public sectors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading mechanical system design efforts, collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams, mentoring junior staff, and delivering innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the built environment. This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, technical leadership, and client engagement.

Your Impact

• Lead the design and analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical building systems for new construction and renovation projects.
• Develop engineering calculations, design narratives, specifications, and construction documents.
• Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and other disciplines to deliver integrated project solutions.
• Perform quality reviews of mechanical designs, drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
• Participate in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource management activities.
• Interface directly with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout project delivery.
• Support business development efforts through proposal preparation, client presentations, and project pursuits.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers.
• Conduct field investigations, site visits, and construction administration activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and WSP quality procedures.
• Support sustainable building design initiatives, energy‑efficient solutions, and decarbonization strategies where applicable.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program.
• 5 years of mechanical engineering experience focused on building systems design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within a reasonable timeframe.
• Experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, mixed‑use, or other complex building projects.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard software such as Revit, AutoCAD, HVAC load calculation software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong knowledge of applicable building codes, energy standards, and mechanical design practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active PE license.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary building projects from concept through construction.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles, energy modeling, and high‑performance building strategies.
• Experience with healthcare, higher education, science and technology, commercial, or public‑sector facilities.
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) or other relevant sustainability credentials.
• Experience mentoring engineers and technical staff.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary: $100,800 - $147,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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