Senior Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

WSP; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,800 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in San Diego, CA to lead mechanical building systems design across healthcare, life sciences, commercial and education projects. You will mentor junior engineers and coordinate with architects and owners.

The role requires an EIT, 5–7 years of experience, strong HVAC knowledge, and proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD. Travel may be required. This is an opportunity to deliver technically challenging projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or architectural engineering or closely related field.
• 5–7 years of post-education mechanical building systems experience.
• EIT certification required.
• Experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, or complex building projects.
• Strong understanding of building systems, codes, and standards.
• Proficient with Revit and AutoCAD; proficient with engineering analysis software.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design and coordination of multiple building projects from concept through construction.
• Provide technical expertise in HVAC systems, hydronic systems, air distribution systems, automatic temperature controls, and energy-efficient building solutions.
• Prepare and review mechanical engineering studies, calculations, technical reports, construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate closely with architects, owners, contractors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted technical advisor throughout project execution.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews of engineering deliverables.
• Support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource coordination.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers and designers.
• Perform field investigations, site assessments, and construction administration activities.
• Assist with proposals, client presentations, and business development initiatives.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct while adhering to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Skills

HVAC systems design

Building systems knowledge

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Client interaction

Mentoring

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or closely related discipline

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Engineering analysis software

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Property & Buildings Building Systems Team in San Diego, CA.

Be involved in projects with our Property & Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. This position is best suited for an engineer seeking the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects while serving as a technical leader within a multidisciplinary design environment.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and project delivery support for a diverse portfolio of projects, including healthcare, life sciences, commercial, higher education, workplace, and other complex facilities. The ideal candidate will have experience leading mechanical building systems design efforts and a strong understanding of HVAC systems, energy-efficient design, and project coordination.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience supporting healthcare, laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, research, or other highly regulated environments.

Your Impact

• Lead the mechanical design and coordination of multiple building projects from concept through construction.
• Provide technical expertise in HVAC systems, hydronic systems, air distribution systems, automatic temperature controls, and energy-efficient building solutions.
• Prepare and review mechanical engineering studies, calculations, technical reports, construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Coordinate closely with architects, owners, contractors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted technical advisor throughout project execution.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews of engineering deliverables.
• Support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource coordination.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers and designers.
• Perform field investigations, site assessments, and construction administration activities.
• Assist with proposals, client presentations, and business development initiatives.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct while adhering to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• 5–7 years of relevant post-education experience in mechanical building systems engineering.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required.
• Demonstrated experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, or complex building projects.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, building systems, industry standards, and applicable codes.
• Experience utilizing Revit, AutoCAD, and engineering analysis software.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments and work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to mentor and support junior engineering staff.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety and adherence to WSP's health, safety, and conduct policies.
• Ability to travel occasionally as required by project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience leading the mechanical design of healthcare, life sciences, laboratory, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or mission‑critical facilities.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE, NFPA, FGI, and other healthcare and laboratory design guidelines.
• Experience with central utility plants, specialty exhaust systems, cleanrooms, critical environment HVAC systems, and energy recovery systems.
• Familiarity with sustainable design initiatives and LEED‑certified projects.
• Experience interfacing directly with clients and supporting project pursuits and business development activities.
• Project management experience and the ability to lead small to medium‑size projects.

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.