Senior Mechanical Engineer (healthcare experience)

ColeBreit Engineering; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks of PTO

Paid holidays

401(k) with matching

Student loan repayment

Job summary

A leading MEP engineering firm in Seattle is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer who excels at leading complex healthcare projects. The role entails overseeing mechanical system design, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with code. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of MEP engineering experience, a PE license, and proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD. This position offers a hybrid work model, professional development opportunities, and a competitive salary ranging from $110,000 to $145,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Strong written & verbal communication skills, including preparing technical reports.
• Proven project and technical leadership overseeing project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical system design for healthcare and institutional projects.
• Manage projects as discipline lead and Engineer of Record (EOR).
• Guide and develop junior engineers in a collaborative environment.

Skills

Mechanical system design

Project management

Mentoring

Energy efficiency

Education

8+ years of progressive MEP engineering experience

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Trane software

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer (healthcare experience)

Location: Seattle, WA

Are you an experienced mechanical engineer who thrives on complex, long-term projects that make a tangible impact in our communities?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at ColeBreit Engineering, you’ll lead mechanical system design for complex healthcare and institutional projects, with responsibility for HVAC, hydronic, and medical gas systems from concept through construction. With a focus on system design, energy efficiency, code compliance, and interdisciplinary coordination, you’ll guide projects from concept through construction. This is a senior role with real authority: you’ll make system-level decisions, serve as Engineer of Record, and ensure solutions meet the highest standards of technical rigor, quality, and innovation.

A cornerstone of this role is leadership on the Harborview Medical Center program in Seattle, one of the most significant hospital projects currently underway in the Pacific Northwest. This is an 8-year, multi-phase redevelopment effort, offering rare continuity and visibility from early design through phased construction. You’ll serve as the mechanical discipline lead and trusted on-the-ground presence, working closely with the client, project team, and field partners to deliver patient-critical systems in a fully operational healthcare environment.

This role is intended to grow over time and offers a clear path toward Principal or practice leadership for the right individual.

Do you thrive on balancing visionary design with the practical realities of delivering complex healthcare projects? If so, please read on.

HAVE ADVANCED TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS?

You’re the go-to technical authority for mechanical design and system integration, capable of balancing performance, energy efficiency, and constructability while ensuring full compliance with California, Oregon and Washington building codes. You’re comfortable making critical system decisions and standing behind them.

THRIVE AS A LEADER AND MENTOR?

You guide and develop junior engineers, share lessons learned, and cultivate a collaborative, low-ego environment where technical excellence is expected and supported.

EXCEL AT MANAGING COMPLEX HEALTHCARE PROJECTS?

You have a proven track record leading the mechanical design for hospitals, clinics, and medical office buildings, coordinating with architects, contractors, and facility stakeholders to deliver high-performing, compliant, and reliable systems. Familiarity with HCAI submittals, review processes, and compliance standards is highly valued.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

Within the first 30 days:

Develop a strong understanding of ColeBreit Engineering’s mission, values, and technical standards.

Meet with key project leaders and design teams to build strong internal partnerships.

Take ownership of 1–2 active projects, understanding scopes, schedules, and team resources.

3-4 months and ongoing:

Lead 3–6 projects as discipline lead and Engineer of Record (EOR).

Produce and review system calculations, specifications, and control sequences.

Oversee the design of HVAC, plumbing, and hydronic systems.

Conduct site visits and coordinate directly with contractors, architects, and AHJs to ensure designs meet code and client expectations.

Deliver a technical presentation at a company all-hands or industry event, showcasing innovation in healthcare system design.

6-12 months and ongoing:

Independently manage 6–8 projects with predictable delivery and strong team performance.

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to their technical development.

Partner with Project Executives and Principals to define project scopes, system strategies, and proposals.

Identify process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and the client experience.

Build repeat client relationships through reliability, communication, and technical excellence.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

8+ years of progressive experience in MEP engineering with a strong focus on system design for commercial, healthcare, residential, and process projects, including calculations, specifications, and discipline management required

2+ years of leadership experience transitioning from a hands-on technical engineering role to a discipline/project management role, demonstrating leadership in project strategy, team coordination, and technical oversight required

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in Mechanical Engineering, with registration in Washington, California or Oregon (or ability to obtain licensure in those states within 90 days of employment) required

Proven project and technical leadership, including the ability to define problems, analyze data, and draw valid conclusions, while providing mentorship to junior team members and overseeing project delivery required

Strong written & verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear technical reports, accurate business correspondence, & effectively present information to diverse stakeholders required

Demonstrated expertise in mechanical and plumbing systems, including system alternatives, strategic system selection, and staying current on industry developments to meet project-specific requirements and conditions required

Proven proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD required

Working knowledge of Bluebeam having used this software application to work through client projects highly preferred

Working knowledge of load simulation software such as Trane, Carrier, or Energy Pro highly preferred

Demonstrated working experience ensuring compliance with California’s specific building codes and regulations highly preferred

Active participation in professional organizations such as ASHRAE or similar, demonstrating ongoing engagement with industry standards and developments preferred

COMPANY BENEFITS INCLUDE:

The compensation range is $110,000 - $145,000 annually, commensurate with experience level and skillset

Well-Being: Hybrid work policy | 4 weeks of PTO | Paid holidays + additional holiday week by year end

Financial Wellness: Safe Harbor 401(k) with employer matching | Student loan repayment | Dependent care FSA matching | Profit-sharing opportunities | Cell phone stipend

WHO WE ARE:

ColeBreit is a woman-owned, MWBE-certified MEP engineering firm with offices across Oregon and California. Founded in 2013 by Laura Breit, we’ve grown into a 50 person team committed to quality, integrity, and strong client partnerships. Specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering, we serve diverse industries, including healthcare, civic and sustainable housing. ColeBreit is more than an engineering firm, we’re a team that values collaboration, innovation, and care in everything we do.

Our Core Values: Driven to Perform. Want to Grow. Team First (No Jerks Allowed).

What sets ColeBreit apart is our people-first culture and commitment to creating a supportive, team-oriented workplace:

Team-First Approach | Client-Focused Leadership | Community and Connection | Work-Life Balance | Growth Opportunities