SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER (HVAC)

Tetra Tech; Town of Ithaca (NY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead HVAC design for building projects across NY markets, including Ithaca and nearby offices. The role emphasizes system concepts, energy modeling, equipment sizing, and construction documentation in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will be a NYS-licensed PE with extensive experience in non-residential/educational facilities, strong codes knowledge, and proficiency with Revit and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Licensed NYS PE with 13+ years designing mechanical systems for non-residential buildings, primarily educational facilities.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards.
• Ability to work within multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Experience in an Engineering/Architectural/Engineering consulting environment.

Responsibilities

• Design building HVAC systems including concepts, calculations, energy modeling, equipment sizing, layouts, specifications, and coordination.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate existing systems and observe construction progress.
• Prepare engineering analyses, studies and technical reports.
• Review RFIs, submittals, and other construction-related documents and issues.
• Monitor scope, schedule, and budget to support project delivery.
• Participate in client meetings and support marketing and business development efforts.

Skills

Knowledge of codes & standards

Communication & interpersonal skills

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Consulting / client interaction

Education

Licensed New York State Professional Engineer (PE)

Tools

Revit

Microsoft Office

Energy modeling software

Job description

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding a Senior Mechanical Engineer to our team based in Ithaca, Farmingdale, Albany, or Middletown, NY.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential — join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Position Summary:

The Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the design and delivery of HVAC systems for building projects across a variety of markets. This role is responsible for developing system concepts, performing engineering calculations and energy modeling, selecting and sizing equipment, and preparing construction documents and specifications in collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Design building mechanical (HVAC) systems, including development of system concepts, engineering calculations, energy modeling, equipment selection and sizing, layouts, specifications, and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate existing mechanical systems and to observe construction in progress or completed work for conformance with design intent.
• Prepare engineering analyses, studies, and technical reports.
• Review and provide timely, professional responses to project design work, RFIs, submittals, and other construction-related documents and issues.
• Monitor and manage project scope, schedule, and budget to support successful project delivery.
• Participate in client meetings and support marketing and business development efforts as needed.
• Execute work in accordance with internal quality procedures, applicable codes, legislation, and industry standards to ensure project compliance and technical excellence.
• Actively pursue continuous learning opportunities to maintain a high degree of technical knowledge and professional competency in structural engineering.
• Promote and maintain a culture of safety by working in a safe manner at all times and promptly reporting all health and safety incidents or concerns.
• Perform additional tasks as required to support project goals, team objectives, and company initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed New York State Professional Engineer (PE), with 13+ years of experience designing mechanical systems for non-residential buildings, primarily educational facilities.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards.
• Ability to work within multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in energy efficient solutions and designs.
• Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in an Engineering and/or Architectural/Engineering consulting firm.
• Proficiency in Revit, and good knowledge of industry software, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Active and clear driver’s license, including a successful clearance of a Motor Vehicle history check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with building energy modeling concepts and software.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while performing computer-based tasks, attending meetings, or preparing design documentation.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, printers, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity to review detailed drawings, specifications, and computer screens for extended periods.
• Ability to clearly communicate through speech, hearing, and written correspondence in person, virtually, and via telephone.
• Ability to travel to and from project sites, client meetings, and other offices as required.
• Physical capability to walk, stand, climb stairs or ladders, and navigate uneven terrain, active construction sites, and partially completed structures.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials, drawings, or equipment weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.
• Capacity to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, vests, and steel-toed boots when required.
• Tolerance for varying environmental conditions, including exposure to weather, noise, and dust during site visits.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting with a collaborative, team-oriented atmosphere.
• Work involves extensive use of computers, digital communication tools, and design software in an open or hybrid office environment.
• This role requires frequent interaction with project teams, clients, consultants, and other stakeholders through in-person meetings, video conferences, and phone calls.
• Periodic travel to construction sites, client offices, and off-site meetings is required.
• Work at project sites may involve exposure to active construction environments, including noise, dust, varying temperatures, and weather conditions.
• The position requires adaptability to shifting project priorities, client expectations, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Work may occasionally involve tight deadlines, multiple concurrent projects, and high attention to detail under time-sensitive conditions.
• Collaboration across multiple time zones or with remote team members may be necessary, depending on project scope and firm structure.

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time, regular position, with typically standard working hours between 8am — 5pm, Monday through Friday. However, this position may require occasional extended hours to meet project milestones, deadlines, or client needs.
• This position is considered hybrid, with a 30% office presence, 30% site visits and/or client meetings, and 40% remote presence (ability to work from a home location). This arrangement is subject to review and may change based on project need or at the company’s discretion.

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $105,000 – $120,000. Please note that this range reflects the pay scale that Tetra Tech reasonably expects to pay for the role. The salary will also depend on various factors, such as job duties and requirements, and relevant experience and skills.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs