Senior Mechanical Engineer - HVAC & Plumbing

TETER Architects and Engineers; Bakersfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k)

Hybrid schedule

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

PTO

Licensing support

Job summary

TETER Architects and Engineers is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer in California to lead complex HVAC and plumbing designs, mentor engineers, and advance our mechanical practice.

You will serve as Engineer of Record, coordinate with architects and project teams, and drive QA/QC, energy efficiency, and code compliance across projects.

Hybrid schedule after a trial period; ESOP and 401(k) benefits; compensation $130,000–$165,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Typically 10+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience.
• 3+ years leading large or complex building projects.
• Current registration as a Mechanical Professional Engineer in California, or ability to obtain within six months.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Expertise in HVAC, plumbing, energy efficiency, and applicable building codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and coordination of complex HVAC and plumbing systems from concept through construction.
• Serve as Engineer of Record and technical lead, ensuring designs meet client goals and codes.
• Guide project teams through engineering analyses, equipment selection, design documentation, and construction support.
• Collaborate with project managers and department leadership to plan workload and project execution.
• Mentor Mechanical Project Engineers, EITs, and drafters to support technical growth.
• Lead QA/QC efforts and help drive continuous improvement across the discipline.
• Support business development through proposals, interviews, and technical presentations.

Skills

HVAC design

Plumbing systems

Engineering leadership

AutoCAD

Revit/BIM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

You lead the engineering behind building performance.

You've built a career designing HVAC and plumbing systems that keep buildings efficient, reliable, and comfortable. At TETER, you'll continue applying your technical expertise while leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and helping shape the future of our mechanical engineering practice.

How You'll Make An Impact

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you'll provide technical leadership for complex building mechanical systems while supporting the growth of both projects and people. You'll work closely with architects, engineers, project managers, clients, and department leadership to deliver high-quality solutions and strengthen our mechanical engineering practice.

In This Role, You'll

• Lead the design and coordination of complex HVAC and plumbing systems from concept through construction.
• Serve as Engineer of Record and technical lead, ensuring designs meet client goals, applicable codes, and TETER quality standards.
• Guide project teams through engineering analyses, equipment selection, design documentation, and construction support.
• Collaborate with project managers and department leadership to plan workload, staffing, and project execution.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal project teams.
• Mentor Mechanical Project Engineers, EITs, and drafters while supporting their technical and professional development.
• Lead QA/QC efforts, contribute to firm standards, and help drive continuous improvement across the mechanical engineering discipline.
• Support business development through proposals, interviews, technical presentations, and trusted client relationships.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You...

• Enjoy solving complex building systems challenges and helping others do the same.
• Balance technical excellence with practical decision-making and sound engineering judgment.
• Communicate clearly and build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Take pride in developing engineers through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Lead with humility, accountability, and a collaborative mindset.
• Look for opportunities to strengthen processes, improve quality, and elevate the performance of the entire team.

What You Bring

• Typically 10+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience, including 3+ years leading large or complex building projects.
• Proven experience serving as Engineer of Record on complex HVAC and plumbing system designs.
• Current registration as a Mechanical Professional Engineer in California, or the ability to obtain California registration within six months of employment.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Expertise in HVAC, plumbing, energy efficiency, and applicable building codes and standards.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD; working knowledge of Revit/BIM.
• Experience leading QA/QC reviews, mentoring engineers, and supporting technical excellence across multiple projects.
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000-165,000 annually

Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, licensure, location, and business needs.

Benefits Include

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k)
• Hybrid work schedule (after trial period)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Paid Time Off
• Professional licensing and continuing education support
• And more!

Why TETER?

At TETER, you'll join an employee-owned firm where engineers, architects, and designers work together to solve complex building challenges through collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning. We're proud to have been recognized as one of Zweig Group's Best Firms to Work For for six consecutive years—a reflection of our commitment to our people and the work we do together.

Ready to Learn More?

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead complex building systems projects, develop the next generation of engineers, and help shape the future of our mechanical engineering practice, we'd love to hear from you.