Senior Mechanical Engineer: Lead Designer for Field-Ready Systems

United Mechanical; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Company-paid Life Insurance

Flexible Time Off

401(k) match

Job summary

United Mechanical in California is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design from basis-of-design through IFC and ensure field-ready, code-compliant installations. You will own QA/QC, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with Project Managers and field teams to deliver successful, buildable systems.

The role emphasizes leadership, technical excellence, and collaboration with customers and contractors to ensure project success in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ experience in the commercial construction space.
• 4-year engineering degree or equivalent.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, but not required.
• Excellent understanding of engineering fundamentals, HVAC system types, equipment, installation standards, and procedures.
• The ability to assume responsibility, interface, and communicate with others is essential.
• Must be fully versed in California and applicable local building codes.
• Proficient in the use of Carrier HAP, Trace 700, Energy Pro, or equivalent.
• Proficient in AutoCAD: Revit experience preferred.
• Prior experience with a mechanical contractor or engineering consultant preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design execution from basis-of-design through permit and issued-for-construction (IFC) deliverables.
• Serve as Lead Designer: establish basis of design, system selection, equipment sizing, control intent, and document strategy from kickoff through IFC.
• Design and troubleshoot both air-side (VAV, DOAS, exhaust, pressurization, filtration, heat recovery, etc.) and water-side (hydronic plants, pumping, control valves, coils, heat rejection, etc.) systems.
• Apply California codes and local requirements, including AHJ amendments and applicable energy code.
• QA/QC: loads/assumptions, duct/pipe sizing, schedules, details, sequences, coordination, and general “will this actually work” sanity checks.
• Assist Project Managers in presenting and explaining proposals, systems, findings, and options to clients, general contractors, and engineers.
• Participate in site walks and existing conditions investigations.
• Work with Project Managers and the engineering staff to prepare or refine the project scope.
• Provide field support during construction: submittal review, RFIs, and design clarifications.
• Direct and coordinate the project-based engineering activities of both in-house and outsourced engineering teams.
• Guide and mentor junior engineers through real project work: fundamentals, codes, design judgment, and documentation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Coordination

Communication

Education

4-year engineering degree

PE license preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Carrier HAP

Trace 700

Energy Pro

Job description

United Mechanical in California is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design from basis-of-design through IFC and ensure field-ready, code-compliant installations. You will own QA/QC, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with Project Managers and field teams to deliver successful, buildable systems.

The role emphasizes leadership, technical excellence, and collaboration with customers and contractors to ensure project success in a dynamic environment.