Senior Mechanical Engineer / Senior Mechanical Designer - IL, Aurora - Job

Witt/Kieffer; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Kluber Architects + Engineers in Aurora, IL is seeking a Senior Project Mechanical Engineer/Designer to lead HVAC system design for complex building projects. You will oversee technical accuracy, budgets, schedules, and collaboration with architects and consultants to deliver projects from concept to construction.

The role requires a BS in mechanical engineering, 10+ years HVAC experience, PE preferred, and proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and energy modeling. Competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of HVAC system design, mechanical engineering, and project management.
• Licensed PE preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, and energy modeling tools.
• Experience leading complex projects with budgets and schedules.
• Strong leadership and client-facing communication skills.
• Knowledge of LEED, WELL or other sustainable design frameworks.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and designers.
• Experience in commissioning and construction phase management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage HVAC design and integration across projects.
• Prepare detailed drawings, calculations, and specifications.
• Oversee large, complex projects with budget and schedules.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship.
• Interface with clients to present proposals and manage expectations.
• Lead design coordination meetings and reviews.
• Stay current with industry trends and sustainability standards.
• Support during construction, review submittals and RFIs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Project management

Green building design

Problem solving

Client interaction

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

PE license preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Trane TRACE

Carrier HAP

Energy modeling tools

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer / Senior Mechanical Designer

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization

Kluber Architects + Engineers is an integrated design firm offering in-house architecture and engineering services. We approach each project as a cross-functional team consisting of professionals with different expertise working toward a common goal. Our professionals are committed to serving as leaders in their individual fields and consistently exceeding the needs and expectations of our clients with innovative, sustainable and award-winning spaces. We believe the success of each project is the result of effective collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, owners and the community. Serving as an advocate through the entire life of a building, we consistently achieve trust and build lasting relationships with each of our clients. With offices in Aurora and Bloomington, Kluber Architects + Engineers serves clients throughout northern Illinois. For more than 35 years, Kluber has been serving a broad range of clients with an emphasis in the public, education, health services and private sectors. Our projects have included judicial centers, high schools, wellness centers, police and fire stations, corporate offices, village and city halls, senior living communities, banks, and community college facilities.

Description

As a Senior Project Mechanical Engineer/Designer, you will lead the design and development of complex HVAC systems for building projects, taking ownership of mechanical system design, analysis, and coordination. You will manage the mechanical engineering team, collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and consultants, and ensure the successful delivery of projects from conceptual design through to construction completion. You will be responsible for overseeing the technical accuracy, budget, schedule, and overall quality of the mechanical aspects of the project.

Primary job responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Lead and manage the design and execution of HVAC systems for a variety of building projects, ensuring the integration of mechanical systems with the overall building design.
• Oversee the preparation and review of detailed mechanical drawings, calculations, and specifications, ensuring compliance with building codes, energy standards, and client requirements.
• Manage mechanical design for large, complex projects, ensuring systems are efficient, cost-effective, and meet sustainability and performance goals.
• Perform advanced system load calculations, system sizing, and analysis to develop optimal HVAC solutions.
• Direct the development of design concepts, perform feasibility studies, and prepare reports, cost estimates, and system evaluations.
• Lead the coordination of mechanical systems with other building systems (electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural) to ensure seamless integration and resolve design conflicts.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and designers, including guidance on complex design issues and solutions.
• Collaborate with senior project managers to ensure that mechanical design projects stay on schedule and within budget, identifying potential risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Interface with clients and consultants to present mechanical design proposals, respond to inquiries, and manage client expectations.
• Lead project meetings, including design coordination, technical reviews, and status updates, with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, innovations in HVAC technology, sustainable design practices, and regulatory changes.
• Ensure compliance with sustainability initiatives such as LEED or other green building certifications and energy efficiency requirements.
• Provide support during the construction phase, reviewing contractor submittals, responding to RFIs (Requests for Information), and addressing field issues.
• Manage and develop project budgets, schedules, and project documentation, ensuring all project milestones are met and projects are completed successfully.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including preparing proposals, conducting client presentations, and fostering client relationships.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven ability to manage and execute complex HVAC system designs from concept through construction completion.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring a team of engineers and designers.
• Deep understanding of mechanical systems, including HVAC design, system integration, and advanced mechanical engineering principles.
• Expertise in the use of mechanical design and analysis software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, etc.)
• A strong record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required standards.
• In-depth knowledge of building codes, mechanical standards, energy efficiency, and sustainability regulations (ASHRAE, LEED, etc.).
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working directly with clients, architects, and contractors.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time‑management skills.

Working Conditions

• Flexible office environment with frequent site visits and project coordination.
• Collaborative team environment working with architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and other consultants.
• Client‑facing role with opportunities for business development and expanding client relationships.
• Opportunity for leadership in complex, high‑profile projects and the chance to shape the technical direction of the firm's mechanical design efforts.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills. This is a good faith estimate and subject to negotiation. Other compensation may include discretionary bonuses, safe‑harbor 401K contributions and profit‑sharing 401K contributions.

Position Requirements

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited University/College program.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in HVAC system design, mechanical engineering, and project management.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) preferred
• Extensive experience with mechanical design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, and energy modeling tools.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, including handling budgets, schedules, and project deliverables.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience managing teams and interacting with clients.
• Deep understanding of green building design principles, including familiarity with LEED, WELL, or other sustainable design frameworks.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers and designers, providing guidance on technical issues and career growth.
• Experience in commissioning, troubleshooting, and managing the construction phase of HVAC systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to job sites for site visits, project coordination, and inspections as needed.
• Ability to observe mechanical systems installation and ensure compliance with design intent, which may involve climbing ladders, walking on roofs, and navigating uneven terrain.

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Shift Days

This position is currently accepting applications.