Sr Mechanical Engineer - Technical Lead

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead high-performance building designs in the Bay Area. This hybrid role is based in our Oakland or San Francisco offices and involves mentoring junior engineers while delivering complex HVAC and building systems across diverse markets.

The position emphasizes design excellence, accountability and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. PE is preferred and LEED/energy efficiency experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• PE license is required or demonstrated equivalency.
• 6+ years of mechanical engineering experience or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical system design from concept through construction administration.
• Coordinate with architecture, structure, electrical, plumbing and fire protection teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and design staff.
• Ensure technical quality, code compliance and constructability.
• Develop technical narratives, reports and drawings for clients.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Oakland, CA - 300 Lakeside Driv
• Compensation: USD 140,000 - USD 175,000 - yearly

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

Are you ready to lead the mechanical design of high-performance buildings that shape communities and critical infrastructure? AECOM’s Bay Area Buildings + Places team is seeking aSenior Mechanical Engineerto provide technical leadership, mentor emerging talent, and deliver complex HVAC and building systems solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is a Hybrid opportunity working out of AECOM’s OaklandandorSan Francisco offices.

This is a senior technical leadership role for an experienced engineer who thrives in both independent execution and collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments—someone who values design excellence, accountability, and developing the next generation of engineers.

What You’ll Do

As aSenior Mechanical Engineer, you will lead mechanical system design and delivery from concept through construction administration while serving as a trusted technical resource for clients and internal teams.

Technical Leadership & Design Excellence

• Lead the mechanical system design as a trusted technical resource for clients and internal teams while also collaborating and contributing to technical excellence within AECOM's global practice.
• Serve as the mechanical discipline lead on projects of varying size and complexity, ensuring technical quality, code compliance, and constructability.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to evaluate, select, and adapt mechanical systems, equipment, and materials.
• Stay current with applicable codes, standards, and emerging technologies, including ASHRAE, IMC, IPC, and IECC.
• Analyze system performance and energy use to optimize efficiency, resilience, and lifecycle value.

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Execute mechanical design from concept through construction administration, including calculations, specifications, reports, and drawing development.
• Coordinate closely with architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and specialty disciplines to ensure integrated solutions.
• Perform and lead site investigations to assess existing systems and inform design decisions.
• Review shop drawings, RFIs, and submittals; attend client and construction meetings as part of construction administration.
• Ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and designers, fostering technical growth, confidence, and professional development.
• Have the desire and ability to develop and grow our mechanical engineering team.
• Review team members’ work for technical accuracy, consistency, and quality, providing constructive, growth-oriented feedback.
• Identify skill gaps and support the development of targeted training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values accountability, learning, and excellence.
• Establish yourself as a trusted technical leader and mentor within theNorthern CaliforniaB+P team and a subject matter expert within AECOM's overall US Practice.
• Support proposal development and pursuit efforts by contributing technical narratives, scope development, and fee input.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with office leadership to advance best practices and support the long-term success of the mechanical discipline.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values accountability, learning and excellence. Connect with other subject matter experts throughout the US, and contribute to the technical excellence of AECOM’s global practice.

Success in the Role

In your first year, you will:

• Successfully lead multiple mechanical design efforts with clear wins in quality, coordination, and client satisfaction.
• Establish yourself as a trusted technical leader and mentor within the Bay Area B+P team.
• Contribute to the delivery of high-performance, energy-efficient buildings across diverse market sectors.
• Strengthen consistency, clarity, and technical rigor across mechanical deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program.
• 6+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience or demonstrated equivalency of education and experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a consulting engineering or design-build environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ASHRAE standards, IMC, IPC, and IECC.
• Experience across federal, healthcare,advanced manufacturing,laboratory, mission critical, and commercial/mixed-use markets.
• Experience with LEED and sustainable design initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience delivering architecturally complex or high-profile projects.
• Excellent communication skills—clear, confident, and collaborative.
• Creative, analytical thinker with strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for project-related site visits.

Additional Information

• This position isprimarilybased inourOaklandorSan Francisco offices, CA (Hybrid).
• Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Work on meaningful, technically challenging projects that make a measurable impact.
• Collaborate with a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team recognized for design excellence.
• Grow your technical  leadership while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
• Be part of a global firm that values integrity, innovation, and professional growth.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply