Vice President, Mechanical Design Engineering- Building Systems

WSP; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Vice President, Mechanical Engineering- Building Systems in our Boston office. The role focuses on HVAc system design for healthcare, labs, and mixed-use facilities, with leadership and business development responsibilities.

The candidate will oversee complex projects from design to close‑out, coordinate teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and shape energy‑efficient, decarbonization‑ready HVAC strategies for high‑profile clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 12+ years of post-education experience in mechanical and HVAC design (Healthcare, Lab, Higher Education, Commercial).
• Engineering license required (multi-state preferred).
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, code compliance, and sustainability practices.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, review, and approve HVAC designs ensuring code compliance and data integrity.
• Lead cross‑functional teams across project phases from concept through construction.
• Develop future‑ready HVAC strategies for energy efficiency and decarbonization.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development in HVAC design innovations.

Skills

HVAC system design

Project coordination

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Tools

HVAC load calculations

Energy modeling

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Vice President, Mechanical Engineering- Building Systems for our Boston, MA Property and Buildings Office. This is an exciting opportunity for a licensed Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in HVAC system design—particularly for complex healthcare environments and mixed-use commercial Facilities—who also understands the technical, regulatory, and operational challenges of such projects. The ideal candidate will have both technical leadership and some business development experience to help grow our Property and Buildings business.

This role will actively participate in the full project cycle with a focus on complex sector work such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, life sciences, labs, Higher Education campus buildings, and mixed-use commercial projects from the design phase through final construction close‑out. Our Engineers work on high‑quality, high‑profile, local and national and projects with our practice providing design services for a variety of clients.

We are a global leader in the practice of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering and related specialty services for the built environment. At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future‑focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines.

Here at WSP, anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

Your Impact

• Coordinate, review, and approve HVAC and mechanical system design plans, ensuring data integrity and compliance with all applicable mechanical codes, and industry standards such as ASHRAE and FGI Guidelines.
• Apply high-level mechanical and HVAC engineering techniques to identify system improvements across all project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, and general construction administration.
• Plan and incorporate future‑ready HVAC strategies—such as energy‑efficient system architectures, decarbonization‑ready mechanical designs, and advanced ventilation airflow concepts—to ensure safety, resiliency, and optimal performance.
• Oversee overall project HVAC system design and general consulting construction administration from project inception to completion, including air‑handling systems, chilled‑water/steam systems, hydronic piping distribution, specialized exhaust, and Building Control Systems – including application of industry expected sustainability concepts.
• Oversee cross‑functional engineering teams executing project work on mid to high‑level and/or multiple concurrent projects, including trade design budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, technical HVAC calculations, code compliance documentation, and regulatory analysis.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as HVAC load calculations, airflow diagrams, psychrometric analyses, system schematics, reports, and other illustrations for the interpretation or leading presentation of complex mechanical design concepts.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and lead presentations that explain research, findings, system concepts, and recommendations to address HVAC design or construction issues and opportunities.
• Manage client relationships and provide key technical input on business development and opportunity/pursuit efforts, particularly related to HVAC system design innovations and general marketing.
• Develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including client facility staff, manufacturer/vendor partners, colleague engineering staff, construction partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.

• 12+ years of relevant post‑education experience in mechanical and HVAC system design, including Healthcare, Lab, Higher Education, and Commercial environments.

• Engineer license required (multi‑state preferred).

• Extensive knowledge of HVAC system design, across multiple design sectors, including pressurization strategies, air‑change/ventilation requirements, humidity control, filtration standards, and specialized ventilation/exhaust systems.

• Known in the local engineering community with a developed network (an extensive network preferred).

• Proficient with HVAC engineering principles, design/bid traditional model, design/build delivery model, and application of mechanical systems to permitting and overall project‑related issues.

• Experience with HVAC planning, system selection, load calculations, general energy modeling understanding, industry standard sustainability practices, and construction administration/management.

• Well‑defined specific knowledge of relevant HVAC and mechanical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.

• Well‑developed ability to perform mechanical and HVAC system computations and calculations, interpret drawings and specifications, and compare conditions to current code and regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and directing others to complete tasks safely and efficiently.

• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business or Engineering.
• LEED AP or WELL Certification.
• At least 5+ years minimum of Project Management experience.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $167,800- 250,000
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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