Senior Mechanical Engineer - Future Mechanical Director

Location: Downtown Chicago, IL

Base Salary: $150,000–$170,000 + Bonus Opportunities

Schedule: Monday–Thursday In Office | Flexible Hours

About the Opportunity:

We're partnering with an established multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm to hire a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a clear path to becoming Mechanical Director for its Chicago office.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineer with a strong background in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical building systems design who enjoys technical project ownership and is interested in progressing into a leadership role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead HVAC and plumbing system design for commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.


• Design mechanical systems including air handling units, rooftop units, VAV systems, boilers, chillers, pumps, and hydronic distribution systems.


• Perform heating and cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, and mechanical system selection.


• Design and oversee domestic water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, and stormwater systems.


• Develop mechanical drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, and construction documentation.


• Utilize Revit and Trane TRACE for mechanical design and load calculations.


• Coordinate with architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and other project stakeholders.


• Lead projects from conceptual design through construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, and site observations.


• Mentor junior mechanical engineers and designers.


• Help grow the Chicago mechanical engineering department with the opportunity to transition into the Mechanical Director role.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.


• 8+ years of HVAC and plumbing design experience.


• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.


• Strong MEP consulting or architectural engineering background.


• Experience with HVAC equipment selection, mechanical system design, and building plumbing systems.


• Proficiency in Revit, Trane TRACE, and Microsoft Office.


• Experience managing projects and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.


• Strong communication, client-facing, and leadership skills.


• Interest in eventually leading and growing a mechanical department.

Project Types

• Multifamily residential


• Student housing


• Senior living communities


• Government and municipal facilities


• Commercial and mixed-use buildings

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $150,000–$170,000, depending on experience.


• Quarterly Bonus: Opportunities up to 5%.


• Director-Level Bonus: Additional bonus potential as leadership responsibilities increase.


• Career Progression: Clear opportunity to grow from Senior Mechanical Engineer into Mechanical Director.


• Flexible Schedule: Monday–Thursday in office with flexible working hours.


• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor engineers and help expand the mechanical department.


• Collaborative Environment: Chicago office of approximately 30 employees, supported by a larger multidisciplinary organization.


• Project Ownership: Opportunity to lead technically complex projects and develop client relationships.

If you're a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a PE license, strong HVAC and plumbing design experience, and an interest in progressing into leadership, we'd love to connect!