Mechanical Engineer
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary: The position responsibilities primarily are focused on the design of mechanical systems for new facilities, additions, and renovation projects. This will require providing technical leadership for the creation of construction drawings and specifications, existing system studies and master planning efforts. Qualified candidates will meet with clients, project teams, code officials, contractors, and others to address mechanical issues to develop effective working relationships. We are looking for a highly motivated engineer to be part of our growing firm. The project clientele includes K-12 Education, Higher Education, Commercial, Health Care, Science and Technology, municipal and institutional Facilities.
Responsibilities:
- Develop HVAC system designs of a given project based on scope of work and/or client RFPs
- Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for a variety of market types
- Perform Load/Energy calculations with software such as Carrier HAP, Trace 700, IES or similar programs
- Conduct existing building surveys and documentation of existing HVAC and plumbing systems
- Develop mechanical system designs, calculations, and selection of equipment
- Write edit project specifications
- Prepare detailed design documents and BIM models, reports, and studies
- Complete code compliance research
- Coordinate work with other disciplines
- Providing construction administration services
- Perform construction reviews of HVAC and plumbing systems
- Perform QA/QC of design work
- Oversee and provide guidance to junior engineers
- Lead project teams and serve as the primary contact for clients
- Assist in the procurement of new work; including the development of client relations and participation in project interviews
Qualifications and Experience:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Experience: 5+ years design of HVAC systems
- Technical Skills:
- Knowledge in the design of HVAC systems
- Familiarity with codes, standards, and design guidelines
- Excellent work ethic and attitude
- Good communication skills, combined with organizational skills, the ability to plan, balance and prioritize work
- LEED certification / experience is a plus
- Ability to lead a team as well as work as part of a team
- Proficiency in Revit and BIM360, AutoCAD, and MS Office
- Ability to travel
- Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.
- Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
Location: Richmond, VA
Travel: 10%
Benefits:
This role is eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years design of HVAC systems
- Proficiency in Revit and BIM360
- Proficiency in AutoCAD
- Experience with load/energy software (Carrier HAP, Trace 700, IES or similar)
- Familiarity with codes, standards, and design guidelines
- Good communication, organizational, planning and prioritization skills
- Ability to lead teams and mentor junior engineers
- Ability to travel (approximately 10%)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- LEED certification or experience
What We Do
Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact™, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues, including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.







