Mechanical Engineer
Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to our group of talented engineers. The Mechanical Engineer builds on foundational experience to take independent ownership of portions of project design, documentation, and coordination.
About HED
We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.
Position Summary
This role is trusted to perform mechanical engineering tasks with minimal supervision and supports project delivery from concept through construction. The Mechanical Engineer III serves as a technical contributor and emerging mentor, contributing to calculations, code research, QAQC, and coordination across disciplines. Individuals in this role are expected to deepen their technical knowledge, begin supporting client interaction, and develop the critical thinking required for future engineering leadership roles.
Essential Functions
- Lead design development and calculations for assigned mechanical systems across schematic, design development, and construction document phases.
- Independently perform mechanical design tasks – such as load calculations, equipment sizing, controls sequences and diagrams, and code compliance checks - with minimal input.
- Prepare technical documentation for mechanical systems, including system descriptions and narratives, Division 21, 22 & 23 specifications, equipment schedules, and redline markups.
- Develop and review mechanical system layouts in Revit – including HVAC, plumbing and/or fire protection - in coordination with architectural and structural backgrounds.
- Coordinate mechanical design with internal disciplines and external consultants to resolve design conflicts and progress design.
- Review and respond to mechanical RFIs and submittals with support from engineers
- Perform field verification for mechanical conditions, assist with punch walks, and participate in mechanical construction observation visits.
- Participate in early-phase design strategy discussions and support mechanical discipline leads with technical insight.
- Engage in internal QAQC processes and perform peer reviews of mechanical drawings and documentation for code compliance and drafting consistency.
- Begin mentoring mechanical designers and interns in software use, modeling best practices, documentation standards, and calculation basics.
- Participate in internal and external project meetings, and support the preparation of agendas, meeting minutes, and follow-up documentation with a focus on mechanical scope.
- Track and manage hours on assigned work and assist in project planning discussions regarding scope and resource allocation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent, required.
- P.E. licensure required.
- 5+ years of experience in the AEC industry preferred.
- Candidates must be able to go to either our Chicago or Detroit office in a hybrid schedule. This is required.
- An understanding of the financial status of projects as they progress, development of cost budgets for projects, value of client relationships and be able to deliver projects with a focus on the quality is preferred.
- Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
- Strong organizational skills required.
- Revit experience required.
- Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
- Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
- Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.
Work Environment
- We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
- The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure
- 5+ years of experience in the AEC industry
- Revit experience
- Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position
- Strong organizational skills
- Computer experience for word processing, spreadsheets, and email
- Ability to work well with others under deadline situations
What We Do
At HED, we believe great design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about solving complex challenges, enriching communities, and building a better future. As an integrated design firm, we combine architecture, engineering, consulting, and planning to deliver sustainable, impactful solutions. Guided by a shared purpose to create positive change, we foster collaboration, diversity, and continuous learning, where bold ideas and fresh perspectives drive innovation. With nine offices across the U.S., we pair national resources with localized expertise to serve diverse markets, including education (Higher Ed and Pre K-12), healthcare, mission critical, workplace, housing and mixed-use, science and advanced manufacturing, community, and federal and transportation. Discover how HED advances your world at www.hed.design.
