Mechanical Project Engineer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Mechanical Engineering
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 Mechanical Project Engineer independently evaluates, selects, and applies engineering techniques to support HVAC and mechanical system design for building projects. This role plays a hands-on part in system design, coordination, and project execution while supporting clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.
This is a key technical position supporting the Rochester office’s mechanical engineering workload across a broad range of building types.
Responsibilities
- Prepare mechanical system designs including plans, specifications, layouts, calculations, and equipment selections
- Establish design criteria, system concepts, space requirements, and coordination needs for HVAC and mechanical systems
- Perform engineering computations including load calculations, equipment sizing, and system performance analysis
- Coordinate mechanical design with architects, structural, electrical, and plumbing disciplines, as well as clients and consultants
- Support Project Managers and Senior Engineers with scope development, scheduling, staffing, and design execution
- Participate in meetings with design committees, clients, and internal teams
- Review work prepared by Designers and CAD Operators to ensure accuracy and compliance with company standards
- Review shop drawings and assist with construction-related clarifications and documentation
- Respond to RFIs and support field coordination during construction
- Conduct site observations to verify installation compliance with design intent
- Contribute to project cost estimating and budget updates
- Provide recommendations to improve design standards, tools, and engineering processes
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) preferred; P.E. track desirable
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant mechanical design experience, preferably in building systems
- Proficiency in HVAC design principles, applicable mechanical codes, and engineering computation methods
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred
Travel
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. Personal transportation is required; rental vehicles may be necessary for non-local travel. 25%
Location: Rochester, New York & Buffalo, New York
Compensation & Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $72,500 – $87,360 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also 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
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.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Top Skills
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.
