Senior Mechanical Engineer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Job Summary
The Senior Mechanical Engineer is a fully competent engineering professional responsible for leading mechanical and HVAC system design efforts, making independent engineering decisions, and supporting the firm’s mission through technical excellence and mentorship.
This role oversees complex mechanical projects from early programming through construction administration, while guiding and developing junior engineers and designers.
Responsibilities
- Plan and conduct work requiring independent evaluation, selection, and modification of engineering techniques and procedures
- Apply advanced engineering practices across all phases of mechanical system design, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration
- Lead the design and coordination of HVAC and mechanical systems for a variety of building types
- Evaluate substitute equipment and materials, perform system analyses, and develop technical studies and reports
- Represent the firm in meetings and coordinate with clients, architects, contractors, and other disciplines
- Communicate directly with clients on technical matters and project coordination, except in controversial situations
- Supervise, coordinate, and review work prepared by engineers, designers, and CAD staff
- Assign tasks, manage schedules, and support delivery of projects within scope, schedule, and budget
- Support peer review and quality assurance practices across assigned projects
- Mentor and train junior engineers and designers, reinforcing strong engineering fundamentals and professional growth
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field, or equivalent
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred, or Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) actively working toward licensure
- Approximately eight years of experience in responsible charge of mechanical project design
- Advanced coursework, training, or seminars in engineering or management preferred
- Strong understanding of HVAC and mechanical systems, engineering calculations, and interdisciplinary coordination
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 $95,000 – $135,000 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
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.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This 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 of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred, or Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) actively working toward licensure
- Approximately eight years of experience in responsible charge of mechanical project design
Salas O'Brien Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Salas O'Brien and has not been reviewed or approved by Salas O'Brien.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare options include multiple medical, dental, and vision plans with an individual medical option at no premium, plus no‑cost preventive medications and mental‑health resources. Employer‑paid disability and life coverage further strengthen the safety net.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes a base PTO allotment plus company office‑closure days and paid parental leave for births, adoptions, and foster placements. Feedback suggests the breadth of leave is a standout component of the package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) employer match with a potential additional company stock contribution, along with RRSP support in Canada and a student‑loan payment 401(k) match in the U.S. These features provide structured long‑term savings support beyond base pay.
Salas O'Brien Insights
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.
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