Mechanical Engineer

You will work closely with architectural, electrical, and controls teams to design highly efficient HVAC and hydronic systems, optimize building performance, and ensure our facilities meet aggressive energy reduction targets. Key Tasks: Perform comprehensive energy modeling and simulations to optimize building performance, evaluate Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and calculate operational carbon emissions (CO2e).

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Palo Alto, CA. What to Expect: Our client's Infrastructure Design team leads the development of innovative solutions for complex R&D and manufacturing facilities across the Bay Area and beyond. We specialize in creating sophisticated infrastructure systems that power next-generation research and production environments. We are seeking a specialized Energy/Mechanical Engineer to drive the sustainable and efficient design of our facility mechanical systems. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between conceptual energy modeling and practical mechanical execution. You will work closely with architectural, electrical, and controls teams to design highly efficient HVAC and hydronic systems, optimize building performance, and ensure our facilities meet aggressive energy reduction targets. Key Tasks:

• Perform comprehensive energy modeling and simulations to optimize building performance, evaluate Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and calculate operational carbon emissions (CO2e)
• Research local initiatives and credits for implementing energy efficiency upgrades
• Conceptualize complex mechanical HVAC, central utility plant (CUP), and hydronic distribution systems for large-scale R&D and manufacturing environments
• Conduct detailed heating and cooling load calculations using industry-standard software to size mechanical equipment accurately
• Select and specify mechanical equipment, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handling units (AHUs), pumps, and fans
• Collaborate with the Controls Engineering team to develop sequences of operations that maximize the efficiency of mechanical systems
• Evaluate lifecycle costs of various mechanical system architectures to guide design decisions
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant building codes, mechanical codes, and energy standards (e.g., ASHRAE, California Title 24)

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with decarbonization initiatives and CO2 emissions studies
• Proficiency in energy modeling and load calculation software (e.g., EnergyPlus, IESVE, Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, OpenStudio)
• Deep understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, and heat transfer
• Proven experience designing custom airside and waterside systems, including variable flow hydronics and specialized exhaust systems
• Familiarity with building information modeling (BIM) software, specifically Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD
• Strong knowledge of sustainable building practices and energy-efficient system design
• Ability to read, interpret, and produce detailed mechanical schematics, P&IDs, and construction documents
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills to collaborate with electrical, controls, and architectural disciplines
• Bonus: Professional Engineer (PE) license, Certified Energy Manager (CEM), or LEED AP certifications