Mechanical Engineer

Kitchell is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Southern California region in San Diego and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth-oriented Construction Services companies in the United States.

Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will provide mechanical and plumbing engineering expertise to support project design, construction, and delivery. You will work closely with internal teams, clients, consultants, architects, and contractors to develop effective solutions that meet project requirements, applicable codes and standards, and Kitchell's commitment to quality.

This position will support a variety of projects and will be responsible for providing technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle, from design development and documentation through construction administration and closeout. The ideal candidate will bring strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, sound judgment, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical and plumbing engineering expertise and technical support for designated projects.
• Develop, review, and document mechanical and plumbing systems in accordance with project requirements, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Communicate project intent clearly and effectively, ensuring client requirements and project goals are incorporated into design solutions.
• Review project documents, drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical reports for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
• Coordinate mechanical and plumbing systems with architectural, structural, electrical, and other building systems.
• Provide technical support during construction, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, evaluating proposed changes, and assisting with resolution of field issues.
• Visit project sites as needed to observe existing and ongoing construction conditions and provide engineering expertise and recommendations.
• Identify potential design, constructability, coordination, and project risks and communicate concerns to the appropriate project leadership.
• Participate in project meetings with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Assist with project planning, work plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables as needed.
• Monitor project requirements and deliverables to help ensure work is completed accurately, on time, and within established budgets.
• Support the development of technical approaches, scopes of work, and fee estimates for assigned projects.
• Assist with proposals, presentations, and other technical marketing materials as requested.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineering staff as appropriate.
• Stay current with applicable building codes, regulations, industry standards, and emerging mechanical engineering practices.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience required.
• 5+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience preferred.
• Experience with the design and documentation of mechanical and plumbing systems for commercial, institutional, civic, healthcare, education, public safety, or similar facilities preferred.
• Experience supporting projects through design and construction phases preferred.
• Experience working with public sector projects is a plus.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated experience designing, documenting, and coordinating mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, building systems, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Proficiency with Revit, Bluebeam, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Trane TRACE, Title 24 compliance software, or similar engineering and energy analysis tools preferred.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, calculations, and other technical data to identify and solve complex problems.
• Ability to evaluate existing conditions and develop practical, constructible engineering solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
• Adaptable under pressure and capable of effectively managing change, delays, and unexpected project conditions.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Licenses and Certifications

• State of California Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification is preferred.
• A valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, free from suspensions or restrictions, is required.

Travel Requirement

This position is office based in the San Diego, CA Regional Office. Travel to project sites, client meetings, and other locations is required based on project needs.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment and frequently works in a construction environment. Conditions may occasionally include exposure to outdoor elements, hot and cold temperatures, wet conditions, noise, atmospheric conditions, and cramped quarters. The noise level in the work environment is regularly moderate and occasionally loud. When visiting active construction sites, appropriate personal protective equipment may be required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly sit, talk, listen, and use hands to finger, feel, and handle; frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; and occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Founded in 1950, Kitchell began as a commercial contracting business and over the years developed new talents and enterprises, acquiring complementary businesses and expertise to remain competitive. Today, Kitchell Corporation serves as the holding entity for several companies that are integral to Kitchell's core business, as well as those that operate independently. We provide a wide range of services within the built environment, including general contracting, construction management, development, facilities management, engineering, architecture, and myriad other services. Our employees manage projects from our main offices located in Arizona, California, and Texas. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that fosters personal and professional growth through in-house education programs, formal and informal mentoring, and cross-training opportunities. At Kitchell, we prioritize internal growth and building careers from within. We consistently rank among the top places to work, thanks to our tenured staff and outstanding benefits that are designed to enrich our employees' physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. These benefits include company performance bonuses, discretionary stock options, incentive bonuses, health, and life insurance, health savings accounts (HSA) with wellness incentives, flexible spending accounts (FSA), 401(k) plans with a 4% company match, tuition reimbursement, weight loss programs, discounted auto insurance, identity theft protection, rewards programs, and much more.

Kitchell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

The annual base salary range for this role is currently $100,000 - $110,000. The Company's salary ranges are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of various factors, including job-related skills, relevant education and experience, abilities of the applicant and equity with other team members. The annual base salary range listed here is subject to change at any time, in the Company's discretion, and does not alter in any way the at-will nature of the employment relationship.