Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Bay Area/South Bay/Peninsula region in California, with proximity to one of ColeBreit Engineering’s California offices in Santa Cruz, Monterey, or Napa, CA preferred.

Summary/Objective

The Senior Mechanical Engineer plays a critical role in guiding design excellence, leading mechanical discipline design, and ensuring the successful execution of projects across ColeBreit Engineering’s diverse portfolio. This position combines technical depth, project leadership, and mentorship. Acting as Engineer of Record (EOR) on multiple projects, the Senior Mechanical Engineer leads HVAC, plumbing, and/or fire protection system design from concept through construction, ensuring quality, compliance, and innovation.

Reporting to a Principal or Associate Principal, this role provides discipline leadership on assigned projects, mentors junior staff, and serves as a key technical resource for both internal teams and clients. The Senior Mechanical Engineer partners closely with Project Managers, Project Executives, and design teams to deliver coordinated, efficient, and high-quality engineering solutions while fostering ColeBreit’s culture of collaboration and excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Discipline Leadership (~50%)

• Serve as discipline lead and Engineer of Record on assigned projects, ensuring all designs meet regulatory codes, client expectations, and ColeBreit standards.

• Oversee and perform advanced design of HVAC, plumbing, and hydronic systems, including heating/cooling loads, ventilation, and energy/economic analysis.

• Select, size, and specify mechanical equipment and layout mechanical rooms, accounting for constructability and serviceability.

• Lead and review production work in Revit and AutoCAD, ensuring coordination with other disciplines.

• Prepare and review calculations, control sequences, system diagrams, and specifications.

• Conduct independent QA/QC reviews on mechanical designs and ensure adherence to company technical standards.

• Perform and document site observations, respond to RFIs, review submittals, and collaborate with contractors and AHJs to ensure conformance with construction documents.

• Track discipline hours and identify potential scope changes early to maintain alignment with project budgets and deliverables.

Technical Delivery and Team Coordination (~30%)

• Partner with Project Executives and Principals to define project scopes, system approaches, and fees for proposals.

• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, architects, and other disciplines to ensure mechanical systems are fully integrated into the overall design.

• Represent ColeBreit Engineering in technical discussions and meetings as the mechanical discipline lead, demonstrating strong communication and professionalism.

• Provide clear, proactive technical leadership that supports successful project delivery and reinforces confidence in the firm’s technical capabilities.

• Participate in project presentations and interviews as needed to support business development.

• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance client experience and project efficiency.

Talent Development and Leadership (~20%)

• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and designers; conduct design reviews and share lessons learned.

• Contribute to staff development by supporting training initiatives and encouraging continuous learning.

• Participate in the technical evaluation of potential hires when requested.

• Monitor workloads/discpline budgets within assigned projects and communicate resource needs or constraints to Project Executives or Project Managers.

• Promote ColeBreit’s “Team First” value by contributing to a collaborative, supportive, and accountable culture.

Business Development

• Support proposal preparation by contributing technical input, scope definitions, and fee justifications.

• Maintain a presence in the AEC community through active engagement in industry organizations and events (e.g., AIA, ASHRAE).

• Provide technical presentations internally and externally to build thought leadership and visibility.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may include the responsibility of supervising other team members, as assigned.

Work Environment and Travel

• This role operates in a professional office environment with regular use of computers and related equipment.

• Local and regional travel (within 100 miles) is expected for project meetings and site visits. Occasional overnight travel may be required based on project needs. Hybrid work flexibility is available depending on project requirements and team coordination needs.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Mechanical Engineering, with registration in California or Oregon—or ability to obtain within 90 days—required.

• 8+ years of progressive MEP design experience, including HVAC and plumbing systems for commercial, residential, healthcare, or institutional projects.

• 2+ years in a leadership capacity (discipline lead, project management, or EOR role) demonstrating technical and team leadership.

• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD required.

• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills; ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Experience with load simulation software (EnergyPro, Trane TRACE, or Carrier HAP) preferred.

• Working knowledge of Bluebeam and California Building Code compliance highly preferred.

• Active involvement in professional organizations (ASHRAE or equivalent) preferred.

Competencies and Attributes

• Technical Expertise – Demonstrates advanced command of mechanical and plumbing systems, serving as the firm’s go-to technical resource.

• Leadership & Mentorship – Leads by example, developing junior staff and fostering collaboration across teams.

• Accountability – Takes full ownership of assigned projects and deliverables.

• Client Focus – Builds strong relationships through reliability, communication, and solution-oriented thinking.

• Adaptability – Navigates ambiguity and evolving processes with professionalism and composure.

• Growth Mindset – Pursues ongoing learning and contributes to innovation within the discipline.

• Team Orientation – Embodies ColeBreit’s “No Jerks Allowed” culture, prioritizing collaboration and mutual respect.

Core Values Alignment

Team First – Want to Grow – Driven to Perform. ColeBreit Engineering fosters a people-first culture that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Our team members are accountable, approachable, and committed to delivering technical excellence and meaningful client partnerships.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. ColeBreit Engineering reserves the right to amend duties or responsibilities as business needs evolve.