Senior Mechanical Engineer (HVAC / MEP Design)

Location: Charlotte, NC (hybrid)
Work Schedule: Flexible remote / hybrid; mandatory in-office day: Wednesday
Base Salary Range: $135,000+ (depending on experience, skills, and fit)
Overall Compensation Range (base + benefits + incentives): approximately $155,000 – $180,000+ (depending on performance, long tenure, and skill premium)

Why Join?

About Founded in 1976, they are a well-established, award-winning consulting engineering firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection disciplines. Over its nearly five decades of service, they have built a solid reputation for responsive client service, high-quality deliverables, and long-term relationships with architects, owners, and contractors.

They work across a broad range of project types including healthcare, commercial, educational, government, retail, and institutional projects.
Notable strengths and distinguishing features:

• Integrated multi-disciplinary practice. Provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection services in-house, which allows for collaborative solutions and seamless coordination across systems.
• Reputation for responsiveness & quality. Clients frequently commend their ability to meet tight schedules, maintain clear communication, deliver accurate documents, and respond quickly to changes and submittals.
• Award-winning designs. They have received multiple ASHRAE Excellence in Technology Awards over the years for innovative HVAC/MEP projects.
• Stability and long client relationships. Many clients and projects are recurring, and they value longevity in its staff—preferring engineers who aim for long tenures and deep project involvement.
• Ethos & culture. The company emphasizes integrity, respect for people, smart use of technology, sustainable/design-efficient engineering, and client-focused service.

By joining, you’ll become part of a stable and respected mid-to-large engineering firm, working on meaningful projects, collaborating with talented peers, and building a legacy of engineering excellence.

Position Overview & Key Responsibilities

As our Senior Mechanical Engineer – HVAC/MEP Design, you will be a key contributor (not a manager) working in “production mode” — i.e., hands-on in design, calculations, client interaction, and site oversight. You will fill the role vacated by a retiring senior engineer, so there’s a real opportunity to grow, mentor others informally, and leave your stamp on critical projects.

Your primary duties include:

1. HVAC / hydronic design
• Design, size, and document systems for chilled water, hot water, steam, pumps, air handlers, and associated piping.
• Integrate building automation/control systems.
• Perform energy modeling and load calculations (Trace 700 experience is a strong plus).
• Evaluate efficient system layouts, coordinate with architectural and structural constraints.
2. Engineering documentation & coordination
• Produce full CAD (AutoCAD) or Revit deliverables, detailing equipment, ductwork, piping, control schematics, and system coordination.
• Coordinate with electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural, and architectural disciplines.
• Review design submittals, provide responses to RFI’s, and perform QC on your deliverables.
3. Client interaction, meetings & presentations
• Meet with architects, owners, and contractors to understand requirements, present design options, and respond to feedback.
• Participate in design review meetings, client meetings, and internal design charrettes.
• Communicate clearly, manage expectations, and maintain client confidence.
4. Site visits & construction support
• Conduct periodic site inspections, field review, and contract administration as needed.
• Assist with as-built verifications, commissioning support, punch lists, and troubleshooting.
• Travel is minimal and rarely overnight.
5. Longevity & culture fit
• Demonstrate a history of longer tenures with prior firms (vs. many short stints).
• Work collaboratively with a small team, contribute proactively, and maintain excellent professional relationships.
• Uphold the technical standards, responsiveness, and client-first culture that SEG is known for.

Qualifications & Desired Skills

Required / Core Competencies:

• ~15–25 years of experience (candidates slightly outside this range may be considered) in mechanical/MEP engineering, with strong emphasis on HVAC design in commercial buildings.
• Prior work in an MEP consulting firm, especially collaborating with architects and other building trades.
• Hands-on experience with AutoCAD and Revit (BIM).
• Solid understanding of hydronic systems: chilled water, hot water, steam, pumps, control valves, piping, balancing, etc.
• Working knowledge of building automation and control systems integration.
• Strong analytic and problem-solving skills, excellent attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication, client-facing skills, and collaborative orientation.
• Ability to travel occasionally (minimal, rarely overnight).
• Willingness to spend one day per week in the office (Wednesdays) — other days are optional for in-office presence.

Preferred / Differentiators:

• Experience in healthcare / hospital HVAC or critical facility design.
• Proficiency in Trace 700 for cooling load calculations and energy modeling.
• Experience with building commissioning or performance verification.
• Demonstrated longevity in prior roles (5+ years).
• Experience with sustainability, LEED, or energy efficiency design initiatives.

Professional Growth & Stability

• Opportunity to mentor, grow technically, and play a prominent role in key projects
• A stable, client-trusted firm with ongoing project pipelines
• Exposure to diverse project types (healthcare, commercial, institutional)
• Supportive, collegial environment valuing integrity, excellence, and long-term relationships