Lead Mechanical Engineer - Buildings

We are seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Property & Buildings Team in Irvine, CA. As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will lead and support the design of HVAC and mechanical building systems, including air distribution, central utility plants, hydronic systems, plumbing, controls, and energy-efficient solutions. You will work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and other stakeholders throughout design and construction while providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a lead mechanical engineer for complex Property & Buildings projects, with an emphasis on healthcare and other technically demanding facilities.
• Lead the design of HVAC systems including air distribution, hydronic systems, central plants, automated temperature controls, and energy-efficient building systems.
• Develop and review mechanical drawings, specifications, calculations, equipment selections, schedules, and design documentation.
• Integrate complex mechanical engineering requirements into multidisciplinary facility designs.
• Coordinate mechanical design activities with architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other disciplines.
• Provide technical oversight and QA/QC reviews of mechanical designs and deliverables.
• Participate in projects from concept and schematic design through design development, construction documents, and construction administration.
• Survey and evaluate existing building conditions and develop recommendations for renovations, upgrades, and new systems.
• Attend client and project meetings and clearly communicate mechanical engineering concepts, recommendations, and design decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, contractors, vendors, and manufacturers.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to junior engineers and designers.
• Support project managers with scopes, schedules, budgets, and coordination of mechanical deliverables.
• Assist with proposals, pursuits, presentations, and other business development activities.
• Remain current with mechanical engineering practices, building codes, sustainability initiatives, and emerging technologies.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant post-education experience in mechanical engineering and building systems design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required, or ability to obtain California PE registration through reciprocity as appropriate.
• Demonstrated experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for commercial, institutional, healthcare, laboratory, higher education, or other complex building environments.
• Strong knowledge of air distribution, hydronic systems, central plant systems, plumbing, controls, equipment selection, load calculations, and building energy performance.
• Experience leading mechanical design efforts and coordinating work across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Working knowledge of relevant building, mechanical, and energy codes and industry standards.
• Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD and familiarity with mechanical engineering analysis and load calculation software.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, project teams, and non-engineering stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and provide technical direction with strong attention to QA/QC.
• Ability to manage priorities and deliver high-quality work across multiple concurrent projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Retirement savings
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings

Compensation

• Expected Salary: $122,700 - $182,200