What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Engineer - PE (HVAC) position at NELSON?
NELSON is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer (HVAC) to lead the design and delivery of complex mechanical systems for a variety of facility and infrastructure projects. This role will provide technical oversight, serve as Engineer of Record, and drive engineering quality from initial design through construction administration. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience with complex HVAC systems, central plant design, and specialized building environments, along with the ability to mentor engineering teams, lead multidisciplinary coordination, and provide innovative solutions to challenging engineering requirements.
Attributes to support the NELSON culture:
- Go All In. Own the Outcome. We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result.
- Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic. We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
- Grow with Purpose. We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
- Think Bold. Execute Smart. We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
- Make Space for Everyone. We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
- Lead mechanical engineering design efforts on large, technically complex facility and infrastructure projects.
- Serve as Engineer of Record, providing technical oversight, quality control, and signing and sealing construction documents.
- Independently develop complex HVAC systems, including unitary equipment, chilled water and heating hot water plants, steam and condensate systems, and specialized ventilation.
- Perform and critically evaluate advanced engineering calculations, including psychrometrics, hydronic design, equipment sizing, and system performance under varying operating conditions.
- Develop central plant configurations, pumping arrangements, equipment staging, and comprehensive HVAC control sequences.
- Lead designs involving critical environments, humidity control, building pressurization, and specialized ventilation requirements.
- Perform comprehensive technical quality control reviews, identify design deficiencies, and resolve complex engineering challenges.
- Manage and mentor mid-level engineers, EITs, and designers while overseeing project deliverables.
- Demonstrate the ability to independently perform hands-on mechanical design and drafting using Autodesk Revit when required.
- Lead interdisciplinary coordination, client communication, construction administration, and assist with project planning and staffing.
Education, Experience & Certifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required.
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- 10 years of HVAC engineering experience.
- Demonstrated experience serving as Engineer of Record and independently signing and sealing mechanical construction documents required.
- Advanced technical expertise in unitary HVAC, central chilled water and heating hot water plants, steam distribution, condensate return, and hydronic systems.
- Expert understanding of psychrometrics, including sensible and latent loads, cooling coil performance, dehumidification, reheat, and humidity control.
- Advanced knowledge of central plant design, pumping configurations, equipment staging, and hydronic distribution.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop HVAC sequences of operation and building automation control strategies.
- Significant experience with healthcare, justice/detention, K-12 educational, publicly funded, and industrial projects, including critical environments and specialized ventilation.
- Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate complex HVAC designs, troubleshoot system deficiencies, and provide technical leadership.
- Expert proficiency with Autodesk Revit and Bluebeam Revu required, including hands on design, drafting, and comprehensive drawing reviews.
- Extensive knowledge of mechanical codes, ASHRAE standards, specifications, and construction administration.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
- Hybrid work options available.
- Periodic travel required for site visits and client meetings.
Benefits of NELSON: (additional benefit details can be found at: nelsonworldwide.com/careers)
- 401(K) plan with company match
- Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
- Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
- Pet Insurance
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Paid time off and holiday pay
- Paid parental leave
- Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
- Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization
NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.
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