Sales Engineer / Mechanical Preconstruction Engineer

Location: Richmond, VA

Be part of a growing employee‑owned company with more than 75 years of industry leadership!
Southern Air, Inc. is committed to employee development, exceptional customer service, and delivering high‑quality mechanical solutions across Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

We reward your commitment with competitive wages, excellent benefits, participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), medical coverage, 401(k), PTO/Holiday pay, and meaningful career growth opportunities.

Position Overview

The Sales Engineer / Mechanical Preconstruction Engineer is responsible for developing and securing mechanical construction opportunities through engineering expertise, system design, estimating, and direct client engagement.

This role partners with customers, design professionals, subcontractors, and internal teams to develop conceptual and detailed mechanical solutions for HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems.

The Sales Engineer leads preconstruction efforts including budgeting, estimating, value engineering, and proposal development. Following project award, the role provides early‑phase project support (approximately the first 25%) to ensure a smooth and successful transition to our operations and project management teams.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Engineering

• Develop conceptual mechanical system designs and layouts for HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems.
• Prepare detailed budgets, estimates, and professional proposals for mechanical construction projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, equipment selections, and mechanical system cost analyses.
• Provide value‑engineering alternatives and constructability recommendations during design phases.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Participate in design‑build and design‑assist opportunities with clients and consulting engineers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, GCs, design teams, and vendors.
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities and support long‑term customer partnerships.
• Represent Southern Air in pre‑bid meetings, site visits, and customer presentations.

Project Startup Support

• Assist with initial project activities including scope review, subcontractor coordination, and handoff to project management.
• Support early construction phases to ensure alignment with design intent, budget expectations, and project scope.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with estimating, engineering, project management, and operations teams to develop accurate and competitive proposals.
• Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the success of the team and company.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) highly preferred.

Skills & Experience

• Experience with HVAC and mechanical system design, estimating, or construction.
• Knowledge of commercial mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, and plumbing.
• Familiarity with mechanical estimating software and takeoff tools preferred.
• Strong understanding of the construction and preconstruction process.

Professional Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem‑solving ability, and organizational skills.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Requirements

• Must pass a post‑offer drug screen.
• May be required to pass background checks (DMV, criminal history).
• Must adhere to company policies and support company values.

Benefits

Southern Air offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Health Plan — Starts Day 1! (with company HSA contributions)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• Life Insurance & AD&D
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Employee Assistance Plan

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to evaluate mechanical systems and deliver cost‑effective, practical solutions.
• Strong analytical, estimating, and technical reasoning abilities.
• Proven customer‑facing communication skills with the ability to form long‑term relationships.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Capable of managing multiple opportunities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Skilled at working effectively in a commercial construction environment.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• May require driving or riding in a vehicle for extended periods (2 hours).
• Outdoor jobsite visits may involve varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Frequent use of hands for handling tools, controls, and equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, talk, hear, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach above shoulder height.
• Occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks in field conditions.
• May work around typical construction materials and chemicals (requires SDS awareness).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Learn more at: www.southern-air.com