Assistant Vice President, Mechanical Design Engineer- Building Systems

WSP is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Mechanical Design Engineer for our Boston, MA office to help develop our Property & Buildings practice. This role focuses on HVAC system design for complex healthcare and commercial environments in Massachusetts, combining technical leadership with business development to grow our Boston operations.

About the role

You will lead HVAC design for high-profile local and national projects, including healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical clean rooms, life sciences labs, industrial ventilation, and mixed-use commercial buildings. The position spans the full project cycle—from design through construction close-out—within a global MEP/FP engineering firm specializing in HVAC, energy efficiency, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, review, and approve HVAC design plans, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while optimizing system efficiency, air quality, thermal comfort, and energy performance.
• Apply advanced mechanical and HVAC engineering techniques to improve concept development, load calculations, system sizing, final design, and building operations.
• Design future-ready HVAC technologies, including energy-efficient systems, heat recovery, decarbonization strategies, and advanced control systems to enhance performance and occupant well-being.
• Oversee HVAC design and construction administration for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, including chilled water systems, air handling units, central utility plants, and specialized ventilation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on mid-level and concurrent projects, tracking hours, task completion, system calculations, compliance documentation, and technical analysis.
• Prepare HVAC load calculation spreadsheets, system diagrams, airflow schematics, pressure relationship charts, reports, sketches, and other visualizations to present technical data.
• Develop comprehensive technical reports and presentations explaining HVAC system concepts, analyses, recommendations, and design solutions for client needs.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including equipment vendors, contractors, and design partners.
• Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies in all decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of post-education experience in HVAC system design, engineering calculations, and mechanical system integration.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required.
• Extensive knowledge of HVAC design methodologies, including ASHRAE standards, FGI Guidelines, and advanced ventilation principles.
• Proficiency in HVAC engineering principles, design/bid and design/build workflows, and permitting processes.
• Experience in HVAC planning, design, and construction administration for renovation, new construction, and complex infrastructure upgrades.
• Strong understanding of mechanical codes, ventilation requirements, compliance practices, and design regulations.
• Ability to perform mechanical calculations, HVAC load analyses, system sizing, and evaluate plans/specifications for compliance and functionality.
• Commitment to workplace safety and adherence to WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED AP or WELL Certification.
• Experience in healthcare, laboratory, or clean-room HVAC design.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120).
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training.

Benefits

WSP offers a comprehensive benefits package focused on health and financial stability, including:

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

Pay

Expected salary range: $138,100–$205,000, based on education, experience, skills, abilities, and geographic location. Additional benefits and compensation may be offered depending on circumstances.