Mechanical Engineer

Permanent, fully onsite position based in Des Moines, IA.

About the role

The Mechanical Engineer leads the design of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems for building projects within a collaborative design-build environment. This role focuses on delivering technically accurate, code-compliant designs, guiding internal commissioning efforts, and supporting construction through close coordination with in-house teams. The position offers the opportunity to influence project outcomes from concept through turnover, mentor other engineers, and contribute to the growth of new engineering capabilities and departments.

Responsibilities

• Perform and lead mechanical and plumbing/piping system design, including equipment selection, sizing, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Complete and review mechanical and HVAC load calculations to ensure systems are properly sized and energy efficient.
• Verify code compliance for all mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and related building systems to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to applicable standards.
• Lead design peer reviews and collaborate closely with Operations on scope definition, cost control, and constructability considerations.
• Develop engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets to support project planning and proposal efforts.
• Oversee the internal commissioning process and integrate commissioning requirements early in the design phase.
• Create or oversee design sketches, models, engineering calculations, and comprehensive document packages for project delivery.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation throughout design and coordination phases.
• Support construction activities through field walks, punch lists, and resolution of design-related issues encountered on site.
• Prepare and update as-built documentation and support client turnover at project closeout.
• Share best practices with other engineers and help identify development needs within the team.
• Provide technical guidance and act as a resource to less experienced mechanical engineers within the department.

Requirements

• Extensive mechanical design experience with at least 10 years of progressive engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in HVAC system design, including load calculations, equipment selection, and sequences of operation.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical building design, including integration of mechanical, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
• Hands-on experience with plumbing system design for building and industrial applications.
• Knowledge of sprinkler systems and broader MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination.
• Proficiency with Revit for building information modeling and coordination of mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for mechanical, plumbing, and building design documentation.
• Ability to ensure code compliance and technical accuracy across mechanical and plumbing designs.
• Capability to lead design peer reviews and coordinate with operations and construction teams.
• Licensed Professional Engineer preferred; Engineer in Training license required.
• Accredited bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Construction, or a closely related field.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience supporting industrial or manufacturing facilities is considered a strong asset.
• Experience developing engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets.
• Exposure to commissioning processes and integration of commissioning requirements into design.
• Familiarity with building design practices that integrate HVAC, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
• Interest in contributing to or helping develop new departments or capabilities such as automation, technology, or virtual design and construction.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and participating in design peer reviews.
• Ability to mentor and support other engineers through sharing best practices and identifying development needs.

Work Environment

The role is primarily office-based, with occasional site tours to active projects. The engineering team consists of approximately 10 professionals, including 6 mechanical engineers and 4 electrical engineers, creating a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This position will be one of the most experienced roles in the department, offering opportunities for leadership and mentorship.

Work hours typically range from 40 to 45 hours per week, with a long week considered 45 hours, supporting a balanced workload compared to many consulting environments. Travel requirements are minimal, with at most one trip per year to a project in a surrounding state for a few days. Projects are completed by an in-house construction team, enabling close communication between engineering and construction and reducing common coordination challenges.

The engineering department is treated as a break-even group rather than a profit center, so engineers are not pressured to meet year-end revenue targets or push deadlines solely for financial goals. The organization offers a profit-sharing program (5%) and maintains a full in-house drafting team to complete project specifications, fostering a supportive and integrated project delivery environment.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $90,000 – $135,000 per year. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Profit-sharing program (5%).
• Full in-house drafting team to complete project specifications.