Mechanical Project Designer | Charlotte, NC

IMEG is a 100% employee-owned firm offering big-firm resources with local-team relationships and a unified culture.

About the role

In this position, you will lead design efforts as a project manager or lead engineer for low to moderate complexity projects and collaborate with senior staff on larger, high-complexity work. The role focuses on the analysis, design, and implementation oversight of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for the vertical building industry. You will work within project budgets, train and mentor staff, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to support work in housing and multifamily, commercial, and retail markets while advancing high-performance, energy-efficient design aligned with MEP2050 and AIA2030.

• Lead design efforts for the analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations to meet code requirements and IMEG standards using engineering software and tools.
• Interact with clients to gather project requirements, communicate technical information, and build and maintain client relationships.
• Support consulting projects as part of a project team, leading project planning, budgeting, and scheduling tasks to meet deadlines and objectives.
• Document design decisions and client instructions while monitoring design progress related to percent complete and fee expended.
• Analyze engineering problems and collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical and efficient solutions.
• Provide in-process design reviews of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection system designs, calculations, and specifications.
• Implement IMEG quality control processes to ensure designs meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, and contribute to research, development, and innovation efforts within IMEG.
• Prioritize safety in all aspects of engineering work and identify and mitigate potential safety risks associated with mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, architects, and project managers, to deliver integrated solutions that meet project goals.
• Identify potential project problems, seek advice from the Project Manager, and oversee projects through bidding and construction administration phase.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent required. Minimum 3 years of experience (4 preferred) in commercial building design consulting industry, or an Associates degree or certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering with 7 years of experience (8 preferred) in commercial building design consulting or construction industry.

Skills

• Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications.
• Strong technical and analytical skills including proficiency in thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics relating to mechanical design in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Ability to train and mentor less experienced staff.
• Proficiency in industry-standard engineering software and tools including HVAC load calculation software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Eagerness to adapt to new challenges.
• Proficiency in the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups.
• Ability to travel up to 10% with occasional overnight stays.

Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification preferred.

About The Team

Design MEP systems for high-profile commercial, mixed-use, multifamily, retail, hospitality, and restaurant projects throughout the Southeast. Work on complex developments involving residential and office space above retail, structured parking, specialty lighting, restaurant exhaust, and flexible tenant systems.

• The Collection at Forsyth: Provided engineering design for a 493,500-square-foot shopping center, including retail and office shell spaces, site lighting and photometrics, and flexible plumbing utilities to accommodate future tenants.
• OpenTap: Provided engineering design for a 6,000-square-foot, ground-up self-pour bar in South Charlotte featuring indoor-outdoor gathering spaces, specialty lighting, a treehouse mezzanine, and a large patio.
• Avalon, Alpharetta, GA: Delivered MEP engineering for a large mixed-use development with 500,000 square feet of retail, residential, and office space, restaurants, parking structures, and standalone buildings requiring complex utility coordination, rooftop HVAC integration, restaurant exhaust planning, and flexible systems for future tenants.

Benefits

• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing.
• IDEA Program: A firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology.
• PE, SE, and other license exam prep and support, with a clear path from EIT to PE.
• Dress for Your Day and Responsible Time Off (RTO) for eligible senior roles.
• Medical, dental, and vision with preventive care at 100%, plus a $50/month wellness credit and Calm subscription.
• A year-round Employee Recognition Committee that builds culture at every office.
• MEG: An AI-powered assistant that helps you find information, access project and people data, and navigate workflows fast.
• Generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement.
• Employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Location: Charlotte, NC. Full-time in office. Up to 10% travel required. Sponsorship not available.