Vice President, Mechanical Design Engineering- Building Systems

WSP is seeking a licensed Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in HVAC system design—particularly for complex healthcare environments and mixed-use commercial facilities—to join our Boston, MA Property and Buildings Office as Vice President, Mechanical Engineering. This role combines technical leadership with business development to grow our practice in healthcare, pharmaceutical, life sciences, labs, higher education, and mixed-use commercial projects.

About the role

You will lead HVAC and mechanical system design from concept through construction close-out, ensuring compliance with mechanical codes, ASHRAE, and FGI Guidelines. The position involves future-ready HVAC strategies such as energy-efficient architectures, decarbonization-ready designs, and advanced ventilation concepts. You will oversee cross-functional teams, manage budgets, track project hours, and ensure technical and regulatory compliance across multiple concurrent projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, review, and approve HVAC and mechanical system design plans for data integrity and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Apply high-level mechanical and HVAC engineering techniques to identify system improvements across all project phases (concept development, preliminary design, final design, construction administration).
• Plan and incorporate future-ready HVAC strategies—energy-efficient systems, decarbonization-ready designs, and advanced ventilation airflow concepts—to ensure safety, resiliency, and optimal performance.
• Oversee project HVAC system design and consulting construction administration from inception to completion, including air-handling systems, chilled-water/steam systems, hydronic piping, specialized exhaust, and Building Control Systems with sustainability concepts.
• Manage cross-functional engineering teams on mid- to high-level or multiple concurrent projects, including trade design budgets, hours/expense tracking, task completion, technical HVAC calculations, code compliance documentation, and regulatory analysis.
• Prepare HVAC load calculations, airflow diagrams, psychrometric analyses, system schematics, reports, and visualizations to interpret or present complex mechanical design concepts.
• Develop comprehensive technical reports and lead presentations explaining research, findings, system concepts, and recommendations for HVAC design or construction issues.
• Manage client relationships and provide technical input on business development, opportunity/pursuit efforts, and HVAC system design innovations.
• Develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including client facility staff, manufacturer/vendor partners, colleague engineers, construction partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 12+ years of post-education experience in mechanical and HVAC system design for healthcare, lab, higher education, and commercial environments.
• Engineer license required (multi-state preferred).
• Extensive knowledge of HVAC system design across multiple sectors, including pressurization strategies, air-change/ventilation requirements, humidity control, filtration standards, and specialized ventilation/exhaust systems.
• Established reputation in the local engineering community with a developed (preferably extensive) professional network.
• Proficiency with HVAC engineering principles, design/bid and design/build delivery models, and application of mechanical systems to permitting and project-related issues.
• Experience with HVAC planning, system selection, load calculations, energy modeling, industry-standard sustainability practices, and construction administration/management.
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC and mechanical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform mechanical and HVAC system computations, interpret drawings/specifications, and compare conditions to current code and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in coordinating and directing others to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and abiding by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business or Engineering.
• LEED AP or WELL Certification.
• 5+ years of Project Management experience.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid sick leave, vacation (or other personal time), parental leave, and bereavement leave.
• Paid time off for voting and naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected salary range: $167,800–$250,000, based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal equity.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services. We design lasting solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in 300+ U.S. offices, we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model alongside a comprehensive benefits suite to support employees throughout their careers.