Senior Mechanical Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to support projects across municipal infrastructure, water and wastewater, building systems, industrial process facilities, utility and power infrastructure, and life sciences markets. The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for independently executing and leading mechanical engineering assignments at the project level. This individual leads mechanical design activities, manages assigned mechanical scope, coordinates multidisciplinary interfaces, and directs and reviews the work of engineers and designers assigned to projects. The position requires strong engineering fundamentals, sound judgment, and the ability to independently advance projects from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning. Experience may be concentrated in one or more areas of mechanical engineering and does not require expertise across all markets or system types. Key Responsibilities Mechanical Engineering & Design Independently lead the planning, analysis, design, and specification of mechanical systems and equipment. Develop project design criteria, calculations, equipment selections, specifications, data sheets, drawings, and construction documents. Evaluate existing mechanical systems and develop recommendations for rehabilitation, replacement, or improvement. Evaluate equipment and system alternatives considering performance, reliability, constructability, maintainability, cost, and client requirements. Apply sound engineering judgment to resolve project-specific technical issues. Review vendor drawings, equipment submittals, technical proposals, and supplier documentation. Support equipment procurement, installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting. Experience may include one or more of the following: HVAC, plumbing, and building utility systems Process and utility piping Pumping systems Steam, condensate, heating, and cooling water systems Compressed air, gas, and fuel systems Pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels, and packaged equipment Piping layouts, stress analysis, supports, and equipment interfaces Project Leadership & Delivery Serve as Mechanical Lead on projects of varying size and complexity. Independently manage assigned mechanical engineering scope, schedule, budget, and technical deliverables. Develop scopes of work, engineering estimates, and man-hour requirements. Direct and review work performed by engineers and designers assigned to the mechanical scope and take responsibility for the completeness and technical quality of that work. Coordinate mechanical engineering activities and interfaces with other engineering and architectural disciplines. Participate in multidisciplinary design and constructability reviews. Identify technical, scope, schedule, and budget concerns and communicate them proactively to Project Management. Ensure mechanical deliverables meet project requirements, applicable codes, client standards, and Valdes quality expectations. Recognize technical issues requiring Principal Engineer or specialized technical input and engage appropriate resources. Field & Construction Support Perform field investigations and assessments of existing facilities and mechanical systems. Develop recommendations for modifications, upgrades, and equipment replacement. Resolve field and construction issues within the engineer's area of responsibility. Review RFIs, equipment submittals, shop drawings, and proposed field modifications. Participate in construction meetings, equipment inspections, startup, and commissioning. Incorporate constructability, maintainability, accessibility, operational requirements, and personnel safety into mechanical designs. Quality & Mentorship Review calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, and other work prepared by engineers and designers. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to developing engineers and designers. Provide clear and constructive technical feedback. Contribute to department standards, specifications, procedures, calculation methods, and design tools. Share technical knowledge and lessons learned across project teams. Support department QA/QC activities. Client & Business Development Support Work directly with client engineering, operations, and project representatives. Participate in client meetings, planning sessions, presentations, and technical discussions. Understand client operational requirements and translate them into practical engineering solutions. Support proposals, scope development, engineering estimates, and project pursuits. Develop strong working relationships with clients, contractors, and equipment vendors. Technical Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and technical competence in one or more areas of mechanical engineering. Experience may include: Municipal infrastructure and water/wastewater Building mechanical systems Power generation and energy Industrial and central utility systems Industrial and process facilities Mechanical equipment and piping systems Pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities The candidate shall demonstrate: Ability to independently develop and review mechanical calculations, specifications, data sheets, equipment selections, drawings, and construction documents. Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, which may include ASME, ASHRAE, AWWA, NFPA, API, IMC, IPC, IBC, and applicable state and local requirements. Experience with applicable mechanical engineering analysis and design software. Working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Revit sufficient to coordinate with and direct engineering designers. Ability to communicate engineering issues and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Qualifications Required Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution. 6+ years of progressively responsible mechanical engineering experience. Demonstrated ability to independently execute mechanical engineering design assignments. Experience leading mechanical scopes on multidisciplinary projects. Experience progressing projects from planning and design through construction. Ability to develop and review calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, and technical deliverables. Ability and willingness to travel to client and project sites as required Strong engineering judgment, communication, and organizational skills. Must be able to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future. Preferred Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain PE registration. Experience serving as Mechanical Lead or responsible Mechanical Engineer. Experience mentoring engineers and designers. Experience across multiple mechanical system types or markets. Experience with rehabilitation and modernization of existing facilities. Experience supporting proposals, project estimates, and client development. What Success Looks Like A successful Senior Mechanical Engineer can independently lead a mechanical engineering scope from planning through construction. The Senior Engineer determines what work is required, develops and coordinates the design, directs assigned engineers and designers, manages scope, schedule, and budget, and delivers complete, technically sound work with limited supervision. The Senior Engineer applies sound engineering judgment, identifies project and technical risks early, and recognizes when complex or unfamiliar issues require Principal Engineer or specialist involvement.