
Entry-Level Mechanical Design Engineer
M & E Engineering Inc, Rochester, NY, United States
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Plumbing /Fire Protection
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
The Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design and development of HVAC and mechanical systems for building projects while building foundational skills toward advancement as a Project Engineer or Design Engineer. This role contributes to all phases of mechanical design, documentation, coordination, and engineering analysis under the guidance of senior staff.
The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an important role in delivering high-quality, coordinated system designs across a variety of building types.
Responsibilities
Assist in preparing contract documents, including drawings and specifications
Plan, schedule, and contribute to mechanical design tasks under the guidance of senior engineers
Perform conventional engineering calculations and develop elementary designs from schematic sketches
Support the design of HVAC and mechanical systems in accordance with company standards
Coordinate with Senior Engineers, Project Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers to support production
Assist with interdisciplinary coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams
Communicate effectively to support consistent project progress
Participate in field investigations to collect data and verify site conditions
Support quality control efforts and incorporate design feedback from senior technical staff
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Master of Science in a related field, or equivalent
Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1–2 years professional experience)
Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred
Strong interest in HVAC and building mechanical system design
Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and mechanical design principles
Travel
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 5-10%
The expected base salary range for this role is $62,400 – $72,500 USD per year . This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company holidays
Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering.
Preferred
Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering.
Experience
Required
Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1–3 years professional experience)
Licenses & Certifications
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Department: Plumbing /Fire Protection
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
The Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design and development of HVAC and mechanical systems for building projects while building foundational skills toward advancement as a Project Engineer or Design Engineer. This role contributes to all phases of mechanical design, documentation, coordination, and engineering analysis under the guidance of senior staff.
The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an important role in delivering high-quality, coordinated system designs across a variety of building types.
Responsibilities
Assist in preparing contract documents, including drawings and specifications
Plan, schedule, and contribute to mechanical design tasks under the guidance of senior engineers
Perform conventional engineering calculations and develop elementary designs from schematic sketches
Support the design of HVAC and mechanical systems in accordance with company standards
Coordinate with Senior Engineers, Project Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers to support production
Assist with interdisciplinary coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams
Communicate effectively to support consistent project progress
Participate in field investigations to collect data and verify site conditions
Support quality control efforts and incorporate design feedback from senior technical staff
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Master of Science in a related field, or equivalent
Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1–2 years professional experience)
Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred
Strong interest in HVAC and building mechanical system design
Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and mechanical design principles
Travel
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 5-10%
The expected base salary range for this role is $62,400 – $72,500 USD per year . This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company holidays
Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering.
Preferred
Masters or better in Mechanical Engineering.
Experience
Required
Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1–3 years professional experience)
Licenses & Certifications
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr