Principal Mechanical Engineer

At EXP, we’re driven to provide innovative solutions for the world’s built and natural environments. As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of professionals, we bring diverse and talented people together to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Here, you join a team that leverages differences, harnesses their entrepreneurial spirit in an employee‑owned company, that believes diversity is what gives us strength, seeks sustainable results and shares ambitions for each other, our clients and the communities we are part of and serve.

Being a part of EXP means to have your own experience, while staying connected to a global network of professionals, who believe we are a part of something bigger. Together, we are EXP.

Are you ready to design your future?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Mechanical Engineer to work in a flexible role that includes engineering, design and specification of building mechanical, process, and HVAC systems for Life Sciences, Research and Development, Pharmaceutical, and Critical Facilities Projects. Work will be performed under supervision of senior staff. This position will be hybrid in the Chicago office.

• Support and respond to RFP/RFQ’s.
• Manage existing and developing new client relationships
• Excellent communication, problem solving and analytical skills are required. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi‑task in support of multiple projects is essential.
• Knowledge with pharmaceutical cGMP standards, validation protocols, and clean room environment design.
• Knowledge of building codes (IBC) including International Fire Code and NFPA
• Write Basis of Design, studies, and reports for systems on projects in accordance with client Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s).
• Provide input and support early budgetary pricing exercises (Opinion of Probable Cost)
• Proficient with cooling and heating load calculations software to support young engineers in input modeling and output interpretation to provide assurance in output.
• Early planning and conceptual preparation of one‑line diagrams for supply air, exhaust air, return air, chilled water, heating hot water, steam and condensate, process systems, laboratories, zones, etc.
• Knowledge of PLC, DCS, DDC, control platforms.
• Knowledge of Operation, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), User Requirement Specifications (URS), P&’s, PFD for AHU’s, CHW and HHW, Steam, Process Utilities, Central Utility Plants (CUP) including clean utilities, purified waters, process gas and liquid chemicals, etc.
• Understand and apply concepts of air side water side CHW, HHW, variable & constant flow systems.
• Thorough understanding of psychometrics and being able to apply for critical environments.
• Advanced equipment selection and analysis – chillers, boilers, air terminals, cooling towers, air valves, HEPA filters, DX equipment, and water source heat pumps.
• Thorough understanding of critical humidity and climate design risks.
• Thorough understanding of total energy concepts.
• REVIT and AutoCAD proficiency with working drawings.
• Prepare floor plans showing mechanical, process, and HVAC duct, piping, device layouts, equipment, etc.
• Edit mechanical specifications to reflect project requirements.
• Select and schedule equipment
• Meet with vendors to determine specification requirements for application.
• Perform field verification and take‑offs of existing systems for renovation projects.
• Coordinate with other disciplines (MEPFP, Architectural, Structural, Process, etc.)
• Maintain the engineering book for the project.
• Respond to RFIs for the project, and accurately review submittals.
• Solve installation problems with mechanical and HVAC systems, travel to site to resolve issues.
• Apply risk management procedures to minimize exp’s and client’s exposure to problems.
• Understand work planning and manage design process to the available hours in the work plan.
• Understand proper scope of SD, DD, CD and LOD 100, 200 and 300 level documents – and deliver appropriate documentation.
• Work with…