Mechanical Design Engineer

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Building and Places Team in Chicago. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago office.

At GFT, the Mechanical team is dedicated to creating efficient, innovative solutions for mechanical systems, ensuring comfort and sustainability in every project. From energy‑efficient power systems to advanced HVAC and plumbing designs, our team contributes to a resilient and sustainable built environment, pushing the boundaries of building system design and optimizing performance while addressing the unique needs of each facility.

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer (HVAC) in our Chicago office. Candidates will be responsible for designing heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning (HVAC) systems; plumbing systems; integrating LiDAR scanning and point cloud data into BIM; creating REVIT families; designing systems and applications; conducting economic and life‑cycle cost analyses; selecting equipment; authoring specifications; estimating construction costs; administering construction; and commissioning mechanical systems.

Projects involve public works, mass transit, commercial, educational, and federal facilities. Experience with supervising employees and sustainability certifications is a plus.

As a Mechanical Engineer at GFT you will provide technical support on design aspects on assigned projects. The successful candidate must demonstrate creativity, foresight, and mature engineering judgment in anticipating and solving problems.

• Design of building HVAC and plumbing systems, including calculations, layouts, sizing, equipment selections, specifications, and coordination.
• Lead and participate in meetings with clients, state agencies, city agencies, utility service representatives, and project teams.
• Deliver projects on time and within client budgets.
• Deliver projects in compliance with client and company quality control procedures and engineering guidelines.
• Daily interaction and collaboration on cross‑functional teams across multiple disciplines.
• Document work product in REVIT.
• Construction administration services; on‑site construction administration, shop drawing review, request‑for‑information response, and client meetings and coordination.
• Perform site visits, surveys, and inspections to evaluate existing building mechanical systems.
• Participate in marketing efforts.
• Project and task management.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering with a mechanical focus.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the design of HVAC and plumbing systems.
• HVAC design skills, including heating and cooling load calculations, equipment performance (pumps, fans, compressors, boilers, chillers), and familiarity with ASHRAE guidelines.
• Plumbing design skills, including water supply and drainage systems, piping layouts, and familiarity with ASPE guidelines.
• Knowledge of applicable codes.
• General knowledge base for building design and building service coordination, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection) systems layout within REVIT. Integration of BIM workflows in mechanical system design.
• Proficiency with Office 365 applications.
• Excellent writing, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills and a team‑oriented disposition that embraces cooperative work sharing and peer‑to‑peer mentoring.
• Personal inclination to learn and grow through internal training, external training, and senior staff mentorship.

The salary range for this role is $85,000 – $120,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional…