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.

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…