Senior Mechanical Engineer

Lombard, ILMechanical Engineering – Engineering /Full Time /Hybrid 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…