Senior Mechanical Engineer; healthcare

Location:

Seattle, WA

Are you an experienced mechanical engineer who thrives on complex, long-term projects that make a tangible impact in our communities?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Cole Breit Engineering, you’ll lead mechanical system design for complex healthcare and institutional projects, with responsibility for HVAC, hydronic, and medical gas systems from concept through construction. With a focus on system design, energy efficiency, code compliance, and interdisciplinary coordination, you’ll guide projects from concept through construction. This is a senior role with real authority: you’ll make system-level decisions, serve as Engineer of Record, and ensure solutions meet the highest standards of technical rigor, quality, and innovation.

A cornerstone of this role is leadership on the Harborview Medical Center program in Seattle, one of the most significant hospital projects currently underway in the Pacific Northwest. This is an 8-year, multi-phase redevelopment effort, offering rare continuity and visibility from early design through phased construction. You’ll serve as the mechanical discipline lead and trusted on-the-ground presence, working closely with the client, project team, and field partners to deliver patient-critical systems in a fully operational healthcare environment.

This role is intended to grow over time and offers a clear path toward Principal or practice leadership for the right individual.

Do you thrive on balancing visionary design with the practical realities of delivering complex healthcare projects? If so, please read on.

HAVE ADVANCED TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS?

You’re the go-to technical authority for mechanical design and system integration, capable of balancing performance, energy efficiency, and constructability while ensuring full compliance with California, Oregon and Washington building codes. You’re comfortable making critical system decisions and standing behind them.

THRIVE AS A LEADER AND MENTOR?

You guide and develop junior engineers, share lessons learned, and cultivate a collaborative, low-ego environment where technical excellence is expected and supported.

EXCEL AT MANAGING COMPLEX HEALTHCARE PROJECTS?

You have a proven track record leading the mechanical design for hospitals, clinics, and medical office buildings, coordinating with architects, contractors, and facility stakeholders to deliver high-performing, compliant, and reliable systems. Familiarity with HCAI submittals, review processes, and compliance standards is highly valued.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:

Within the first 30 days:

Develop a strong understanding of Cole Breit Engineering’s mission, values, and technical standards.

Meet with key project leaders and design teams to build strong internal partnerships.

Take ownership of 1–2 active projects, understanding scopes, schedules, and team resources.

3-4 months and ongoing:

Lead 3–6 projects as discipline lead and Engineer of Record (EOR).

Produce and review system calculations, specifications, and control sequences.

Oversee the design of HVAC, plumbing, and hydronic systems.

Conduct site visits and coordinate directly with contractors, architects, and AHJs to ensure designs meet code and client expectations.

Deliver a technical presentation at a company all-hands or industry event, showcasing innovation in healthcare system design.

6-12 months and ongoing:

Independently manage 6–8 projects with predictable delivery and strong team performance.

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to their technical development.

Partner with Project Executives and Principals to define project scopes, system strategies, and proposals.

Identify process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and the client experience.

Build repeat client relationships through reliability, communication, and technical excellence.

EDUCATION,

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

8+ years of progressive experience in MEP engineering with a strong focus on system design for commercial, healthcare, residential, and process projects, including calculations, specifications, and discipline management required

2+ years of leadership…