Early Career Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer (Early Career)

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The entry level Mechanical Engineer will support the design and delivery of mechanical systems for healthcare and other complex facilities. This role focuses on technical execution, coordination with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to high-quality project outcomes. The successful candidate will apply engineering fundamentals, develop technical documentation, and support project delivery while continuing to build expertise in mechanical design for healthcare, institutional, and industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop HVAC system designs of a given project based on scope of work and/or client RFPs .
• Provide engineering design, evaluation, and planning of mechanical systems for healthcare, life sciences, higher education, and data center market types.
• Conduct existing building surveys and documentation of existing HVAC systems.
• Develop system design calculations and selection of equipment for use in buildings.
• Prepare detailed design documents, reports, and studies.
• General knowledge of project specifications and editing techniques.
• General knowledge of California code requirements, including California Building Code (CBC) and HCAI-specific requirements.
• Complete code compliance research.
• Coordinate work with other disciplines.
• Provide construction administration services.
  
  

Skills

• Proficiency in using engineering tools and software including Autodesk software (Revit, Navisworks).
• Ability to perform HVAC load calculations utilizing Energy Soft and Trace energy modeling software.
• Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to drive projects forward.
  
  

Team Contribution & Development

• Collaborate with senior engineers and project managers to deliver projects on schedule and within scope.
• Support proposal development and technical input for projects as needed.
• Participate in knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of design standards and best practices.
• Contribute to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration.
• Continue to build technical expertise in specialized mechanical systems.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2-5 years experience in Mechanical Engineering.
• Registration as EIT or PE preferred.
  
  

Location:

• San Diego, CA (on-site with remote Fridays)
  
  

Travel

• Up to 25%
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Salas O’Brien health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Team members have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Salas O’Brien has both U.S. and Canadian (PTO) plans for full-time salaried, exempt and non-team members, 10 paid holidays, and paid leave programs for military service and new parents. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $70,000 to $110,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

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