Senior Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer - PE Required

Experience: 15+ Years

Focus: Technical leadership, complex HVAC and Plumbing system design, cross-project QA/QC oversight

Location: Full-time, on-site in San Diego, CA

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary Range: $130,000–$149,000, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated technical expertise.

At 120 Degreez, we invest in our team's long-term success—professionally and personally.

• 401(k) with up to 3% employer match
• 70% employer-paid medical insurance + 100% dental and vision
• $1,500 annual professional development and certification allowance
• Paid Company Holidays + 2 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) + 1 week Paid Sick Leave
• 100% employer-paid life insurance
• Clear career advancement pathway from Designer through Principal
• Collaborative, structured, and growth-focused work environment

Role Purpose

The Senior Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for the design, coordination, and quality control of both Mechanical (HVAC) and Plumbing systems on commercial projects. This role provides technical guidance throughout the entire project lifecycle while helping ensure projects are delivered with a high level of quality, accuracy, and code compliance.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in both Mechanical and Plumbing engineering within an MEP consulting environment and is comfortable leading both disciplines across multiple projects simultaneously. This individual will mentor junior staff, support Project Managers, reduce technical risk through strong QA/QC practices, and serve as a trusted technical resource for clients and internal teams.

Core Responsibilities

Mechanical Engineering (HVAC)

• Lead the design of HVAC systems, including air distribution, ventilation, hydronic systems, and equipment selection.
• Perform and review heating and cooling load calculations, equipment sizing, and system layouts.
• Review ductwork, piping, controls coordination, and equipment schedules for technical accuracy.
• Ensure designs comply with the California Mechanical Code, California Energy Code (Title 24), and applicable building codes.

Plumbing Engineering

• Lead the design of domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, vent, natural gas, and specialty plumbing systems.
• Perform and review plumbing calculations, pipe sizing, fixture unit calculations, and utility coordination.
• Coordinate plumbing infrastructure and utility connections with civil, architectural, and structural teams.
• Ensure designs comply with the California Plumbing Code and all applicable regulations.

Technical Leadership

• Lead Mechanical and Plumbing engineering efforts on complex commercial projects from design through construction administration.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC reviews across multiple projects to maintain high technical standards.
• Review and approve construction documents prior to issuance.
• Identify technical risks early and develop practical solutions that improve project quality and reduce liability.
• Resolve multidisciplinary coordination challenges with architectural, structural, electrical, civil, and specialty consultants.
• Respond to RFIs, submittals, plan check comments, and construction administration requests.
• Participate in client meetings and provide technical guidance throughout project execution.
• Mentor Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers while supporting their technical development.
• Assist with project planning, proposal development, fee preparation, and scope definition.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal engineering standards, QA/QC procedures, and technical best practices.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates should have significant experience designing Mechanical and Plumbing systems for commercial projects, including:

• Commercial Tenant Improvements
• Ground-Up Commercial Buildings
• Retail
• Mixed-Use Developments
• Hospitality
• Restaurants
• Multifamily Residential
• Healthcare
• Office Buildings

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 15 years of commercial MEP consulting experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading both Mechanical (HVAC) and Plumbing engineering design for commercial projects.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• California Mechanical Code
• California Plumbing Code
• California Building Code
• California Energy Code (Title 24)
• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Revit.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and standard MEP engineering software.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of commercial MEP consulting experience.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical staff.
• Experience supporting project proposals, fee development, and business development efforts.
• LEED, WELL, or other sustainability-related experience.
• Strong Construction Administration experience, including field observations, submittal reviews, and responding to RFIs.