Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for the design of mechanical systems as part of a team that designs buildings and support systems for food processing plants and warehouses. The candidate will be responsible for the design and specification of utilities, HVAC, and plumbing systems. Any fire protection design experience will be a plus. You will work on projects from concept to issuing of construction drawings through construction administration efforts such as the review of equipment submittals and technical support. This position involves advanced technical knowledge, project management skills, and leadership abilities to guide junior engineers and designers collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design Utilities systems that supply fluids and gases to the building and process users via pressure piping systems. Systems commonly designed include steam generation and distribution, hot water heating and distribution, compressed air, chilled water, chilled glycol, cooling tower water, cold water distribution, water pressure booster packages, low/high pressure water pumping, natural gas, and nitrogen.
• Size Utilities equipment and piping distribution systems by totalizing the loads from data available from owner/process provided equipment needs, hot/cold water requirements for restroom fixtures, analysis of metering data, HVAC and refrigeration equipment needs, and using engineering judgement for diversity or appropriate safety factors.
• Produce Utilities pipe material and insulation schedules and work with vendors as required to select equipment and produce equipment schedules for the drawings.
• Utilities design is to include controls sequence of operations write ups and/or controls expectations on the utilities equipment schedules.
• Design Plumbing gravity drainage systems such as sanitary, storm, and process waste. This will include venting, isometric riser diagrams, pipe and fixture schedules.
• Design HVAC systems that commonly use rooftop equipment, split systems, 100% outside make up air, exhaust systems, and heat pumps. The use of DX refrigerants, chilled/glycol, natural gas, and steam are commonly used for the units.
• Size the HVAC equipment by totalizing the loads from data available from the owner/process provided equipment needs, and calculating the cooling and heating loads using internal load spreadsheets and load estimating software such as Trane Trace or IESVE. Size any associated ductwork by doing velocity and pressure drop calculations.
• Produce HVAC ductwork material and insulation schedules and work with vendors as required to select equipment and produce equipment schedules for the drawings.
• HVAC design is to include controls sequencing of operations, pressurization and hygienic zoning.
• Produce drawings using Revit 3D modeling software (occasionally AutoCAD) or oversee Designers/Engineers assigned to the project team to produce the drawings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, structural engineers, process engineers, design project managers, construction Project managers, owners, etc.
• Conduct building assessments and feasibility studies to evaluate design options for clients. This may include equipment pricing from vendors, but installation pricing would be performed by others at Stellar.
• Adhere to project timelines and budgets.
• The candidate will be responsible for conceptual development, detailed design, calculations, construction level documents, oversight of Revit production resources, responding to RFIs, shop drawing and submittal review, site inspection visits, and record drawings. The role at times may require independent work or the need to manage team members assigned to their projects, while ensuring project requirements, schedule, and overall document quality are met. Inter-discipline coordination, BIM clash detection, and site inspections will be required. The candidate must be a team player and committed to the quality of work generated.
• Fire Protection design experience will be considered a plus. Skills of interest include the ability to analyze flow tests, hydraulically size sprinkler piping such as site service feeds, loops, mains, and sprinkler distribution using software (Stellar uses Hydracalc) and then provide sizing/selections of sprinklers, fire pump boosters, and tanks.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• In depth knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, applicable codes and standards such as ASME, ASHRAE, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Fuel and Gas Code, International Energy Code, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and meet milestones.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical data and drawings.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency in using mechanical engineering software and tools and Microsoft products such as Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities, with the ability to inspire and guide junior engineers and designers.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required: Current P.E. license is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering design is required: industrial facilities or food and beverage experience is preferred.
• Basic capabilities in AutoCAD and Revit such as pan/zoom are required; modeling proficiency is preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Flexibility to travel on short notice for urgent business needs, to attend meetings, trainings, and events.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance during business trips.
• Compliance with company travel policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer, phone, printer, scanner, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity for detailed work and computer use
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds of files, documents, and materials.
• Ability to climb stairs and/or ladders.

About Stellar

Stellar offers a comprehensive package which includes:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid Time Off – accrue 15 days (120 hours) within first year of service
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) – company match with immediate vesting

Stellar, headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, is a fully integrated firm focusing on design, construction, architecture, engineering, and mechanical services worldwide for over 30 years. Stellar combines a multitude of capabilities to create buildings and systems of exceptional long-term quality, value and efficiency. From food processing plants and healthcare facilities to refrigerated warehouses, automated production lines and beyond, we offer an integrated approach to meet all our clients’ needs.

Stellar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicants for employment based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, or any other status protected by law.