Mechanical Engineer

Job Description:

A Mechanical Engineer plays a key role in the successful execution of projects.  There are opportunities to work on a variety of projects in several strategic industry sectors such as multifamily, commercial, municipal/civic, education, water/wastewater and retail.  In this role, a Mechanical Engineer will act as either a project manager or mechanical engineering task leader/EOR on a variety of projects. The Mechanical Engineer role will be leading the work of the project team and be responsible for a high level of customer satisfaction by ensuring expectations are professionally and clearly communicated and managed – both externally and internally. This person will contribute to a team environment by being proactive, flexing between roles as engineer and project manager within the team, communicating clearly to all stakeholders, and modeling a highly collaborative working environment.

A Mechanical Engineer has experience in the industry and relies on their experience making decisions to complete assigned responsibilities.  A Mechanical Engineer may lead a sole discipline or multidiscipline projects, be the lead designer on a project, and/or assist team members on projects of all sizes. This person will manage projects, contribute to and manage the design of projects, and communicate the need for resources on their projects.  A Mechanical Engineer will also support the business development process, by contributing to proposals and attending meetings with prospective and current customers.

Company Description:

Design Tree Engineering & Land Surveying (Design Tree) is a multidiscipline engineering firm offering Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Structural, and Civil Engineering along with Land Surveying and Sustainability services. We provide expertise in engineering to lead planning and design processes in both urban and rural settings throughout the country. We have formed strong business-driven partnerships in the industry to deliver work that supports and improves both the built and the natural environment in the long term. Through our open internal culture and collaborative approach, we are driven to achieve a better business model by providing value to Clients. At Design Tree we are guided by our core values of Responsive, Accountable, Trustworthy, and Excellent while instilling our Humble, Hungry, Smart character in every interaction.

Relationships matter to us. We are dedicated to forming and developing professional partnerships that make business sense – partnerships that will benefit both us and our clients in the long-term. Awards and recognition are nice, but we strive for client service and quality above all else. We know who we are – a right-sized, full-service engineering firm rooted in the joy and challenge of creation to help both our staff and our clients grow through innovative solutions.

Design Tree has embraced the concept of work-life balance. Design Tree realizes a person’s work life doesn’t solely define the individual, and as such, our culture is very employee centric. Our leadership takes pride in providing a place people want to work at and with. We support a progressive culture by offering a full remote-working environment. This allows people to join the Design Tree team while experiencing the perks of flexible schedules and being present for family and pets by working from a home office.

Responsibilities:

• Will grow into being the client contact for assigned projects.
• Understands critical factors needed to complete the tasks assigned, where critical factors are unknown, the Engineer asks the team leader, project manager, or client for clarity.
• Works with team members, management and project stakeholders to determine accurate budgets and schedules.
• Provides design support on all projects, including but not limited to drafting, modeling and calculations, design in Revit, and writing Specifications .
• Ensures projects are set up accurately within accounting software.
• Is responsible for ensuring project goals are met by managing project schedules, budgets and production of assigned discipline and among disciplines on multidiscipline projects. 
• Is responsible for Mechanical system evaluation, selection and design for air-side and hydronic systems.
• Is responsible for Plumbing system evaluation, selection, and design.
• Coordinates resource needs with Team Leaders and effectively defines expectations when delegating work to supporting staff.
• Provides work direction and coordination to sub-contractors/consultants.
• Coordinates with all consultants to ensure needed information is provided in a timely fashion and all parties are aware of due dates and deliverables required.
• Coordinates preparation and delivery of project deliverables.
• Communicates regularly with Team Leader of any significant challenges, deviations from scope, budget challenges or incidents that occur on projects.
• Leads QA/QC efforts on projects and is accountable for technical accuracy, including final design document and code compliance.
• Provides and coordinates construction administration tasks, such as review of contractor submittals, answering contractor questions, construction observations, authoring punch lists and project close-out documentation.
• Nurtures existing client relationships and forms new client relationships.
• Supports the business development process through initiating, developing and assisting with proposals, meetings and interviewing with prospective customers, etc.
• Actively participates in the development of staff through work on projects and serves as a trainer, mentor and resource for junior staff.
• Maintains current knowledge of technologies and trends as they apply to the applicable project and market types. Works to continually strengthen design and management skills.
• Occasionally travels to client sites to gather information and measurements of existing facilities. Site visits may require ladder, stair, and/or scaffolding climbing.
• Is able and willing to work overtime on occasion to meet project deadlines.
• Has a positive attitude, willingness to learn and be part of a team.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

·         Academics: B.S. and/or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university.

·         Licensure: Registered Professional Engineer in Minnesota or NCEES Record and ability to obtain PE within 6 months.

·         Experience: 8+ years of relevant experience in the design and engineering of mechanical systems (air-side and hydronic) and plumbing systems (domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage) and other related components..

·         In-depth knowledge of applicable codes and standards.

·         Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, materials, and construction practices.

·         Able to identify different pieces of equipment for all disciplines and understand their function and use.

·         Hard working, self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision after the initial training period.

·         Advanced working knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

·         Proficiency with Revit, HVAKR and Bluebeam.

·         Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineers and project teams.

·         Client focus to build effective relationships or perpetuate existing client relationships.

·         Strong planning skills and attention to detail.

·         Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changes.

·         Effective leadership, delegation, and organizational skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with mechanical load and energy modeling software programs.

• Experience in project types such as K-12 Education, higher education, municipal, civic, multi-family housing, hospitality, faith, retail, sports facilities, hospitality, and water/wastewater treatment facilities,
• Located in or near one of our key service areas: Duluth, St. Cloud, Twin Cities metro, or south of the metro (Mankato area and surrounding region). This is a bonus, not a requirement.
• Competitive salaries (Range: $100,000-$135,000), comprehensive benefits including flexible paid time off, health, dental, continuing education, flexible schedule/work environment, travel pay, etc.
• Ability to work with stimulating colleagues daily in an environment that is challenging, fun and promotes individual growth, teamwork, and creativity.
• Office parking costs are covered by Design Tree. 

 Compensation & Benefits:

Application Instructions:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Joseph H. Klinkhammer — Mechanical Team Leader via email JHK@DTE-LS.COM