Senior Associate Engineer - Mechanical
McKinstry
Chicago, IL · $121k–$205k a year · Posted October 31, 2026
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Where Chicago, IL ranks
Where Chicago, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for government pay after cost of living$146k · of 18
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest684 jobs · of 51
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Great Lakes684 jobs · of 36
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Midwest1,140 openings · of 59
- #1Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Great Lakes1,140 openings · of 48
- #1Best all-round cities for mid-career professionals in the Midwest80 / 100 · of 20
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among maintenance and repair workers, general is little observed so far. Measured exposure for maintenance and repair workers, general: 0% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.
McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.
Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:
renewables and energy services
engineering and design
construction and facility services
To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?
The Opportunity with McKinstry
Our team is growing! We are currently seeking a Senior Associate Engineer - Mechanical to join our Engineering and Design divison in Chicago, IL. Engineers at McKinstry are unsurpassed in their ability to combine innovative problem solving with common sense design applications. Because of our design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) process, McKinstry engineers concern themselves not just with the construction of a building, but how it will operate over its entire lifetime. Every design choice is made toward one goal – delivering high-performance buildings that ensure performance, safety, keep energy/operating costs low, maximize client profitability, and are good stewards of the environment. Additional responsibilities may include:
Contribute to the successful delivery of various types of data center projects and clients.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop and deliver best-in-class designs.
Lead engineering teams through projects meeting schedule, scope, budget, and expectations.
Monthly track project performance.
Participate in all phases of project planning and execution to ensure seamless delivery.
Prepare comprehensive proposals that align scopes of work with client needs and budgets.
Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with customers to support project and business success.
What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
10+ years of mechanical engineering design experience, preferably supporting complex commercial building or energy infrastructure projects.
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required; NCEES Multi-State License preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading engineering efforts on complex, multi-discipline projects.
Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, central plants, energy conservation measures, and mechanical system design.
Experience with Revit (5+ years preferred); familiarity with additional CAD/BIM platforms is a plus.
Experience with energy modeling software such as IES VE, Carrier HAP, Trane Trace, Elite CHVAC, or similar tools preferred.
Familiarity with software such as MATLAB, VBA, Python, InDesign, or similar engineering tools is a plus.
Onsite construction experience is highly valued.
LEED, WELL, or other sustainability accreditation is preferred.
PeopleFirst Benefits
When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:
Competitive pay
401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
Paid time off and holidays
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums
People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:
Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
Transgender inclusive benefits
Commuter benefits
Pet insurance
“Building Good” paid community service time.
Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers
See benefit plan documents for complete details.
If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.
The pay range for this position is $120,510 - $204,900 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.
McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.
Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.
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