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Principal Engineer Mechanical - HVAC

Zachry Group

Downers Grove, IL · $166k–$237k a year · Posted November 3, 2026

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About the job

This is a great opportunity to get involved with exciting and challenging Engineering Services and EPC projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Industrial HVAC and Plumbing projects including schedule and budget development and management.

Prepare scope and manhour estimates for proposal development.

Interface with clients to identify, understand, and document project design requirements.

Perform industrial HVAC and Plumbing engineering design work in accordance with client and code requirements.

Field survey involving field measurements and manual sketching HVAC and Plumbing systems.

Perform engineering calculations for HVAC and Plumbing system design.

Perform code reviews to determine requirements for HVAC and Plumbing design.

Prepare and support permit submittal packages, including responses to permitting authority review comments.

Prepare and check specifications and datasheets for HVAC and Plumbing systems, including ductwork, hydronic system components, air handling and heat transfer equipment, fans, pumps, chillers, cooling towers, boilers, and other related equipment.

Coordinate design requirements across all disciplines and provide the interdisciplinary information necessary to support the design effort.

Create HVAC and Plumbing system equipment, duct, and piping layout drawings.

Study existing HVAC and Plumbing systems and prepare reports.

Prepare HVAC equipment sequence of operation.

Participate in project quality reviews and serve as the discipline technical specialist during quality review meetings.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to HVAC and Plumbing engineers.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineers License

15 plus years of experience working as a HVAC engineer on industrial projects.

Experience applying standard engineering techniques, ‎procedures, and criteria to ensure compliance with codes, safety and environmental standards and regulations .

Good communication skills.

Exposure to full work cycle on HVAC and Plumbing projects.

Understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid flow.

Understanding of HVAC system fundamentals including psychometrics load calculation and controls.

Understanding of the codes (including International Mechanical, Energy Conservation, Plumbing, Fire and Fuel Gas Codes), ASHRAE and NFPA standards.

Experience with HVAC equipment (AHU's, chillers, cooling towers, boilers, fans, and pumps) selection and vendor document review.

Experience with HVAC and Plumbing system design for industrial applications.

Strong computer skills and CAD experience.

Experience with writing scopes of work based on project requirements.

Ability to independently organize and prioritize work assignments and coordinate a variety of tasks, with good attention to detail and ability to deal with conflicting priorities and deadlines .

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with industrial fire protection system specification and design.

Salary/Pay Rate:

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the expected salary range for this Illinois position, Principal Engineer Mechanical - HVAC, is between $165,900.00 and $237,473.60 annually. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.

Benefits:

This position, Principal Engineer Mechanical - HVAC , is eligible for participation in Zachry’s Total Employee Rewards Program, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and other ancillary benefits. This position is also eligible for participation in the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.