Principal Engineer Mechanical - HVAC
Zachry Group
Downers Grove, IL · $166k–$237k a year · Posted November 3, 2026
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Where Downers Grove, IL ranks
Where Downers Grove, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #8Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the Great Lakes18% · of 50
- #9Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the Great Lakes19% · of 39
- #10Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the Midwest18% · of 67
- #11Best cities for junior jobs in Illinois23% · of 17
- #12Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the Midwest19% · of 54
- #14Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Great Lakes57% · of 53
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 mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (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.
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.