Entry Level Engineering Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineering New Grad | Columbia, SC 100% Employee-Owned · Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture This posting is for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities IMEG is hiring a Mechanical Engineering New Grad in Columbia, SC. This entry-level role offers hands-on design, analysis, and project execution experience, with mentorship, training, and opportunities to grow your expertise from day one. You will work closely with experienced engineers and consultants to help provide engineering solutions and advice to clients, assisting in the analysis, design, and implementation oversight of mechanical systems for the vertical building industry. You will support project planning and scheduling, document design decisions and client instructions, participate in IMEG quality control processes, and work within project budgets while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to meet project goals and client expectations. This role supports projects in education and government and municipal markets, advancing high-performance, energy-efficient design aligned with MEP2050 and AIA2030.

• Location: Columbia, SC
• Discipline: Mechanical
• Markets: Education and Government/Municipal
• Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Work Schedule: Full-time in office
• Sponsorship: Not available

• Assist in the design and analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for building projects
• Assist in creating detailed designs, specifications, and calculations using engineering software and tools in accordance with code requirements and IMEG standards
• Interact with clients to understand needs, gather project requirements, and communicate technical information effectively
• Build and maintain client relationships through professional communication
• Work as part of a project team to support the execution of consulting projects
• Assist in project planning and scheduling tasks to meet project deadlines and objectives
• Assist with documenting design decisions and client instructions while monitoring project design progress
• Analyze low to medium complexity engineering tasks and collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical and efficient solutions
• Participate in IMEG quality control processes to ensure designs and solutions meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards, and client requirements
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mechanical engineering, and contribute to research, development, and innovation efforts within IMEG
• Prioritize safety in all aspects of engineering work and identify and mitigate potential safety risks associated with mechanical systems
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, architects, and project managers, to deliver integrated solutions that meet project goals

• Education
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent required
• Required Skills/Abilities
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications
• Strong technical and analytical skills including knowledge of principles relating to thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics as it relates to mechanical systems design in HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems for buildings
• Knowledge of industry standard engineering software and tools including HVAC load calculation software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges
• Basic knowledge in the use of BIM software.
• Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to travel up to 5% with occasional overnight stays
• Preferred
• Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification preferred

Service mix is centered on K-12, higher education, and municipal and public-sector work in South Carolina, with repeated full MEP and fire protection scopes for new schools, additions, renovations, and public buildings. Technology and security also show up regularly on the larger school projects as part of broader coordination. The team also handles public-safety, county, healthcare, recreation, and hospitality-adjacent work when projects call for it. Overall, the portfolio suggests a team that is especially strong in school building systems, public-institution renovations, and full-scope MEP delivery. Recent work includes Laurens County School District 56 / Clinton, SC / Electrical Lighting Rework, Education; The State of South Carolina SCDEW Enterprise PMO / Columbia, SC / SCDEW Robert David Bldg MCC Replacement, Government (City/County/State); and University of South Carolina / Aiken, SC / Science Building Addition & Renovation, Education.

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet. As a 100% employee-owned firm, every team member shares in that mission as an owner. Consultancy 101: our structured development program that builds your consulting and technical foundation from day one. An assigned mentor to guide your growth from day one. IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology. MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations. Employee ownership (ESOP): 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing PE, SE, and other license exam prep, with a clear path from EIT to PE.

• Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits your day)
• Generous time off, including 6 paid holidays and 3 additional floating holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, with preventive care at 100%, a $50/month wellness credit, and a Calm subscription
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement.
• Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.
• Employee ownership (ESOP): 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing PE, SE, and other license exam prep, with a clear path from EIT to PE

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran’s status, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

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