Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Plumbing / Fire Protection Engineering

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

The Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer supports the design, layout, analysis, and documentation of plumbing and fire protection systems for a variety of building types. This role performs foundational engineering tasks, develops system layouts, and supports senior staff while contributing to coordinated, code-compliant building system designs.

Working closely with Project Engineers, Senior Engineers, and the mechanical discipline team, this position helps deliver high-quality designs that reflect M/E Engineering’s commitment to technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing plumbing and fire protection system layouts based on design criteria, sketches, and project requirements
• Perform basic engineering calculations including fixture unit analysis, pipe sizing, flow and pressure considerations, and preliminary hydraulic evaluations
• Develop design drawings using AutoCAD and/or Revit under the guidance of senior staff
• Prepare drawings from architectural plans and convert redlines, markups, and design notes into accurate system documentation
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and architectural teams to ensure proper routing, space allocation, and system integration
• Assist with specification formatting and document organization
• Participate in site visits to verify existing conditions and support design development
• Support review of submittals and shop drawings for conformance with design intent
• Develop understanding of applicable codes and standards, including New York State Plumbing and Fire Codes, NFPA standards, and IPC/IMC requirements
• Provide support to Senior and Project Engineers on tasks requiring advanced analysis or coordination
• Build skills toward independent design responsibilities and future advancement

Qualifications and Experience

• Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology, Drafting/Design, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• 1–2 years of experience in building systems design; plumbing and/or fire protection experience strongly preferred
• Basic understanding of plumbing and fire protection system fundamentals
• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit
• Familiarity with mechanical code interpretation, pipe sizing, and basic fluid dynamics preferred

Travel

Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. Field visits may include ladder use and mobility around construction sites. 5-10%

Location: Rochester, New York

Compensation & Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $30.00 - $34.86 USD per hour. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.