Freelance Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Plumbing /Fire Protection

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 Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design and development of HVAC and mechanical systems for building projects while building foundational skills toward advancement as a Project Engineer or Design Engineer. This role contributes to all phases of mechanical design, documentation, coordination, and engineering analysis under the guidance of senior staff.

The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an important role in delivering high-quality, coordinated system designs across a variety of building types.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing contract documents, including drawings and specifications
• Plan, schedule, and contribute to mechanical design tasks under the guidance of senior engineers
• Perform conventional engineering calculations and develop elementary designs from schematic sketches
• Support the design of HVAC and mechanical systems in accordance with company standards
• Coordinate with Senior Engineers, Project Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers to support production
• Assist with interdisciplinary coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing teams
• Communicate effectively to support consistent project progress
• Participate in field investigations to collect data and verify site conditions
• Support quality control efforts and incorporate design feedback from senior technical staff

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or Master of Science in a related field, or equivalent
• Early-career to mid-level mechanical design experience preferred (internships, co-op, or 1–2 years professional experience)
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit preferred
• Strong interest in HVAC and building mechanical system design
• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals and mechanical design principles

Travel

Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. 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.

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