Mechanical Engineer

Kitchell is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Southern California region in San Diego and build a long-term career at one of the most innovative and growth-oriented Construction Services companies in the United States.

Overview

As a Mechanical Engineer at Kitchell, you will serve as a technical advisor and trusted partner to clients, focusing on the evaluation, planning, and optimization of existing facilities. This role is ideal for a licensed professional who brings mechanical systems expertise, sound judgment, and a strategic mindset to guide clients through complex facility decisions.

You will lead and contribute to Facility Condition Assessments (FCA), feasibility studies, capital planning, and master planning efforts such as translating mechanical system findings into actionable insights. Working closely with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide technical leadership and help shape long-term investment strategies for public and institutional assets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and perform assessments of HVAC, plumbing, and related building systems, including equipment condition and performance.
• Interpret existing conditions and translate findings into clear recommendations, renewal priorities, and capital improvement strategies.
• Provide mechanical engineering and code expertise for feasibility studies, adaptive reuse evaluations, and long-range planning.
• Prepare and oversee technical reports, assessment summaries, and client-facing deliverables.
• Support master planning, including equipment lifecycle, system capacity, facility prioritization, and phasing strategies.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, consultants, and agencies to align technical findings with project goals.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Conduct field investigations and site visits to validate existing mechanical conditions.
• Perform design and constructability reviews of third-party documents, as applicable.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to continuous improvement of assessment tools, standards, and reporting processes.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to synthesize complex building data into clear, strategic recommendations
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, building systems, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Proficiency with Revit, Bluebeam, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, calculations, and other technical data to identify and solve complex problems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Sound professional judgement and problem-solving abilities in existing building conditions.
• Commitment to integrity, quality and client service

Licenses and Certifications

• State of California Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, free from suspensions or restrictions, is required.

Travel Requirement

This position is office based in the San Diego, CA Regional Office. Travel to project sites, client meetings, and other locations is required based on project needs.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment and frequently works in a construction environment. Conditions may occasionally include exposure to outdoor elements, hot and cold temperatures, wet conditions, noise, atmospheric conditions, and cramped quarters. The noise level in the work environment is regularly moderate and occasionally loud. When visiting active construction sites, appropriate personal protective equipment may be required.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly sit, talk, listen, and use hands to finger, feel, and handle; frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms; and occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.