Job Description

Mechanical Engineer – (Chicago, IL)

Tier 1 General Contractor | Mission-Critical Construction

Location: Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: 1–5+ years (Mechanical, MEP, or Mission-Critical)

About the Company

Join a leading Tier 1 General Contractor delivering large-scale, mission-critical data center projects across the United States. This contractor has a strong pipeline of builds and invests heavily in its engineering and MEP teams. Chicago is one of their fastest-growing regions, with multi-year programs already underway.

Role Overview

The Mechanical Engineer will play a key role in supporting the design, coordination, and delivery of complex mechanical systems for data center projects—including HVAC, chilled water, CRAH/CRAC systems, heat-rejection systems, and mechanical plant equipment.

You will work closely with project managers, superintendents, commissioning teams, trade partners, and the client to ensure mechanical scopes are delivered safely, efficiently, and to Tier 1 standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee mechanical scopes throughout design, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning
• Coordinate closely with electrical, controls, and architectural teams to resolve clashes and sequencing issues
• Review construction drawings, submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs
• Conduct site walks to monitor quality, progress, and installation compliance
• Support procurement: long-lead mechanical equipment, vendor evaluations, and buyout
• Assist with cost tracking, change orders, and schedule development
• Lead and document mechanical coordination meetings with subcontractors
• Support integrated system testing (IST), commissioning, and turnover documentation
• Ensure all work meets local codes, project specifications, and the client’s mission-critical requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 1-5+ years’ experience in data centers, mission-critical, MEP contracting, HVAC, or industrial mechanical systems
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Ability to work full-time in Chicago or travel/relocate as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Data center experience
• Experience working for a GC, EPC, or mechanical subcontractor
• Commissioning or IST exposure
• Proficiency with BIM tools (AutoCad, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Revit experience a plus)

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary
• Annual performance bonuses
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Paid relocation for strong out-of-state candidates
• Opportunities for rapid progression into Senior Engineer or MEP Project Manager roles

Why This Role?

• Work on some of the most advanced data center facilities in the country
• Join a Tier 1 GC with a massive pipeline and long-term Chicago presence
• Significant career growth toward MEP PM , Commissioning Manager , or Superintendent pathways
• Exposure to cutting-edge mechanical systems powering the world’s largest tech companies

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