Description

Position Description

The Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections is seeking mechanical plans engineers at the journey level to provide plans review for all types of building mechanical and energy systems for new construction or alteration projects ensuring compliance with the Seattle Mechanical Code, Seattle Energy Code, policies and objectives.

Journey-level engineers evaluate HVAC system designs, energy-efficiency strategies, and mechanical system configurations across residential, commercial, and institutional projects.  The role requires strong technical judgment, clear communication, and the ability to guide applicants toward compliant and practical solutions.

Familiarity with energy modeling and Total Building Performance (TBP) documentation enables candidates to make substantive contributions to reviewing performance-based compliance pathways under the Seattle Energy Code.

This position reports to the Mechanical Plans Engineer Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

• Examines a wide variety of plans (e.g. from single family homes to high-rise multifamily buildings), including all support documents, reports and calculations for new construction or alteration projects to determine compliance with mechanical and energy code regulations.
• Identify areas of non-compliance, communicate findings to applicants, recommend alternatives, and approve compliant solutions.
• Performs mechanical and energy analysis/calculations as required to supplement calculations submitted with plans in order to verify the adequacy of designs
• Review and evaluate energy modeling documentation and Total Building Performance reports for projects pursuing performance-based compliance.
• Assist field inspectors with interpretations, revisions and problems encountered during construction.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding mechanical and energy code requirements.
• Provide technical support to colleagues on mechanical, energy, and building code topics.
• Interpret code requirements related to alternative materials and methods of design.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable/ type as assigned.

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job advertisement
• A current resume outlining your professional work experience 

The full salary range for this position is $61.27 - $71.60 per hour. Current City employee starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.
 
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is a proud participant in the Race and Social Justice Initiative, a citywide effort to realize the vision of racial equity.
 
We require a strong commitment to customer service and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.  The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences; people of color, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.    
 
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field with significant mechanical engineering coursework.
• Three years of related professional mechanical engineering experience (any other combination of education, training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background will be considered).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with mechanical plan review in a governmental or regulatory environment.
• Familiarity with energy modeling tools (e.g., eQUEST, EnergyPlus, IESVE) and performance-based compliance documentation.
• Strong understanding of HVAC system design, building science, and energy-efficiency strategies.
• Ability to interpret and apply municipal codes, including the Seattle Mechanical Code and Seattle Energy Code.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with standard office software and the ability to learn permitting and plan-review systems.