Mechanical Specialist

Position Overview

The Mechanical & Plumbing Subject Matter Expert (SME) AKA Mechanical Engineering Program Manager serves as the technical authority for all mechanical and plumbing systems across commercial construction projects. This role supports preconstruction, estimating, procurement, and field operations by providing expert guidance on HVAC, plumbing, and related building systems, including design, constructability, pricing, code compliance, and risk mitigation. The Mechanical & Plumbing SME collaborates closely with project teams, trade partners, designers, and clients to ensure mechanical and plumbing scopes are accurate, efficient, and aligned with quality, safety, and financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating Support

• Provide technical oversight for mechanical and plumbing scopes during conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP phases
• Review mechanical and plumbing drawings, specifications, and narratives for completeness, constructability, and coordination
• Assist estimating teams with quantity validation, scope gap analysis, value engineering, and alternates
• Support subcontractor bid leveling, scope reviews, and contract clarifications

Design & Engineering Coordination

• Act as the primary mechanical and plumbing technical liaison with architects, engineers, and consultants
• Identify design conflicts, code issues, and constructability concerns early and recommend solutions
• Support design-assist and design-build efforts, including system selection and performance criteria
• Review and provide input on HVAC systems, plumbing systems, piping layouts, equipment schedules, and specialty systems

Construction Phase Support

• Provide technical guidance to project teams during construction and commissioning
• Assist with mechanical and plumbing RFI responses, submittal reviews, and change management support
• Support field teams with troubleshooting, sequencing strategies, and installation best practices
• Participate in commissioning, turnover, and closeout activities as needed

Standards, Quality, & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain mechanical and plumbing standards, checklists, and best practices
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations (IMC, IPC, local AHJ requirements, etc.)
• Identify mechanical and plumbing-related risks and support mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle
• Promote safety, quality control, and consistency across all mechanical and plumbing installations

Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to estimators, project engineers, and superintendents
• Contribute to internal training sessions and lessons-learned initiatives
• Stay current on emerging technologies, materials, and market trends affecting mechanical and plumbing systems

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in commercial mechanical and plumbing construction
• Strong background in preconstruction, estimating, and/or project management
• Deep knowledge of HVAC systems, plumbing systems, piping, equipment, and related building services
• Thorough understanding of IMC, IPC, local codes, and AHJ requirements
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents at a high level
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines

Preferred

• Mechanical or plumbing license, PE, or equivalent technical certification
• Experience with design-build or design-assist delivery methods
• Experience supporting large-scale commercial, industrial, or mission-critical projects
• Familiarity with mechanical and plumbing estimating and project management software

Core Competencies

• Technical expertise and problem-solving
• Constructability and risk awareness
• Cost-conscious decision-making
• Clear communication and collaboration
• Attention to detail and quality
• Leadership without direct authority

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to visit active construction sites as needed
• Ability to review drawings, specifications, and technical documents for extended periods
• Occasional travel based on project needs

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
• Annual performance bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development and continuing education support