Mechanical Plans Engineer, Senior

Full Job Description

The Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) is seeking mechanical plans engineers at the senior level to provide plans review for all types of building mechanical and energy systems for new construction or alteration projects.

The Senior Mechanical Plans Engineer is responsible for the review of controversial projects, major construction projects, projects involving new mechanical technology or unique and complex mechanical and energy conservation systems.

Senior Mechanical Plans Engineers independently review complex, controversial, or high-impact projects, including those involving emerging mechanical technologies, advanced HVAC system design, electrification strategies, and innovative energy-conservation approaches.

The position serves as a technical resource for internal staff, design professionals, and the public, offering expert-level guidance on mechanical and energy code interpretation, alternative methods, and compliance pathways.

Candidates with energy modeling experience and familiarity with Total Building Performance (TBP) reports will play a key role in evaluating performance-based compliance, reviewing system efficiencies, and ensuring that proposed designs align with the intent of the Seattle Energy Code and the City’s climate-action goals.

This position reports to the Mechanical Plans Engineer Supervisor.

Requirements

• Examine construction plans, reports, calculations, and related documents for all types of building mechanical and energy systems to determine compliance with the Seattle Mechanical Code, Seattle Energy Code, and related regulations.
• Identify areas of non-compliance, communicate findings to applicants, recommend alternatives, and approve compliant solutions.
• Review complex or unique mechanical system designs, including projects requiring advanced mechanical engineering judgment or performance-based compliance evaluation.
• 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.
• Provide technical assistance to inspectors, plans examiners, and other City staff on mechanical, energy, and building code issues.
• Interpret code requirements for alternative materials and methods of design, including providing guidance in areas of the code that are less clearly defined.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding mechanical and energy code requirements, including complex or controversial topics.
• Assist in the development and review of new and existing codes, Director’s Rules, and technical guidance documents.
• Mentor and support journey-level Mechanical Plans Engineers and assist with training of new staff.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable/ type as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Desired Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in mechanical engineering.
• International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Plans Examiner.
• Experience with energy modeling software (e.g., eQUEST, EnergyPlus, IESVE) and review of Total Building Performance reports.
• 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, sound judgment, 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.

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 $74.29 - $86.24 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