Compensation: $110,000 – $160,000 / year (DOE) + Full Benefits | PE-licensed candidates considered at top of band
Full-Time | Flexible Scheduling | On-Site
Reports to: Engineering Department Manager
Role Summary
As Lead Mechanical Designer/Engineer - HVAC, you will serve as the primary technical authority on your project teams - owning HVAC and mechanical system design from concept through construction closeout, mentoring junior staff, and acting as the principal liaison for owners, architects, and trade partners across a diverse portfolio of industrial, healthcare, hospitality, commercial, higher education, laboratory, and multifamily projects. This role offers a clear path to senior leadership as AMC’s Engineering Department continues to grow.
What You’ll Work On
• Industrial & process: biogas SS process piping, active-plant coordination, critical shutdowns (e.g., Avant Energy, Le Sueur MN).
• Healthcare: full mechanical construction and BIM coordination for medical facility modernization (e.g., Indian Health Board Medical Center, Minneapolis).
• Hospitality & commercial: complete HVAC and plumbing scopes for high-end restaurant, hotel, and retail environments (e.g., Hop House at Mystic Lake).
• Higher education: mechanical retrofits and new construction on university campuses (e.g., University of St. Thomas - Owens Science Hall).
• Laboratory & scientific: fume hood systems, exhaust/makeup air, and precise environmental controls (e.g., Hormel Institute - Microscope laboratory conversion).
• Large-scale multifamily: high-rise design-build including complex rooftop equipment logistics (e.g., Portland & Washington - 22-story, 240-unit tower).
Key Responsibilities
• Lead HVAC and mechanical piping system design: system selection, equipment sizing, load calculations, ductwork/piping layouts, and construction document production (Revit, AutoCAD).
• Provide construction phase services: shop drawing and submittal review, RFI responses, change order evaluation, and design intent through closeout.
• Serve as primary engineering contact for owners, architects, and trade contractors; present technical solutions clearly to non-engineering stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor engineering design staff; provide quality review on all deliverables.
• Collaborate with Project Managers on schedule, budget, scope development, equipment selection, and pre-construction pricing.
• Partner with VDC, estimators, field superintendents, and purchasing as the engineering subject matter expert throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain current knowledge of MN Mechanical, Energy, Plumbing, and Fire/NFPA codes; ASHRAE 90.1, 62.1; and SMACNA standards.
Required Qualifications
• Associate’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology - or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
• 7+ years of progressive HVAC and mechanical systems design experience, including 2+ years in a lead or project-ownership role.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC system types and system selection: packaged equipment, hydronic/pumping, VAV, VRF/refrigeration, make-up air, and controls/BAS.
• Proficiency with load calculation software (Trane Trace 700, HAP, IES VE, or equivalent); Revit; AutoCAD; Bluebeam Revu; Autodesk Forma; and Microsoft 365.
• Demonstrated experience leading construction phase services: submittals, RFIs, change orders, and field coordination.
• Working knowledge of MN Mechanical, Energy, Plumbing, Fire/NFPA codes; ASHRAE 90.1 and 62.1; SMACNA standards.
• Strong client relationship, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• PE license (Mechanical) or active EIT pursuing licensure - AMC will consider sponsoring exam prep and licensure costs.
• Demonstrated familiarity with sustainable design practices and energy code compliance documentation.
• Knowledge of psychrometrics, refrigeration cycles, acoustics, controls schematics, and energy modeling tools.
• Experience in design-build delivery with union mechanical contractors; background in plumbing systems design.
• Knowledge of cost estimating, life cycle cost analysis, ROM pricing, and simple payback calculations for energy efficiency upgrades.
• Established relationships with regional equipment representatives (MMS, SVL, TMS Johnson, or similar).
• Familiarity with fabrication drawing production and VDC-integrated workflows.
Note on Licensure: A PE license is not required. AMC welcomes candidates at all licensure stages - PE, active EIT, or equivalent experience. Licensure support available. PE-licensed candidates are considered at the top of the compensation band.
Benefits & Perks
• Competitive salary: $110,000 – $160,000/year (DOE); top of band for PE-licensed candidates.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; PTO and paid holidays.
• Flexible working hours.
• Professional development: PE exam prep, continuing education, and licensure reimbursement.
• Hands-on learning through direct partnership with field installers - real-time feedback from sheet metal, plumbing, and piping crews sharpens design decisions and accelerates growth.
• Collaborative culture with direct access to leadership and a clear path to senior engineering roles.
About AMC
Founded in 1976, AMC is a union design-build mechanical contractor headquartered in Shakopee, MN, that has grown to over 200 employees under current leadership. We design, install, and service HVAC, plumbing, and process piping across the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest, with union roots in Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 and Plumbers & Pipefitters locals. Our Engineering and VDC teams work side by side with field crews - leadership is accessible and technically deep, and our core values are simple: do what’s right, build strong relationships, share in success, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Associated Mechanical Contractors is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
