Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager (Healthcare)

Michael Baker International•San Diego, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in healthcare facility design? We’re seeking a driven and experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer – Healthcare Subject Matter Expert (SME) who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about improving patient outcomes through high-performance building systems. In this role, you’ll serve as a subject matter expert, lead complex healthcare projects, and mentor junior engineers—contributing to innovative solutions and driving engineering excellence across multidisciplinary teams. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare environments by leading the design of advanced mechanical systems tailored to clinical needs, infection control, and operational efficiency. Healthcare facilities present unique challenges—including 24/7 operations, critical system redundancy, and strict regulatory compliance. You’ll address these complexities by designing HVAC systems that support patient safety, minimize airborne pathogen transmission, and maintain precise environmental control in sensitive spaces such as operating rooms, isolation suites, and sterile processing departments. Working alongside a talented team of engineers, architects, and healthcare planners, you’ll help bring sustainable, resilient, and code-compliant healthcare facilities to life—ensuring that every system supports healing, safety, and long-term performance.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering (Mechanical Focus).
Professional Engineering (PE) license.
10+ years of related professional experience in mechanical building systems design, with at least 5 years focused on healthcare facilities.
Strong knowledge of HVAC systems and controls design for healthcare environments.
Extensive experience with technical writing, including specifications and narratives.
Proficient in applicable codes and standards, including IMC, IBC, IPC, ASHRAE 170, FGI Guidelines, and NFPA 99.
Experience with Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD for mechanical system design and documentation.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and PDF software such as Adobe or Bluebeam.
Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work efficiently.
Strong communication skills to interface effectively with internal teams, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
Ability to mentor and supervise junior engineers and provide technical training.
Availability to occasionally travel to project locations.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) applicable to mechanical and plumbing engineering
Design-Build (DB) project delivery experience is a plus
Plumbing design experience is a plus
Knowledge of sustainable design practices
LEED Certification (LEED GA, LEED AP, etc.)

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design projects for healthcare facilities as Designer of Record (DOR), ensuring technical accuracy, code compliance, and alignment with clinical requirements.
Perform detailed technical analysis and calculations for HVAC, plumbing, and medical gas systems to support infection control, patient comfort, and energy efficiency.
Design systems that meet the requirements of ASHRAE 170, FGI Guidelines, NFPA 99, and other healthcare-specific standards.
Conduct internal technical reviews (ITRs) of peer design projects to uphold quality standards and consistency.
Survey existing healthcare equipment and infrastructure to inform design decisions and validate system integration.
Develop and review technical specifications and written narratives, ensuring alignment with healthcare codes and operational needs.
Review shop drawings and submittals, respond to RFIs, and conduct site visits during construction to ensure design intent is maintained.
Stay current with healthcare-specific trends, technologies, and regulatory developments in mechanical engineering.
Define scope of work, develop pricing and man-hour estimates, and prepare technical documentation for proposals and project planning.
Lead project execution, managing budgets, schedules, and deliverables to meet client expectations and internal quality standards.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including architects, medical planners, and clinical stakeholders—to integrate mechanical designs seamlessly with healthcare operations.
Participate in project meetings and client discussions, presenting design concepts and making adjustments to align with clinical and operational goals.
Ensure project delivery aligns with healthcare facility requirements, including infection control protocols, system redundancy, and operational continuity.
Maintain and grow relationships with existing healthcare clients through consistent quality, responsiveness, and technical leadership.
Present proposals and project updates to clients, clearly communicating design intent and technical concepts.
Serve as a trusted technical advisor, helping clients navigate design decisions, regulatory requirements, and system performance goals.
Support new business pursuits by identifying opportunities, collaborating with internal Healthcare Market Leads, and contributing to proposal efforts.
Provide ongoing technical mentorship and leadership, supporting staff in healthcare-specific design best practices, project planning, and client engagement.
Deliver targeted training sessions on healthcare codes, systems, and design strategies to enhance team capabilities.
Participate in internal and external technical development activities, contributing to team growth and knowledge sharing.