Senior Mechanical Engineer

Engineering data centers with precision and expertise.  

At Strategic Mission Critical, we are more than just engineers; we are experts focusing solely on mission critical facilities. Our seasoned leadership team brings together decades of experience, equipping data center providers worldwide with robust, reliable solutions that keep pace with the evolving digital landscape. 

As demand for high-performance infrastructure accelerates - fueled by AI and the expanding digital landscape - SMC continues to lead through technical rigor and operational excellence. We’re seeking leaders who think beyond projects to improve the way we deliver them: individuals who elevate people, process, and performance across the firm. 

SMC is actively looking for a Senior Level Mechanical Engineer based in the Fargo, ND area to provide regular oversight of large-scale data center construction projects throughout the Dakotas, including coordination with trade partners, RFI resolution, submittal and shop drawing review, and coordination with in-office design team members who will be making required drawing updates and assisting with construction administration remotely.  

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, comfortable working autonomously in high pressure construction environments and has excellent communication skills including conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving. 

This engagement is for an initial 1-year term with potential to extend to approximately 30-months. Opportunities for transfer within SMC to other jobsite and/or office locations, as well as different roles are available after the term of the on-site engagement for candidates who qualify. Qualified consulting engineers will have the opportunity to remain with SMC (at the company’s sole discretion) in a remote role once the on-site portion of the engagement is completed. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

This candidate will oversee the successful execution of SMC’s design work in an on-site environment, working and coordinating closely with contractors, clients, and design partners from all disciplines.   This candidate shall have the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and with clients while being able to meet scheduled project deadlines including high priority RFI and submittal reviews.   

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Base out of a home office, with regular travel to multiple construction sites within an approximately 3-hour driving distance of Fargo. A typical week will consist of visiting one or more facilities under construction across one or two campuses, rotating between campuses from week to week to suit construction priorities. Days not spent on a job site will be spent working remotely to support construction administration activities such as submittal and RFI review, or working with the remainder of the design team on preparation of drawing packages, bulletins, etc. 

• Conduct regular job walks of in-progress construction, identify deviations from the contract documents at the earliest possible stage to permit speedy remediation, and be available to review conflicts and questions from contractors on a daily basis. 
• Complete partial and building punch walks in accordance with the contractor’s construction schedule.
• Be intimately familiar with the commissioning process including typical 5-level commissioning, review of scripts and resulting reports, and NETA testing practices.
• Participate in level 4 and 5 commissioning as a representative of SMC and our client.
• Coordinate with all internal and external disciplines as required for RFI resolution, submittal, and shop drawing review.
• Spot check contractor redline drawings, and equipment settings for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform and review airside and hydronic calculations for multiple mechanical systems.
• Produce and understand hydronic & airflow flow diagrams.
• Select and specify HVAC equipment.
• Understand and be capable of creating detailed sequences of operations (SOO) for the mechanical systems they design.
• Understand and be capable of specifying mechanical controls systems.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of electrical systems in the context of coordinating mechanical design requirements.
• Have experience with the use of Microsoft tools such as Word, Power Point, Excel, and Teams.
• Meet project deadlines, including working necessary hours to complete major deliverables.
• Have the ability to clearly communicate with others in both written and spoken forms. 
• Help direct work in the office to support the highest priority needs on site.
• Mentor and train other engineers, designers and modelers to develop mechanical field knowledge base including lessons learned.
• Maintain excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4-year degree in mechanical engineering or architectural engineering with a mechanical focus. 2-year degrees and MET degrees with work experience will be considered. Significant experience as an mechanical superintendent, owner’s representative, or commissioning agent may be considered in lieu of education.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in HVAC design, construction, and/or commissioning.
• Experience in mechanical design for larger industrial and commercial buildings is preferred, with experience in mission critical design a strong plus.  
• Experience developing detailed mechanical calculations and use of calculation software is required.
• Experience working across the entire construction process, from schematic design through construction administration, including review of submittals and shop drawings, and field work such as existing condition surveys, site observations, and punch lists.
• Experience leading small mechanical teams and client interface experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of controls and monitoring systems for mechanical and electrical systems is a plus.
• Experience using construction management tools such as Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud.
• Experience using Autodesk Revit for drawing development is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred; however unlicensed candidates with appropriate on-the-job experience are welcome to apply. 

COMPENSATION

Base Compensation: $125,000-$250,000 (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skills and/or location)

SMC offers a competitive benefits package, with a 36-hour standard work week, hybrid working arrangement, 13 paid holidays, 100% coverage of medical, health, and dental insurance premiums for our full-time employees, and reimbursement of professional licensing costs. Spouse and family insurance premiums are subsidized by SMC. All full-time employees are additionally eligible for employer-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance as well as participation in our 401(k) plan, with annual safe harbor contribution.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.