Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: SFCA San Francisco - San Francisco, CA 94105Position Type: Full TimeJob Category: EngineeringThe Opportunity

PAE is looking for a highly capable Senior Mechanical Engineer in San Francisco, CA office to lead and manage multidisciplinary project teams through all phases of design and construction. This role is responsible for delivering high‑quality mechanical engineering solutions on schedule and within budget while serving as a technical leader and mentor within the organization. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will oversee the development of detailed engineering deliverables including calculations, narratives, drawings, and specifications, while ensuring alignment across internal disciplines, external partners, and client stakeholders. This position requires expertise in HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Energy Modeling, as well as a deep understanding of building codes, industry standards, and quality management principles. In this role, you will develop project workplans, assemble and guide project teams, conduct site visits, lead coordination efforts, support client relationships, and provide technical direction and mentorship to staff. You may also take on responsibilities as Project Manager or Engineer of Record (EOR) with approval. The ideal candidate is collaborative, detail-oriented, and skilled in project leadership, communication, and delegation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineer who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is committed to delivering innovative, efficient, and high-performing building systems.
 

Who We Are 

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

What You'll Do

Project team leadership and management, responsible for completing the project on time within budget
Responsible for the preparation of deliverable documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
Attend client meetings, lead the coordination effort between external and internal project teams
Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
Proficient in mechanical system design, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Energy Modeling
Assemble effective project teams
Develop project workplans, tasks and assignments for the team
Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
Advanced understanding of the application of building codes and mechanical industry standards
Oversee engineering calculations and equipment selection
Perform site visits and issues reports
Provide training, guidance and mentorship for staff
Provide updates to master specifications and standards, and improve company processes
Develop client relationships
Oversee the application of the project quality management plan (QMP)
May be responsible as a Project Manager or the Engineer of Record (EOR) with approval
Perform other duties as assigned
 

What You Bring

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
Relevant professional credential (i.e., PE)
Requires a minimum of 1-3 years Mechanical 4, or 6-10 years’ related work experience
Inspire and motivate staff
Serve as a technical resource for the company
Advanced understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, able to effectively communicate design options
Able to assemble and run a team
Strong delegation skills
Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
Microsoft Office Suite
Revit/AutoCAD
 

What We Offer 

Hiring Base Salary Range: $127,300-$169,700 annual 

This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. 

In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following: 

Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision) 
Annual 401k profit sharin