Who is Chinook?
Chinook Systems, Inc. is a leader in delivering lifecycle energy security solutions to mission critical government and commercial facility Owners. We specialize in the engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations of intelligent, cyber secure, code compliant, and energy efficient building systems. Our solutions save millions of dollars in utility costs, reduce harmful emissions to the environment, and mitigate cyber-attacks on facilities. Chinook provides motivated employees with the opportunity to advance in a fast-growing, innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative work environment.
The Work:
As a Lead Mechanical Engineer on our government-focused team you will be primarily focused on performing code enforcement reviews and inspections. You will be adept at interpreting and enforcing applicable construction codes, standards, and regulations for government construction projects. If you have a strong background in mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on air-handling equipment, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, controls, fans, heat exchangers, pumps, and other mechanical equipment, we want to hear from you.
In addition, you will serve as a technical authority for Chinook. As a registered Professional Engineer, you will lead facility engineering projects throughout the facility planning, design, construction, warranty, and operations lifecycle. You will exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignments and supervises, coordinate, provide leadership to and review the work of assigned staff. Chinook has built a reputation for excellence in our industry, and the Lead Mechanical Engineer will uphold that tradition by being diligent, proactive, solutions oriented and a facilitator of success for team members, both internal and external. This position offers a career path to a Program Management position within the organization. Moreover, it is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in the growing markets of sustainability, resiliency, and cybersecurity with mission critical facilities.
This position is REMOTE, but you must be able to travel to client sites up to 25% of the time. The majority of our clients are in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
Manage assigned staff and mentor junior engineers to develop the mechanical engineering practice.
Ensure the application and enforcement of company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and client requirements.
Collaborate with senior leadership to drive growth and maintain operational excellence.
Project Planning & Design
Perform feasibility studies, condition assessments, energy management, HVAC and life safety surveys, and facilities management evaluations.
Prepare mechanical design calculations, technical specifications, drawings, and visual aids utilizing mechanical design software.
Review designs for configuration, sustainability, reliability, and redundancy while ensuring multi-discipline coordination.
Provide input on equipment and controls technology selections and strategies.
Write technical specifications and develop drawings and visual aids.
Code Compliance & Quality Assurance
Conduct code enforcement design and construction reviews to ensure compliance with applicable mechanical codes, standards, and client criteria.
Perform mechanical code compliance inspections on permitted projects and witness required testing.
Prepare comprehensive inspection reports, documenting violations with code references and photographic evidence when applicable.
Interpret, explain, and enforce construction codes, standards, and regulations for clients, contractors, architects, and engineers. Assist in code development and implementation.
Coordinate with other inspectors, code enforcement officials, and government departments to maintain compliance.
Construction Oversight & Submittal Reviews
Review and provide comments on equipment submittals, test reports, O&M manuals, and training plans.
Support factory and field acceptance testing of equipment.
Provide quality assurance throughout design and construction to ensure adherence to codes, standards, and client requirements.
Technical Support & Client Interaction
Liaise with construction teams, architects, engineers, and facility/owner staff to resolve code compliance issues and address complaints or disputes.
Present technical information clearly in writing and verbally across multiple communication platforms.
Share innovative, solutions-oriented thinking to anticipate and meet client needs.
Administrative & Reporting
Prepare engineering or repair/replacement estimates and schedules.
Maintain accurate records of inspections, code violations, enforcement actions, and project documentation.
Participate in meetings and prepare/present reports as required.
Continuous Improvement
Stay current with changes in building codes, construction techniques, and government regulations.
Uphold Chinook's commitment to excellence through self-motivation, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor's Degree from an ABET accredited college or university in mechanical engineering or a related field is required.
Must have at least 15 years of experience in the design, construction, or operation of air-handling equipment, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, controls, fans, heat exchangers, pumps, and other mechanical equipment.
Requires at least 6 years of experience managing people.
Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Requires detailed knowledge of federal building codes, construction practices, and safety standards.
Experience working with construction management and process protocols of large buildings or projects greater than 250,000 square feet is required.
Must be proficient in the use of technology, including construction project management software and mobile devices.
Must have a valid driver's license and ability to travel to various construction sites.
Must possess an in-depth knowledge of federal building codes / standards / guidelines, construction practices, and safety standards (e.g., ANSI, ASHRAE, ASME, ICC, NFPA, UFC / UFGS).
Must have a track record of client satisfaction in mission-critical facilities and a passion for analyzing, troubleshooting, optimizing, and upgrading integrated systems in aging facilities and campus environments.
Citizenship/Clearance Requirements:
Must be a U.S. Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain up to a Top Secret clearance in accordance with our customer requirements and the sensitive nature of our work.
Preferred Qualifications:
An Active Secret or higher Security Clearance.
Experience in Federal Government projects.
Energy modeling experience.
Physical Considerations:
Must be able to walk construction sites with uneven surfaces, carry up to 25 lbs., climb stairs and ladders, and work both indoors and outdoors in severe weather conditions, in confined spaces, and in dust-generating environments.
Must be able to maintain spatial awareness and comply with safety standards while working near mechanical and electrical building equipment and systems.
Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Chinook Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against anyone because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity and expression, or sexual orientation.
Chinook is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.
