Senior Mechanical Engineer-Central Utilities

About Burns 

Burns is a nationally respected provider of specialized engineering services, bringing highly-technical, sought-after engineering expertise to complex transportation and critical infrastructure projects.

Facilities & Infrastructure Team

For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on outstanding client service.  Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, we are personally invested in helping our clients achieve their goals, sharing in their passions, and successfully guiding them through the challenges of complex projects using our no surprises Burns Unique Client Experience.

We are currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with strong central utilities experience to join our office in Austin, TX or Philadelphia, PA.

Position Summary:

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer makes independent decisions on engineering problems and methods. Requires the use of advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices of the field. Provides supervision and guidance related largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts and policy matters. Develops solutions for larger and highly complex engineering projects. Supervises, coordinates and reviews the work of Assistant Engineers, Associate Engineers, Engineers and Designers. Continues to develop technical expertise in discipline and may begin to specialize in niche technical areas and Project Management support. The Mechanical Engineer will spend the majority of their time developing technical expertise and supporting others. Must dispense knowledge to staff through mentoring or internal presentations. Provides the production of projects on-time, in budget with high technical quality and client satisfaction.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Ensures that company technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects for clients.
• Takes lead in developing design approaches and concepts on assigned projects and requests assistance from the senior technical staff when needed.
• Performs specific engineering studies and design analyzes and assists the project manager in establishing budgets, cost estimates and project schedules.
• Reviews shop drawings, record changes and communicates directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required.
• Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers.
• Develops innovative technical solutions and engineering methods to enhance efficiency, quality and production
• Make and/or supervise the scoping, implementation and design of plans.
• Plan other consultation services. Maintain highest quality of design and review.
• Assists Project Managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings.
• Assists in proposal writing, cost estimating and client presentations for future work
• Provides feedback to Project Managers in regards to technical staff performance for mid and end-of-year review periods.
• Develop a specialized niche of company's target markets.
• Maintain overall group schedule of project deliverable milestones, billing objectives and activity codes.
• Is recognized by clients as an expert technical resource.
• Actively participates in professional organizations and/or client groups where the technical reputation and image of the firm may be enhanced.
• When directed by the President, Project Manager or Chief Engineer assumes other duties.
• Sets technical direction for specific discipline on projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, delegates design elements to Engineers. Designers and primarily retains most complex, high value tasks for self.
• Mentors junior staff
• Assists in the performance management process by providing feedback to the Project Manager for performance evaluations.

Key Requirements/Qualifications:

• Professionally Licensed Engineer with a Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree and at least 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise in Central Boiler and Chiller plant design. This should include assessment of existing systems and design of new and upgraded systems.
• Experience with modeling software for central plants and associated piping thermal distribution systems including pipe stress analysis and hydraulic modeling.
• Experience with high performance, energy efficient and low/zero carbon systems including geothermal heat pumps.
• Strong knowledge of central plant instrumentation and controls.

Why Join The Burns Team

Recently voted a Top Workplace by , we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team.  Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm and has been named a MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig.  We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients' successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world.  We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to "write their own story" with us.

Applying To Burns

As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package. Interested, qualified candidates must apply on the Burns' career site at  to be considered for a specific opportunity.  Individuals needing assistance to apply for an open opportunity should contact the Human Resources Department at -  

At Burns Engineering, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Burns believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success