Position OverviewGauthier, Alvarado & Associates, a Northern Virginia-based multidisciplinary Architectural/Engineering firm located in Fairfax, VA, provides Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical engineering services across a diverse portfolio of commercial office buildings, educational facilities, public agencies, and interior tenant build-outs.
GAA is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer (7-10 years of experience) with a strong background in building systems design to join our growing team. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who can independently design mechanical systems with minimal oversight while also serving as a key contributor between senior leadership and junior staff.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing high-quality construction documents, supporting project delivery, and helping mentor entry-level engineers, while collaborating closely with in-house architects and engineering disciplines.
This position is based in our Fairfax, VA office, with a hybrid schedule of 4 days in-office and 1 day remote.
Candidates must be current U.S. residents and legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Responsibilities- Lead the design and development of HVAC and mechanical systems for a variety of building types with minimal supervision
- Prepare detailed construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and system layouts for mechanical and plumbing systems
- Perform load calculations, system sizing, and equipment selection using industry-standard tools (e.g., Carrier HAP or similar)
- Collaborate with architects and multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure coordinated, integrated designs
- Review projects for interdisciplinary coordination and overall design completeness
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior/entry-level engineers
- Support project managers in meeting deadlines, budgets, and client expectations
- Ensure designs comply with applicable building codes, standards, and sustainability requirements
- Participate in construction administration activities, including submittal reviews and site observations
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university
- 7-10 years of experience in mechanical design for commercial, educational, and/or government projects
- EIT certification required; PE license preferred or actively in progress
- Demonstrated ability to design building mechanical systems independently with limited guidance
- Strong experience developing construction documents and specifications
- In-depth knowledge of HVAC systems, including air and hydronic distribution, chillers, boilers, pumps, air handling units, refrigeration systems, and building controls
- Experience with plumbing system design and coordination
- Working knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, BIM/Revit, Carrier HAP (or similar load calculation software), and Microsoft Office
- Strong communication, organization, and writing skills
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to contribute across experience levels on the team
- LEED accreditation is a plus
- A self-starter with strong technical design capabilities and sound engineering judgment
- Someone who takes ownership of their work and can drive projects forward with minimal direction
- Ability to work from the Fairfax, VA office 4 days per week with one remote day
Department Construction and Engineering Role Mechanical Engineer Locations Fairfax, VA Employment type Full-time Client Name Gauthier, Alvarado & Associates
