Job Information
Chinook Systems Lead Mechanical Engineer in Arlington, Virginia
Who is Chinook?
Chinook works with key building stakeholders to make their facilities secure, compliant, and efficient. We assess, quantify, and prioritize their needs, and systematically implement change to optimize operations. Our work results in better building performance, ease of maintenance, and reduced energy use and utility costs to realize cost savings in both new and existing facilities. We ensure systems and equipment are designed, constructed, and operating in accordance with the owner's project requirements, and maintain compliance with codes, standards, regulations, and industry best practices. We lower operational risk exposure and implement proactive cybersecurity measures to protect Operational Technology and reduce a client's threat landscape.
Are you?
Looking for challenging and rewarding work alongside some of the best in the business? Energized by finding new solutions and technologies that benefit your clients, improve efficiency, and make buildings and the environment better? Eager to work in a setting where you can make a difference, be involved with some of the most mission critical facilities, and see your contributions make a difference? Do you thrive in an environment where initiative is rewarded with opportunity? Do you seek work variety paired with job location stability? Looking for a hybrid-style work environment? If your answer to these questions was a “Yes” then Chinook may be the right fit for you.
The Work:
We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer for our government-focused team. This role is primarily focused on performing code enforcement reviews and inspections. The ideal candidate is 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, the Lead Mechanical Engineer will serve as a technical authority for Chinook. As a registered Professional Engineer this individual will lead facility engineering projects throughout the facility planning, design, construction, warranty, and operations lifecycle. The Lead Mechanical Engineer 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.
Key Responsibilities:
Perform code enforcement design and construction reviews to evaluate whether the construction documents have met the requirements of the mechanical applicable codes and standards for the evaluated projects.
Perform surveys of existing areas and facilities, conduct design reviews, conduct code compliance inspections, witness code required testing, assist in code development and implementation, and execute small systems designs.
Perform mechanical code compliance inspections of all projects for which a permit has been issued to ensure conformance with the approved design and the applicable codes and standards.
Prepare comprehensive inspection reports and document all violations identified during the inspection. Code references should be included for each violation; and when allowable, photographic documentation should be provided to clarify a condition or violation.
Review and provide comments on designs for configuration, sustainability, reliability, redundancy.
Review equipment and controls technology selections and strategies.
Review and provide comments on equipment submittals, test reports, and manuals.
Provide quality assurance to ensure compliance with client criteria, codes, standards, and policies and procedures.
Work with senior leadership to grow our mechanical practice.
Oversee any assigned staff.
Be responsible for the application of company policies.
Interpret, explain, and enforce provisions of the construction codes, standards, and regulations to clients, contractors, architects, and engineers.
Provide technical advice and liaise with government departments, construction teams, architects, and engineers to ensure building projects comply with the necessary codes.
Address complaints, violations, and disputes regarding construction projects and code compliance.
Prepare comprehensive reports regarding inspections and enforcement actions and maintain accurate records of code violations and actions taken.
Stay up to date with the latest changes in building codes, construction techniques, and government regulations.
Coordinate with other inspectors and code enforcement officials, as necessary.
Participate in meetings as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited college or university in mechanical engineering or a related field is required.
A minimum of fifteen (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. Experience in government projects will be an advantage.
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.
Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Must be able to obtain and maintain Secret Level Clearance.
Excellent English written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret and explain complex information.
Proficient in the use of technology, including construction project management software and mobile devices.
Ability to handle stressful situations, multi-task, and meet tight deadlines.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to various construction sites.
Physical Requirements:
- The job requires physical stamina for extensive walking, standing, and climbing during site inspections. Must also be able to work in all types of weather conditions.
Additional Requirements:
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team while providing multi‐discipline coordination.
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 be a creative, innovative, and solutions-oriented thinker with the ability to understand and achieve goals and anticipate client needs.
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.
We Offer:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Professional development and growth opportunities.
An inclusive and supportive working environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
- Chinook Systems Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Chinook is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.
Other Employment Statements:
Applicants for employment must be US citizens and be able to pass security screens, up to Secret level, due to the nature of who we work for.
Applicants must be able to work up to a full day on various active construction project sites. Applicants must be able to stand, walk, climb ladders, ascend/descend stairs, and get to wherever the problem is so you can see it for yourself.