Plumbing & Fire Protection Designer
GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc. — Champaign, IL
Full-time | On-site | $50,000–$75,000 + year-end bonus
This role may appeal to candidates with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, architectural design, or building systems
About GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc.
GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc. is a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (MEP-FP) consulting firm. Since 1949, we have built our reputation through quality work, integrity, and relationships that last — the majority of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals.
We design the systems that make buildings functional, sustainable, and safe, working across healthcare, K–12, commercial, municipal, and specialty building types.
We’re a close-knit team of about 20 people. We treat our employees like people with lives and commitments outside the office, and our retention speaks to that. Our team includes people who have been with us from one to thirty years.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. We benefit from the many perspectives our people bring, and we’re committed to continuing to grow.
About the Role
We are seeking a Plumbing & Fire Protection Designer to join our MEP-FP team. You will design and coordinate plumbing and fire protection systems across a wide variety of project types, where your contributions are visible and your work gets built.
We’re not a large corporation — you’ll be a meaningful contributor to real projects from the start, not just another hire.
At GHR, your career is yours to shape, and we will support your ambitions and interests. If your responsibilities and competencies expand, your compensation will too.
Responsibilities
- Designing plumbing and fire protection systems — domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, medical gas, fire suppression, and more
- Producing construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD
- Coordinating with our MEP-FP team across disciplines
- Assisting with site surveys and field verification
- Applying and staying current with relevant codes — Illinois Plumbing Code, IPC, and NFPA
Qualifications
- Familiarity with CAD, drafting, or design software — professional experience, trade background, or technical coursework all count
- A talent for spatial and systems thinking
- Someone who takes ownership of their work and stays on top of their own workload
- A clear, collaborative communicator
- Genuine interest in building a long-term career in plumbing design
- A degree is welcome but not required — we’re looking for the right person, not the right résumé
Transferable skills from nontraditional backgrounds are welcome — aptitude and potential matter more to us than a conventional career path.
Helpful but Not Required
- Revit or AutoCAD experience specifically
- Background in construction, trades, engineering, or a related technical field
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
- Certified Plumbing Designer (CPD) certification or interest in pursuing certification is a plus
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $50,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience
- Year-end bonus: Discretionary, reflecting company performance and individual factors including merit, seniority, and expertise
- PTO & paid holidays: Starts at 11 days/yr; grows significantly with tenure
- WFH days: 4 days/month with advance approval
- Flexible hours: Start between 8–9am, end between 4–5pm; 40hr week
- Insurance: Health, dental, & vision
- FSA via TASC: Pre-tax dollars for medical & dependent care
- 401(k): With employer match
- Parental leave: 8 weeks paid; up to 12 weeks total
- Relocation assistance: Available for qualifying candidates
- Professional development: Employees who choose to pursue certifications are reimbursed for exam fees and renewals
Life in Champaign-Urbana
Not local? Champaign-Urbana is a small city with big-city amenities and culture — salaries go a lot further here than they would in a larger market.
- Named one of Livability’s 2024 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
- 2 hours to Chicago & St. Louis but 29% cheaper than Chicago — median home price ~$195k
- Nightlife, music, & dining
- Big Ten sports
- Parks & outdoor spaces
- Museums, galleries, & performing arts
- Family-friendly activities and attractions
Application Process
Apply through this posting with your resume and a short note about yourself and why this role interests you.
We give every application careful consideration. Those moving forward will be invited to an introductory interview followed by a final interview.
We will conduct reference checks prior to extending an offer.
We welcome questions — reach us at [email protected].
We’re a team of people who genuinely like working together. If that sounds like somewhere you’d thrive, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
