Project Engineer - Plumbing & Fire Protection
Firm Overview
Do more than just build! At dbHMS, we are a collection of doers and thinkers. We combine our passion for engineering with our client’s vision to realize successful construction projects in our community and worldwide. Together with our clients, we are dedicated to leaving a legacy of stewardship and innovation through our impact on the built environment. Our staff of talented individuals and unique characters is united in their dedication to deliver high-performance, efficient, and sustainable buildings worldwide.
Our Design Studio team, in our Grand Rapids office is seeking a Project Engineer. This role will support the engineering of systems for a variety of projects while working closely with clients, client reps, architects, and MEP engineers in creating designs for all kind of spaces.
Our dynamic work environment provides the perfect opportunity to advance your career while developing and fine-tuning your skills along with offering a supportive office culture, diverse workforce, flexible work schedules, and regular social events. At dbHMS, you will find everything you need for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career.
dbHMS is committed to a diverse workforce and to providing a safe, accessible workplace. Most duties will be performed in an office environment. dbHMS currently operates with both hybrid and remote-only work policies. The remainder of the duties will be performed in a combination of office environment and construction/field environment which will involve trips to projects sites.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and frequently is required to walk. The work typically requires the use hands to type, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand and perform work in the field. The typical week consists of five, eight-hour shifts.
When in the field the employee must be able to climb stairs and endure typical construction site conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
Occasional overnight travel may be required depending on employee’s home location. Frequent local field visits in the office metro area will be necessary. A valid and clean driver's license is required.
dbHMS offers a competitive benefits package* that includes:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Insurance - Health, Dental, Vision and Life
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Trade Organization dues Re-Imbursement
- Waiting period may apply.
Position Overview
A Project Engineer within dbHMS has a proficient level of understanding within a given design discipline, and at least a basic understanding of all other disciplines within the Design Studio (MEP trades). Project Engineers are expected to complete all design project related tasks with some guidance from Senior Engineers, and effectively leverage those expert resources to further their own understanding as well as address complex or new system solutions. As such, Project Engineers will typically find themselves continuing to learn from Senior Engineers while simultaneously teaching and mentoring Entry Level Engineers.
The ideal candidate is expected to be comfortable representing the company to external clients as well as other industry professionals (Contractors, Manufacturer Representatives, etc.), which is paramount in the design and construction of a project, as well as building and maintaining industry relationships.
Essential Job Functions
- Technical
- Understand building codes, their intent, and their application.
- Understand major systems and the relationships between major components.
- Complete advanced calculations for service and equipment sizing.
- Write specifications for simple and complex systems.
- Write technical reports and existing condition studies.
- Find opportunities for efficiency and develop tools for engineering calculations.
- Implement constructability in systems design including equipment and distribution.
- Capable of executing a wide range of projects or system typologies.
- Project Design
- Understand a project's goals including program, scope, and budget.
- Propose multiple design/system approaches that are acceptable to clients.
- Survey existing buildings and identify discipline specific systems and components.
- Establish all necessary drawings and specifications to document a complete design (ex. floor plans, schematic diagrams, schedules, details, etc.).
- Represent their technical discipline in both internal and external meetings.
- Construction Management
- Review and respond to Submittals and RFI’s.
- Reviews Change Orders and seeks input from senior staff.
- Performs site visits and prepare field reports.
- Understand and manage risk and liability for the firm.
Execution of Tasks
- Break down projects into tasks and milestones that are achieved in a timely, accurate, and coordinated manner.
- Communicate with Senior Engineers to review major system decisions, calculations, and other items to move a design forward.
- Delegates responsibilities to junior Engineers.
- Effectively communicate technical concepts.
- Professional Development
- Invested in mentorship and guidance from Senior Engineers.
- Participates in discipline specific technical webinars, trainings, workshops, etc.
- Actively builds, maintains, and develops Client relationships.
- Actively builds relationships within the organization and across departments.
- Elevates self by conducting research, speaking with experts, and channeling prior experiences for technical growth.
Requirements
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Mechanical, Electrical, or Architectural Engineering program.
- Proficient in BIM software.
- 4-8 years’ experience in design.
- Willing and available for project related travel.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- E.I.T. or P.E. preferred.
- Specialty skills and/or certifications in the design of systems such as LEED, CEM, CPD, CFPS.
Personal Qualities, Other Skills/Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task by working on multiple overlapping projects.
