Job Description

At JH Kelly, we're looking for a driven, systems-thinking Senior Mechanical Design Engineer who thrives on leading HVAC design direction from concept to completion--delivering coordinated, error-free designs for mechanical construction projects through calculations, equipment selection, and layouts for air handling, duct distribution, hydronic systems, pipe distribution, and central plants--while managing tight schedules and deadlines with precision. This is your chance to make a real impact. This role is for someone who brings energy, technical mastery, and collaborative leadership to the table every day.
About Us
Celebrating over a century of excellence, JH Kelly is a fourth-generation, family-owned construction powerhouse known for tackling complex commercial and heavy industrial projects. With offices in Vancouver, Longview, Seattle, Bellingham, WA, and Milwaukie, OR, we're an industry leader fueled by an award-winning team committed to safety, quality, and a dynamic, tight-knit culture. Learn more about our story at
Who We're Looking For
We want a leader who doesn't wait for direction but dives in, anticipates coordination needs, and delivers flawless work. You're curious, confident without arrogance, and already leveraging modern tools (like Revit and load calculation software) to work smarter and faster. If you can juggle design deadlines, guide a multi-disciplinary effort, and keep the big picture in focus, you're the kind of force multiplier we need to drive our mechanical engineering forward. Our projects span commercial markets with a focus on Healthcare, and this role is based in Vancouver, WA.
What You'll Do
As our Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you'll lead design direction from concept to completion, providing engineering consultation, coordination, modeling, and documentation in a design/build delivery. This isn't a junior role--it's about leadership, execution, and technical excellence.
Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications. (FLSA Exempt)
Here's a deeper dive into what you'll take on:
Design Leadership & Delivery

• Lead engineering design direction from project conception to completion, ensuring high-quality, fully coordinated designs that are free of errors and delivered on time.
• Conduct engineering calculations, specification, selection, and layout of HVAC systems, including air handling, duct distribution, hydronic systems, pipe distribution, and central plants.
• Design HVAC systems utilizing the latest modeling software, with complete proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu.

Code Compliance & Sustainability

• Understand and complete code-required energy compliance documentation.
• Apply working knowledge of industry building codes, standards, and sustainability metrics (LEED accreditation a plus).

Project Coordination & Communication

• Work closely with business development, estimators, project managers, supply chain, vendors, and operating groups on stand-alone and integrated projects.
• Effectively and professionally communicate with project team members, customers, and vendors; answer design and installation questions for Project Management, Construction, Service, Controls, and other teams.
• Coordinate plumbing design and maintain basic working knowledge of plumbing systems.

Site Engagement & Adaptability

• Visit job sites and perform job walks/inspections as needed.
• Manage time to meet project schedules and task deadlines in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects.

Mentorship & Growth

• Demonstrate eagerness to learn, train for engineering proficiency, and mentor others.
• Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned.

What You Bring

• Experience: 10+ years' mechanical HVAC engineering design experience with a track record of performing design, calculations, equipment selection, and layout of mechanical HVAC systems. Basic plumbing engineering design experience preferred. Healthcare facility design experience required.
• Skills: Complete understanding of engineering fundamentals; fully proficient in Microsoft Office; familiar with load calculation software. Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Mindset: Self-starter, motivated, organized, productive, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Commitment to meeting design deadlines on time and error-free.
• Tech Savvy: Experience leveraging Revit to deliver engineering design documentation; proficiency in AutoCAD & Bluebeam Revu.
• Education: BS in Engineering. PE preferred. LEED accreditation is a plus.
• Other: Valid driver's license; ability to work overtime as needed.

Physical Requirements
May regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision. The employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; walk and sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl (for purposes of assisting with project job walks and site inspections). The employee is occasionally required to reach above shoulder height to access storage cabinets and shelves. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities.
Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications. (FLSA Exempt)
Benefits Package

• Comprehensive Medical/Vision/Rx - Dental/Ortho Coverage: JH Kelly pays 87.5% of total premiums.
• Paid Vacation and Holidays: Generous PTO model to support work-life balance.
• 401K: 50% company match on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Life Insurance, AD&D, STD & LTD: Paid 100% by JH Kelly.
• Annual Performance Bonuses: Opportunity for additional compensation based on performance.
• Profit Sharing: Participate in JH Kelly's profit-sharing program. Averaging 9% of total compensation for the past 10 years.

Why JH Kelly?
At JH Kelly, you're joining a family-oriented team with a legacy of excellence and a passion for innovation. Based in Longview or Vancouver, you'll support mechanical design across our Pacific Northwest operations, collaborating with our Senior Management Team on high-impact projects.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Tell us how you've led designs, tackled complex HVAC challenges, and driven results in the past.

Skills Required