Lead Design Engineer

Inland Northwest Lead Design Engineer

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions · Kennewick, United States (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-07

Salary: USD 75,000–140,000

Workplace: hybrid

Department: Engineering

Description

At MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions (“MacMiller”) we make buildings work better. As the Northwest’s leading mechanical contracting firm, we design, deliver and service HVAC, plumbing and automation system solutions for commercial buildings. With our over 1,600 employees across 15 offices, there is a breadth and variety of work to keep you engaged and inspired. 

We enjoy a well-respected history of exceeding our customers’ expectations and executing with distinction. Our clients trust their toughest projects with our integrated teams, including: 

• New construction – Engineering, fabrication and installation of mechanical systems for new projects following lean construction practices 
• Special projects – Retrofits and mechanical repairs for existing buildings for new efficiencies 
• Service - scheduled preventative maintenance ensuring tenant comfort, and 24/7 emergency response 
• Building performance – Control systems, fault detection, energy services and remote monitoring 
• Energy and Sustainable Solutions - Acting as the Prime Contractor, we deliver design-build, energy-efficient solutions in the built environment for both private and public sector clients.

People love to work at MacDonald-Miller, and it’s because we all share the same Core Culture Values:

Collaboration – Diverse players, one team, a common vision. Collaboration is our foundation and critical to the success of the company. Every team member is valued and brings a diversity of strengths to help us meet our common vision.

Dedication – We are dedicated to personal and professional excellence. We execute with distinction by doing the right thing and following through on our commitments.

Safety – Everyone deserves a safe workplace. Safety is more than hardhats and boots, it’s an attitude and the environment we create. Every day, everyone goes home to their families.

Community – We are proud to be part of MacDonald-Miller. We actively seek to build relationships and know each other as individuals. Together we create an environment that is welcoming, caring, and trusting.

Innovation – We are committed to continuous, creative problem solving. Innovation is how we stay an industry leader. We always strive to challenge and better ourselves.

Fun! – Take the work seriously, but never take ourselves too seriously. It’s possible to be both serious professionals and good-natured people you enjoy working with. We strive to be both.

Requirements

Lead Design Engineer: This Is Where You Come In

We’re looking for a Lead Design Engineer to take ownership of the design and engineering of some of the many exciting projects underway at MacDonald-Miller. In this role, you’ll serve as both the project manager and lead designer, guiding projects from concept through completion while partnering closely with clients, project teams, and fellow engineers.

You’ll have the opportunity to take on meaningful ownership, solve complex engineering challenges, and grow your responsibilities as you demonstrate what you can do. We believe in giving talented people the autonomy, resources, and support they need to do their best work.

Your Top 3 Priorities in Your First Year

1. Deliver Excellent Designs

Develop high-quality, coordinated HVAC and plumbing designs that are constructible, accurate, cost-effective, and delivered on schedule.

2. Own the Engineering Budget

Manage your projects with a strong understanding of scope, schedule, and budget. Deliver engineering work efficiently while meeting or exceeding established project goals.

3. Communicate and Collaborate

Build strong relationships with internal and external partners through clear, timely, and proactive communication. Success in this role requires constant coordination across project teams, clients, contractors, and design partners.

The Lead Design Engineer will report to Steve Hargrove, Associate Principal Engineer one of our three Engineering Principals, and join a collaborative team working across a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives that support MacDonald-Miller’s continued growth.

This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to work across all levels of the organization and make a meaningful impact on how we design and deliver projects.

Your Background: What Kind of Person Will Thrive in This Role?

You Should Have:

• 7+ years of experience designing HVAC and/or plumbing systems within a mechanical contracting or engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical systems, performing engineering calculations, selecting equipment, and developing coordinated HVAC and plumbing layouts.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong understanding of building systems, construction processes, and the practical application of engineering design.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high standard of technical quality and client service.
• Strong technical judgment and the confidence to make decisions, solve problems, and take ownership of your work.

And Everyone You Work With Should Describe You As:

• A great communicator and collaborator. You know how to listen, share information clearly, and bring people together to solve problems.
• Results-oriented. You set ambitious goals, follow through, and take pride in delivering high-quality work.
• Proactive and highly accountable. You see what needs to be done and take action rather than waiting to be told.
• A strong problem solver. You approach challenges with curiosity, sound judgment, and a focus on practical solutions.
• A mentor and teammate. You enjoy sharing your knowledge and helping less experienced engineers develop their skills and confidence.
• Someone with a strong work ethic. You take pride in your work, your commitments, and the results you deliver.

You Are Motivated By:

• Designing great projects. You want to see your engineering expertise come to life across exciting commercial, public, healthcare, and other complex projects.
• Ownership and autonomy. You’re energized by having the freedom to solve problems, make decisions, and figure out how to get things done without constant direction.
• Continuous learning. You enjoy tackling something new, expanding your technical expertise, and figuring things out when there isn’t an obvious answer.
• Growth and challenge. You want to take on increasing responsibility, stretch your capabilities, and achieve more each year.
• Working in a lean, results-oriented environment. You appreciate a team that values initiative, accountability, efficiency, and getting things done.
• Innovation. You’re open to new technologies, processes, and approaches and enjoy finding better ways to design and deliver projects.
• Being part of a great team. You value transparency, collaboration, and a supportive environment where people work hard, have fun, and genuinely enjoy working together.

Benefits

Compensation: - $114,000 - $140,000 Annually

Benefits:
MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions proudly provides comprehensive employee coverage, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (coverage available for dependents with shared premium).
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays).
• Disability income protection, including short-term and long-term disability.
• Employee and dependent life insurance.
• Wellness Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Where You’ll Work
Our Tri-Cities office is located at 106010 E Wiser Pkwy, Suite B Kennewick WA 99338. The Tri-Cities are a haven for recreation - the Snake, Yakima, and Columbia Rivers converge here, which makes this a popular destination for water sports like sailing, paddle-boarding, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Not to mention the wineries, golf courses, shopping, and concerts!   

Interested in Learning More?
If you’re ready for an adventure and interested in being considered for this role, click Apply to start the conversation!

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Apply

Apply at MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions

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