Full-Time

Mechanical Engineer

Ghafari Associates

Ghafari Associates

501-1,000 employees

Integrated architecture, engineering, and operations firm

Compensation Overview

$95k - $120k/yr

Chicago, IL, USA

Hybrid

Hybrid work arrangement; required in-office frequency is not stated.

Bachelor's

Category
Mechanical Engineering (1)
Required Skills
CAD
HVAC
AutoCAD
Plumbing

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field is required.
  • Professional registration is required.
  • Five to fourteen years of related experience in mechanical engineering, including HVAC and building systems, is required.
  • Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, Trane Trace 700 or other building energy calculation software, and Bluebeam is required.
  • Knowledge of ProjectWise, BIM360, and Carrier HAP is beneficial.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Strong attention to detail is required.
Responsibilities
  • Review or establish project scope, mechanical budget, necessary constraints, and design approach with the Project Manager and/or client.
  • Participate in design team and owner meetings and communicate directly with the owner and/or owner's representative.
  • Prepare feasibility studies and project cost estimates.
  • Maintain working knowledge of the latest building codes used in the industry.
  • Formulate and lead the design of mechanical systems, including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection.
  • Perform or review calculations and building energy models and formulate mechanical-system designs.
  • Create engineering documents using computer-aided design technology, including Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD and/or Bentley CAD software for two-dimensional and three-dimensional applications, or manually with support from more junior staff.
  • Edit or draft project specifications.
  • Conduct field measuring and checking at the construction site.
  • Review drawings for omissions, errors, interferences, overall quality, content accuracy, and compliance with standards and codes.
  • Review product submittals for design content and specify actions needed to achieve specification compliance.
  • Maintain an organized project file containing project calculations, correspondence, and appropriate reference materials.
  • Assist with checking, standards review, and maintenance of master specifications.
  • Develop and mentor less experienced staff.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • LEED accreditation is preferred.
  • Knowledge of ProjectWise, BIM360, and Carrier HAP is a bonus.

Ghafari Associates provides integrated design and engineering services for built environments. It coordinates architecture, interior design, civil and structural engineering, MEP, ICT and security, and operations and systems engineering to align design with building performance and people. The firm serves automotive, aviation, corporate, education, government, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors with a global network of offices. Its goal is to deliver end-to-end projects that optimize building performance and user experience by combining design, engineering, and operational expertise across disciplines.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Dearborn, Michigan

Founded

1982

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Ghafari is designing LGES's Holland battery campus expansion for rising demand.
  • GM's Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center won a 2026 International Architecture Award.
  • American Airlines Terminal B won a 2025 CMAA North Texas Project Achievement Award.

What critics are saying

  • Ghafari's fortunes still hinge on automotive and battery capex from GM, Ford, and LGES.
  • BBG&S integration can distract and dilute margin if Birmingham leadership departs in 2026.
  • If automotive clients freeze plant spending, Ghafari's flagship niche loses its moat.

What makes Ghafari Associates unique

  • Ghafari owns deep automotive design credibility, ranking #1 U.S. automotive facility designer in 2025.
  • Its integrated architecture, MEP, ICT, and security teams shorten delivery across complex industrial projects.
  • BBG&S doubled Birmingham and strengthens Southeast mechanical engineering capacity in June 2026.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Time Off

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

Hybrid Work Options

Remote Work Options

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Gym Membership

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Conference Attendance Budget

Professional Development Budget

Family Planning Benefits

Fertility Treatment Support

Stock Options

Company Equity

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Adoption Assistance

Employee Referral Bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Certification Support

Education Allowance

Mentorship Program

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Meal Benefits

Commuter Benefits

Pet Insurance

Legal Services

Company News

Ghafari
Jun 5th, 2026
Ghafari Acquires Mechanical Engineering Firm BBG&S

Ghafari has acquired BBG&S Engineering Consultants, Inc., a mechanical engineering firm based in Birmingham, AL. The acquisition of BBG&S strengthens the…

Ghafari
Sep 2nd, 2025
Ghafari Honored as a "Best and Brightest Company to Work For" in Chicago, Detroit + West Michigan

Ghafari Associates, LLC is thrilled to announce that Ghafari has been named a "Best and Brightest Company to Work For" in Chicago, Metro Detroit, and West Michigan!

Ghafari
Jul 11th, 2025
Ghafari Celebrates Another Year as ENR's #1 U.S. Automotive Facilities Designer

Ghafari is thrilled to announce that Ghafari Associates, LLC has been named the #1 U.S. automotive facility designer for 2025 by Engineering News-Record!

Ghafari
Apr 28th, 2025
News | April 28, 2025

Ghafari Associates, LLC launched the Ghafari Scholars Program in 2023, which provides a scholarship and cooperative work experience to students enrolled at the University's College of Engineering & Science.

Ghafari
Nov 11th, 2024
More News + Insights

Ghafari Associates, LLC received the Elite Award for Communication and Shared Vision.