HVAC & Plumbing - Mechanical Engineer in Training

Position Description

As a Mechanical Engineer in Training at Cushing Terrell, you will work on-site with an experienced team of licensed engineers to design HVAC and plumbing systems for retail and commercial building projects. Day to day, you will produce construction documents, perform heating and cooling load calculations, and develop system layouts in Revit, working directly alongside a senior engineer who will guide your technical development and support your path toward professional licensure.

Much of the work centers on retail projects including grocery, big-box, and specialty stores, with active programs for national clients. Projects range from full remodels to new store builds, providing exposure to different project phases and building types. When one client program slows, consistent work across Cushing Terrell's broader retail and commercial portfolio keeps your caseload full.

A successful first year looks like reliably delivering accurate HVAC and plumbing documents under supervision, developing proficiency in load calculations and equipment selection, and building the foundational project management habits including priority-setting, clear communication, and self-awareness that set engineers up for licensure and long-term growth. This role is designed for someone who wants to become a true mechanical engineering specialist.

Position Salary Range*

The expected salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000 annually.

Required Qualifications**

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• 2+ years of professional experience in HVAC and/or plumbing system design
• Working knowledge of Revit MEP and AutoCAD
• Experience performing heating and cooling load calculations
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications**

• FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam passed or actively in progress
• Experience with Trane TRACE or Carrier HAP energy modeling software
• Familiarity with retail or commercial building project types
• Experience with VAV systems, chillers, or heat pump design

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don't meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don't want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!

Position Responsibilities***

• Produce HVAC and plumbing construction documents including plans, schedules, details, and flow diagrams using Revit BIM software under the guidance of a licensed Professional Engineer
• Perform heating and cooling load calculations and complete basic equipment selection for fans, pumps, and plumbing fixtures
• Conduct site investigations to field-verify and as-built existing mechanical systems for remodel projects
• Support construction administration by reviewing shop drawings and coordinating responses with the project team
• Manage concurrent project tasks and deadlines, developing prioritization habits that support efficient delivery
• Contribute to a collaborative studio environment, working closely with architecture and engineering teams to coordinate system design across disciplines

Working at Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, "design meets you." Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CushingTerrell_Benefits-Guide_2025.pdf

Things to Note

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.