Mechanical
Engineer II/III

Do you want to combat the climate crisis through transformative building solutions? We have an exciting opportunity where you can see your innovative ideas come to life!

Ecotope is looking for a creative, motivated, and organized Mechanical Engineer II/III to contribute to designs intended to decarbonize the building sector. Our typical project types include multifamily / affordable housing, commercial office, municipal, and healthcare and include both new construction and retrofit applications. We are a mission-driven company dedicated to transforming the building industry away from the use of fossil fuels to highly efficient all-electric systems. Our work at Ecotope focuses on three responses that the building industry needs to make to the climate crisis:

  • Electrify Buildings: Stop burning fossil fuels in our buildings and transition to highly efficient heat pump systems and other electric technologies.
  • Efficiency is Energy: Work towards driving down the energy use in buildings to free up grid capacity for electric vehicles and future development.
  • When Matters: As our grid transitions to reliance on solar and wind generation, we strive to develop the technology to shift our energy use away from peak demand periods and into times of the day with plentiful solar energy.

At Ecotope, we value creative, focused, highly communicative, and thoughtful individuals who bring a “can do” attitude. We seek out individuals who are aligned with our mission and are not afraid to challenge the status quo with leading edge scientific advancements.

As a Mechanical Engineer II/III, some of the things that you may work on include:

  • Participate in design production for projects under supervision of a senior engineer. The candidate may independently lead small design projects.
  • Act as a client-facing lead for assigned tasks and projects.
  • Prepare load calculations and mechanical equipment selections.
  • Coordinate with plumbing and electrical system designs.
  • Apply industry and company standards for drafting, equipment specification, and code compliance documentation.
  • Track internal design reviews and redlines. Ensure all comments are resolved and escalate comments as needed.
  • Track permit comments and integrate code compliance documentation into subsequent deliverables.
  • Participate in Construction Administration activities including performing submittal reviews, responding to Requests for Information (RFI’s), executing site observations, and collaborating with installing contractors.
  • Perform utility billing analysis to investigate energy consumption of existing buildings.
  • Develop feasibility studies and system designs for simple mechanical systems.

The biggest challenges that you will face:

  • Creatively develop simple solutions to complex challenges that multiple parties with different requirements can all agree upon.
  • Provide project deliverables on-time and within budget while fostering strong client relationships.
  • Manage workload despite shifting schedules and project timelines.

 Valuable Abilities/Attributes to Excel in this Position:

  • Practical engineering design sense needed to integrate new technologies into real world building applications in new and existing buildings.
  • Change-oriented and able to approach new problems with little ego and a child’s mind; always seeking a better and simpler way of doing things.
  • Ability to take a first-principles physics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics approach to understanding energy use in buildings.
  • Effective communication across disciplines – engineers, developers, owners, architects, analysts, policy experts, etc.
  • Ability to communicate within team and across departments.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering, science, or mathematics plus 2+ years of experience or master’s degree with 1+ years of experience.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) and actively working towards licensure.
  • Working knowledge of building codes and green building rating systems (LEED, ESDS, LBC, etc).
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D, Revit, Trane/Trace, Microsoft 365, Bluebeam Revu.

 Desired Qualifications:

  • Sound writing skills, including the ability to write in a variety of styles and translate technical information for general readers. Excellent oral communication skills a plus.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D, Revit, Trane/Trace, Microsoft 365, Bluebeam Revu.
  • Experience using energy modeling software (EnergyPlus, eQuest, or IES) preferred.
  • Experience using high-level programming languages (Python, R, or MATLAB) preferred.

Work Arrangement:

  • This position is hybrid. There is an expectation of 3 days a week minimum in downtown Seattle office.

Compensation:

  • Salary: $78,103 – $123,676
  • Eligible for profit-sharing bonuses

Benefits:

  • We are committed to building a high-trust, low-stress workplace with excellent work-life balance
  • 160 hours of annual vacation PLUS a paid winter break closure for the last week of the year
  • Paid safe and sick leave
  • 8 additional company holidays
  • Four-week paid sabbatical once every six years (after employee’s 10-year anniversary)
  • 100% paid medical benefits for employee
  • 3% safe harbor to 401k regardless of whether the employee chooses to contribute
  • Complimentary unlimited ORCA card
  • Up to $2,000 annual training/development funds

 

How to apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to talent@ecotope.com, with subject line: “Mechanical Engineer II/III Applicant – Ecotope”

Submit one (1) PDF file containing:

  • Cover letter (submissions without a cover letter will not be considered)
  • Resume