Plumbing Engineer

Position Overview

The Plumbing Engineer is responsible for the design, engineering, and coordination of plumbing and piping systems for commercial construction projects. This position supports projects from conceptual design and preconstruction through construction documents, BIM coordination, construction administration, and project completion.

Projects may include high-rise residential, healthcare, commercial, institutional, mixed-use, airport, parking, and other large-scale or technically complex facilities. The ideal candidate has experience designing commercial plumbing systems and enjoys working in a collaborative design-build environment where engineering, detailing, fabrication, and construction teams work closely together.

Key Responsibilities

• Design complete plumbing and piping systems for commercial and large-scale construction projects.
• Develop domestic cold and hot water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, natural gas, and specialty plumbing systems.
• Design additional systems such as medical gas, compressed air, condensate drainage, fuel oil, sewage ejectors, sump systems, and booster pump systems when required.
• Perform plumbing fixture calculations, water demand calculations, pipe sizing, pressure calculations, and drainage calculations.
• Develop plumbing riser diagrams, flow diagrams, equipment schedules, details, and specifications.
• Perform building load calculations and evaluate system capacity and performance.
• Review architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings to identify coordination and constructability concerns.
• Coordinate plumbing systems with HVAC, electrical, fire protection, structural, architectural, and other building systems.
• Work closely with BIM/VDC and detailing teams to develop coordinated 3D models and resolve clashes before construction.
• Participate in design-build and design-assist projects from conceptual design through final construction documents.
• Perform site surveys and evaluate existing plumbing systems for renovations, retrofits, and system upgrades.
• Review applicable building and plumbing codes and ensure designs comply with jurisdictional requirements.
• Assist with equipment selection and preparation of plumbing schedules and specifications.
• Identify value engineering and constructability opportunities while maintaining design intent and system performance.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, estimators, detailers, field personnel, architects, consultants, and clients.
• Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and contractor questions during construction.
• Provide engineering support to fabrication and field installation teams.
• Participate in project coordination, preconstruction, QA/QC, startup, and commissioning meetings as required.
• Perform construction site observations and assist with troubleshooting field conditions.
• Manage multiple projects and design deadlines while maintaining engineering quality and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• 3+ years of plumbing engineering or commercial plumbing design experience.
• Strong experience designing plumbing systems for commercial buildings.
• Knowledge of domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, and natural gas systems.
• Experience performing plumbing calculations, pipe sizing, equipment selection, and system design.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing construction documents.
• Strong understanding of plumbing codes and commercial construction requirements.
• Experience coordinating plumbing designs with multiple building disciplines.
• Ability to develop technical drawings, specifications, schedules, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus for more experienced candidates.
• Experience working for a mechanical contractor or MEP consulting engineering firm.
• Design-build or design-assist experience highly desirable.
• Experience with high-rise residential, healthcare, commercial, institutional, airport, or mixed-use projects.
• Experience designing medical gas, compressed air, fuel oil, or specialty plumbing systems.
• Experience with siphonic roof drainage systems is a plus.
• Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD.
• Experience with BIM/VDC and 3D design coordination.
• Familiarity with plumbing calculation and design software.
• Knowledge of sustainable design, water conservation, and LEED requirements.
• Experience working directly with plumbing detailers, fabricators, and field installation teams.