Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

WHO WE ARE

FirstLight Energy Solutions is a boutique engineering firm on a big mission to decarbonize the (already) built environment-from large healthcare facilities, recreational facilities, and schools to commercial and residential buildings. We are a high-performance engineering team with extensive energy and mechanical retrofit experience with a reputation for transforming complex problems into elegant and practical solutions.

FirstLight is headquartered in Vancouver, BC on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh

(Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (

Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

WHO YOU ARE

We're looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and delivery of innovative building systems solutions. This individual will manage a team of designers and engineers, driving projects from inception to completion while maintaining high standards of quality, timeliness, and budget adherence. This role emphasizes sustainable, low-carbon design and requires a passion for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction.

As a senior team member, you will provide technical expertise, project management, mentorship, and leadership. You'll also play a pivotal role in business development, client relationship management, and advancing technical excellence within the team.

WHAT YOU'LL GET UP TO

Project Design & Delivery

• Lead the design and optimization of HVAC, plumbing, and control systems.
• Prepare conceptual designs, detailed system layouts, and technical specifications.
• Perform and/or review load calculations using tools such as Excel, Carrier HAP, or IES/VE.
• Conduct energy studies and engineering analyses; prepare reports and business cases
• Coordinate design requirements with clients, consultants, and contractors.
• Review shop drawings, RFIs, and construction changes.
• Perform site investigations and field reviews to resolve design and construction issues.

Project Management

• Manage projects throughout project phases, including resource planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Oversee scope and change management while ensuring timely project delivery.
• Provide leadership to internal team members and ensure project objectives are met.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Supervise, coach, and review the work of junior and intermediate design engineers.
• Promote professional development and support the technical growth of team members.
• Conduct technical reviews to ensure quality and accuracy of team deliverables.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients throughout project lifecycles.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, consultants, and other stakeholders.
• Support proposal preparation and actively engage in business development initiatives to grow the company's project portfolio.

Technical Excellence

• Ensure compliance with codes, standards (e. g. , BCBC, ASHRAE, CSA), and industry best practices.
• Provide advanced engineering knowledge to resolve complex design challenges.
• Contribute to the development of company-wide systems, standards, and innovations.
• Pro-actively coordinate with other consultants.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU'LL NEED

• High accountability: You are self-driven and take ownership of your work. You follow up and follow through without being asked, and you deliver for your team. If challenges arise, you bring possible solutions to the table.
• First-principles problem-solving: You're energized by complex and challenging problems. You have an analytical and logical mind and can break down large problems into smaller ones. You're iterative, persistent, resourceful, yet structured in your efforts to solve them-for yourself and others.
• Growth mindset: Whether it's yourself or a project, you're not satisfied with 'good enough'. And nothing that needs improvement is just someone else's job. You love to experiment, drive improvement, and foster growth in yourself and in a team.
• People-centered: You're collaborative, optimistic, and demonstrate kindness and empathy in all interactions. You also lead by example. You're humble and curious, generous with your time, and meticulous with your work. You can tactfully present your opinions and welcome others to challenge them.
• Pro-active, clear communication: You know when communication is necessary or enhances performance and collaboration. And when you do communicate, whether orally or written, it's clear and appropriately concise. You're comfortable using multiple methods to collaborate and communicate results and insights.

TO QUALIFY FOR THIS ROLE, YOU'LL NEED

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in mechanical building services design design, with a focus on energy-efficient and sustainable solutions.
• Minimum 4 years' experience in mechanical design in Canada or the U. S.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and control systems
• Familiarity with building codes and energy standards

Certifications

• Professional Engineer (P. Eng. ). Registered with the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) (preferred)
• Additional certifications (e. g. CEM, ASHRAE) are an asset

Skills

• Proficiency in drafting and modelingsoftware (e. g. , AutoCAD), Microsoft Office, and load calculation tools
• Demonstrated project management and team leadership capabilities
• Sound engineering decision-making and judgement

WHAT WE OFFER

• Our team works 37. 5 hours per week
• The salary band for this role is $100,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Extended health benefits, including dental and vision, as well as a health spending amount
• RRSP matching
• Flexible, hybrid work environment. Our office is in Vancouver, BC.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on carbon reduction and climate resilience.
• We are open to sponsoring successful candidates from the US willing to relocate to Vancouver.

NOTE: When responding to the qualification questions, please ensure your LinkedIn profile and submitted resume match the answers to the questions. Applications with major discrepancies will not be considered.

We embrace diversity and equity in a serious way.