Professional Engineer - Mechanical Design

Professional Engineer - Mechanical Design

Legacy Designs, Inc. | Rockford, Illinois

Full-time | Primarily On-site

Target Base Salary: $90,000-$100,000

About Legacy Designs

Legacy Designs, Inc. of Rockford is a small consulting MEP/FP engineering firm providing services across 49 states. We deliver mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering solutions for a wide variety of building types.

Our projects include educational and life-safety facilities, branded hotels and extended-stay properties, multifamily housing, retail, medical, religious, and industrial facilities.

Because we are a small firm serving clients nationwide, our engineers have the opportunity to stay close to the work, interact directly with clients, and make a visible impact on both our projects and the business.

The Opportunity

Legacy Designs is seeking an experienced Professional Engineer, Mechanical Design to join our team in Rockford, IL.

This is a hands-on engineering position for someone who enjoys designing and producing work, not simply overseeing it. The primary focus will be HVAC and plumbing design for building projects, from initial calculations and layouts through construction documents and project coordination.

For the right person, this position also offers something beyond a traditional engineering role: the opportunity to become an important part of the firm's long-term future. We are especially interested in an engineer who brings initiative, sound judgment, and an owner mindset and who could potentially explore a future ownership opportunity with the firm's partners.

What You'll Do

• Design HVAC, plumbing, and related mechanical building systems for MEP/FP projects.
• Develop engineering calculations, system layouts, specifications, and project documentation.
• Produce and review CAD-based mechanical drawings, primarily using AutoCAD.
• Perform HVAC load calculations and design work using Carrier HAP and other practical engineering tools.
• Use Excel for engineering calculations, analysis, and project-related work.
• Apply applicable building codes, engineering standards, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate designs with electrical, plumbing, fire protection, architectural, and other project disciplines.
• Communicate directly and professionally with architects, contractors, clients, and project stakeholders.
• Participate in design reviews and quality-control activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform site visits when required to understand existing conditions and support project delivery.
• Take ownership of projects and contribute to the continued success and future of the firm.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Approximately 10-15 years of relevant mechanical building-systems design experience preferred.
• Strong hands-on experience designing HVAC systems
• Experience working with building codes, engineering standards, and construction documents
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD and a preference for practical, efficient production workflows
• Experience with Carrier HAP for HVAC engineering and load calculations
• Strong working knowledge of Excel
• Experience in MEP/FP consulting is highly valued
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with clients, contractors, architects, and colleagues
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with close attention to quality
• Willingness to remain actively involved in engineering design and production
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and interest in making a long-term impact within a small engineering firm.

Long-Term Opportunity

This role has the potential to grow into more than a traditional engineering position.

Legacy Designs is interested in finding an engineer who can become a trusted long-term contributor to the business. For a candidate with the right technical capabilities, leadership qualities, business interest, and mutual fit with the current partners, there may be an opportunity to explore future ownership in the firm.

Ownership is not a requirement for joining the team, but candidates who are excited by the possibility of helping shape the firm's future are encouraged to apply.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Rockford, IL. Being present and engaged with the business is particularly important for someone interested in the firm's longer-term ownership opportunity.

Compensation & Benefits

• Target base salary of $90,000-$100,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• 401(k)
• PTO accrual beginning immediately

Why Join Legacy Designs?

If you are an experienced mechanical engineer who still enjoys doing the engineering work, wants direct involvement with clients and projects, and would rather make an impact in a small firm than disappear into a large organization, Legacy Designs offers a unique opportunity.

You'll work across a diverse portfolio of projects, have meaningful influence over how work gets done, and potentially help shape the next chapter of the business.

Additional Job Application Terms

This job is part of LinkedIn’s Full-Service Hiring beta program. Eligibility is limited to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding those based in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.

We’re committed to making our hiring process as smooth and timely as possible, and we understand that waiting to hear back can add to the anticipation. If you’re a potential fit, our team will reach out within two weeks to progress you to the next stage. If you don’t hear from us in that time, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with our team in the future, and we wish you the very best in your job search.