Senior Mechanical Engineer (MEP) at SYSTRA in New York, NY

The Company

SYSTRA delivers architecture, engineering and construction and program management services to our clients that offer public transportation, public education and public housing to our communities.

We partner with public transportation owners and operators of bridges, buses, commuter and intercity, high-speed and light rail, mass rapid transit and tunnels, helping them provide safe, efficient and reliable public transportation. SYSTRA also serves public facility authorities that provide safe, attractive, and environmentally sound public schools and offer affordable housing to communities. Ranked 18th in US mass transit and rail design by Engineering News-Record (ENR), SYSTRA has been a trusted partner to public agencies and operators throughout the US since 1985 and employs nearly 200 personnel nationwide.

Part of SYSTRA Group, a world-leading engineering and consulting firm, SYSTRA is supported by the over 10,500 employees worldwide. Using a collaborative approach built on the firm’s value of Connected Teams, we provide our clients and partners access to the best skills worldwide via sharing information, tools, best practices, and processes.

Context

We are expanding our footprint in the Greater NYC Area. Known for our core expertise in rail transit design (Signals, Traction Power, Structural Engineering, and Architecture), we are launching a new billable MEP client practice area. We are seeking a dynamic Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Seller/Doer) to lead this expansion. This pivotal role combines high-level building systems design with strategic client development, leveraging our deep, existing relationships with major regional transportation agencies, public housing authorities, and school infrastructure clients.

Missions/Main Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead Practice Expansion. Lead the mechanical building systems engineering (HVAC, plumbing, fire protection) for complex infrastructure projects, spanning both new construction and major renovations of existing facilities.
• Client & Agency Management. Interface directly with existing clients—including NYCHA, NYC SCA, MTA, and other regional transit agencies—to understand facility requirements, present engineering solutions, and secure new MEP task orders.
• Strategic Pursuits & Proposals. Lead mechanical scope definition, fee estimation, and proposal development for strategic pursuits within the public housing, education, and rail transit sectors.
• Transit Facility & Building Design. Oversee and execute detailed engineering calculations, facility load modeling, and mechanical design for complex environments, including passenger stations, maintenance depots, school buildings, and residential complexes.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration. Collaborate closely with internal transit full-service teams (signals, traction power, structural, and architecture) to deliver fully integrated infrastructure solutions.
• Technical Documentation. Create, review, and stamp technical documentation, including drawings, design manuals, specifications, and reports, ensuring strict compliance with agency-specific guidelines and codes.
• Mentorship & Leadership. Provide technical guidance, code interpretation, and mentorship to junior engineers and designers as the MEP practice expands.
• Field Investigations. Conduct site assessments and field investigations within active rail environments, public schools, and housing complexes to support renovation and state-of-good-repair projects.
• Project & Resource Management. Oversee project scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning to ensure profitable, timely, and compliant delivery of public sector contracts.

Profile/Skills

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Professional Licensure - Active Professional Engineer (PE) registration in New York and/or New Jersey is required, with the ability to quickly obtain reciprocity in the adjacent state if needed.
• Industry Experience - Minimum of 10+ years of experience in a Mechanical Engineering role focused on building systems and facility design (HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection).
• Target Market Expertise - Demonstrated design and compliance track record with Greater NYC public agencies (e.g., NYC SCA design standards, NYCHA guidelines, MTA/NYCT guidelines).
• Technical Software Proficiency - Advanced proficiency with engineering design software, specifically AutoCAD and Revit (MEP), as well as Trane TRACE 3D Plus or Carrier HAP.
• Code Mastery - Comprehensive knowledge of the NYC Building Code, NYS Energy Code, ASHRAE standards, NFPA, and specific transit/educational facility design criteria.
• Soft Skills - Outstanding Project Management capabilities, featuring excellent problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and the interpersonal skills necessary to navigate complex public agency stakeholder environments.

Preferred (Ideally, You’ll Also Have)

• Agency Network - Established professional networks and strong working relationships within the MTA, NYCHA, or NYC SCA communities.
• Specialized Facilities - Experience working with Mission Critical transit assets, such as traction power substations, signal towers, or ventilation plants.
• Regional Mobility - Ability to travel throughout the Greater NYC/NJ metropolitan area for on-site field visits, client meetings, and agency presentations.

SYSTRA USA provides a benefits package including medical, dental, 401k and other offerings that focus on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

SYSTRA USA is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Sponsorship assistance is not available for this position.

Salary Range: $160,000 - 185,000 SYSTRA USA is providing the compensation range that the company believes it might pay and/or offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location.