Entry Level Mechanical Engineer (HVAC & Utilities) - Start in 2026

Dennis Group’s Mechanical Engineers design and implement mechanical systems as part of a broad engineering and architectural team in designing and building food and beverage production facilities. Specifically, HVAC, plumbing / utility, and fire suppression systems. Our mechanical team is involved with designing the mechanical systems, calculating space heat and cooling loads, determining and selecting equipment sizes, and vetting and selecting suitable vendors, suppliers, and sub-contractors. Mechanical Engineers will have technical responsibility for scoping, performing, and delivering multiple concurrent project assignments. You will be a member of our mechanical department and your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Responsibilities

• Perform heating and cooling load calculations
• Perform code reviews for HVAC/plumbing/fire protection designs
• Perform mass energy balance calculations
• Perform drainage and line loss calculations
• Perform flow test (hydrant or other) analysis
• Sanitary design considerations (layouts, process exhaust)
• PID Drafting
• Bid packages: equipment and sub-contractor – bid list, scope of work, milestone schedule
• Create mechanical schedules
• Vendor shop inspection / FAT
• Develop HVAC, plant utility, plumbing, and fire suppression systems
• Assist in mechanical system design development and coordinate with other internal and external team members
• Develop Mechanical / Utility equipment and construction specifications
• Develop P&ID’s, equipment layout plans, plant / process utility distribution plans, and system details
• Size and develop layouts for ductwork and piping plans
• Assist with the development of the building management system (BMS) controls, details, and plans with electrical and controls engineers
• Create project documents such as calculations, reports, and construction drawings and specifications, etc.
• Fixture selection
• Perform construction administration in the form of submittal reviews, RFI responses, and field visits to verify construction scope is proceeding per the intent of the design
• Research mechanical / utility materials and best practices
• Support talent growth within our organization

Required Education Skills and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling in heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling with HVAC/plumbing/fire protection designs and specifications.
• 0-3 years of work experience or schooling performing calculations in areas of energy, drainage, line loss, etc.
• Basic report writing and communication skills
• Relevant internship(s) in an industrial manufacturing setting preferred
• Working towards or has FE/EIT certificate
• Strong technical writing skills
• AutoCAD and Revit design ability preferred
• Travel to customer project sites for review, audit, and meetings, estimated 10-25%

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift-up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel Requirement

• 10-25% travel required to visit project site and other offices.

About Us

We plan, design, engineer, and build food plants for major brands across the country and the world. For the past three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on the food and beverage industry, helping your favorite brands put your favorite foods in the grocery store. Simply put, food isn’t one thing we do, it’s all we do.

Dennis Group offers competitive compensation packages commensurate with experience. We provide comprehensive employee benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off including an open vacation policy, as well as bonus, profit-sharing, and retirement plans.

Dennis Group is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.