Senior Mechanical Engineer

Within SSOE’s Advanced Technology division, we specialize in high-tech facility design, offering top-tier design and engineering services to a diverse array of clients and markets. Our team is composed of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals who excel across various disciplines. We pride ourselves on our cross-disciplinary approach, which allows us to understand and address our clients’ needs more comprehensively than traditional, siloed methods. What sets us apart is our ability to seamlessly conceptualize, plan, and detail every aspect of design. Our in-house experts collaborate closely, optimizing and enhancing our work through multi-discipline strategy sessions. By leveraging cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art software, we deliver industry-leading technology and innovative solutions from day one.

SSOE is looking to hire a Mechanical Engineer to join our team. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at SSOE, you will be a pivotal leader in the design, engineering, and delivery of highly complex and specialized mechanical systems. You will spearhead projects demanding innovative thinking, execution, and an understanding of advanced mechanical principles within contamination-controlled environments. This role offers the unique opportunity to work on technically challenging projects, mentor developing engineers, and directly influence the success of our leading semiconductor clients and our firm’s growth in this dynamic sector.

As part of our commitment to innovation, all team members will be trained on Microsoft Copilot and empowered to use it as a core tool in their everyday work.

Lead mechanical system design for semiconductor tool installations:
• Develop utility matrices based on tool vendor requirements.
• Design point-of-use (POU) connections for all mechanical utilities (PCW, exhaust, gases, drains).
• Ensure designs meet stringent vibration, acoustic, and EMI/RFI criteria.
• Lead the design, analysis, and specification of complex HVAC systems for semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Engineer critical process cooling and heating systems.
• Design and oversee ultra-pure water (UPW) and industrial water systems, including RO/DI water, process drains, and chemical delivery/drain systems.
• Develop and detail specialized exhaust systems for hazardous production materials (HPMs).
• Perform detailed thermodynamic, hydraulic, and psychrometric analyses to optimize system performance, energy efficiency, and operational stability.
• Champion safety in design, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes, standards (e.g., ASME, ASHRAE, NFPA, SMACNA, SEMI standards), and client-specific EHS requirements for HPMs.
• Lead and participate in design reviews, HAZOP studies, and constructability reviews.
• Drive interdisciplinary coordination with electrical, structural, process, chemical, controls, and architectural teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical systems.
• Conduct field verifications, site surveys, and as-built documentation to assess existing conditions, identify design constraints, and support construction and commissioning phases.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including RFI responses, submittal reviews, site inspections, and system start-up and commissioning oversight.
• Develop detailed sequence of operations (SOO) and contribute to control system narratives.
• Serve as a technical authority and mentor in mechanical engineering, guiding junior engineers and designers, and fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of practice, or the ability to obtain reciprocity within an acceptable timeframe is required.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical engineering design, with a significant portion focused on semiconductor facilities, cleanrooms, or analogous high-tech industrial projects (e.g., pharmaceutical, biotech).
• Demonstrated experience with design-build and fast-track project delivery for semiconductor tool install projects is highly desirable.
• Strong experience with at least one of the following hydraulic modeling software packages: PIPE-FLO, AFT Fathom, AFT Arrow, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC (including cleanroom specific), plumbing, fire protection (general understanding, coordination with FPE), and process mechanical systems (UPW, PCW, process exhaust, specialty gases).
• Thorough understanding of relevant codes and standards, including ASHRAE (Std 62.1, 90.1, Cleanroom Standards), SMACNA, NFPA (especially for HPMs), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and familiarity with SEMI Standards (e.g., S2, S6).
• Proven experience performing detailed field verifications and site walks, with the ability to troubleshoot complex design and construction issues in real-time.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interface effectively with clients, vendors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Salary Range: $120,000 – $170,000/year depending on location, education, depth of relevant experience, and any specialized certifications.
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.

This position is an onsite role that will require you to work onsite each day and be located in the Fremont, CA area. Remote or hybrid work arrangements for this role are not available. Relocation assistance may be provided for well-qualified candidates.

Join us at SSOE, where your expertise will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering excellence. If you’re passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our forward-thinking team.

#LI-Onsite