Mechanical Design Engineer

About Kent Engineering | Architectural Diagnostics

This position is located in Tukwila, WA

Kent Engineering | Architectural Diagnostics is a leading firm specializing in multiple disciplines of architecture, engineering, and project management related to construction. With a strong operational presence in Hawaii and headquarters in Seattle, we pride ourselves on our team of licensed professionals who bring extensive experience and innovative solutions to the table. Our comprehensive services include architecture, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, corrosion engineering, and materials engineering. We focus on building diagnostics and repair, condition assessment, expert witness consulting, and problem-solving for architecture, construction, and building systems. Our mission is to deliver top-tier professional services with a strong emphasis on technical investigation, problem-solving, and root cause analysis.

Since 1982, KE | AD has focused its consulting efforts in forensics, but in recent years KE | AD expanded its service offerings to include non-legal analysis/assessment and remediation services. Our objective is to provide our clients with an accurate and reliable root cause analysis, as well as effective remediation and maintenance solutions.

KE | AD has the internal capability to perform a wide range of tests, simulations, and investigative procedures at our Seattle laboratory and in the field.

Job Details

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Mechanical Engineer with Material or Civil Engineering emphasis to join our dynamic team at our headquarters in Tukwila, WA, with potential for remote work in our Hawaii office. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plastics, concrete, wood, metals and their degradation modes, with a focus on the piping systems (domestic water, HVAC), building envelope, concrete and improvement of materials used in construction. You will be responsible for conducting condition assessments, diagnosing material related issues, and providing expert consultation to ensure the longevity and integrity of building systems, manufactured products, and a variety of other materials related issues.

The candidate may not have experience or training in every field described above, but should have several and be willing to research, learn and seek others for assistance in those areas. A strong network of professionals is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough materials analysis of various systems through chemical and mechanical testing to assess the condition and performance of plastic and metallic piping systems in domestic and condenser systems, building materials such as concrete deterioration, wood decking failures, coatings performance issues.
• Multi-Family and commercial plumbing design, retrofits, and code compliance (UPC, IBC, etc).
• Plumbing Design and Drafting capabilities.
• HVAC Design and Drafting capabilities.
• Understanding of mechanical design of building construction systems, such as building envelope, roofing, windows, plumbing, HVAC. Understand how applied stresses affect materials in mechanical and civil related systems. Understand how to apply classical and FEA analysis, but not necessary to perform calculations.
• Understanding of Fracture Mechanics.
• Understanding of corrosion mechanisms, coating systems, sacrificial plating, etc.
• Diagnose material failures and recommend appropriate repair and maintenance solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to integrate materials expertise into overall project plans.
• Develop and implement materials selection criteria for new construction and renovation projects.
• Write technical reports from the investigations and laboratory testing performed.
• Understand the basic materials testing machines and able to learn and operate as necessary.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in materials science and incorporate new technologies and methodologies into practice.
• Work on projects across all 50 states and occasional international projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science with strong mechanical experience and training; graduate degree is ideal but not required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain license.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering.
• Strong knowledge of materials properties, testing methods, and failure analysis.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to prepare and present detailed technical reports.
• Experience with building diagnostics and repair is highly desirable.
• Motivated to research and apply learned knowledge in areas where they do not have experience.
• Confident when speaking about technical items with clients, but also able to explain the item or issue in laymen’s terms.
• If Materials Engineer, show training and experience in Mechanical Engineering.
• If Mechanical Engineer, show training and experience in Materials Engineering.
• Experience with plastic degradation processes, coating processes, and concrete.