Project Development Engineer

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Upchurch

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Jackson, MS, United States

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Company Overview

Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

Job Summary

Upchurch Energy Services is seeking a proactive and technically adept Project Development Engineer to support the front-end development of energy services projects. This role plays a critical part in evaluating opportunities, designing innovative solutions, and developing technically and commercially viable proposals for energy conservation projects.

You will bridge the gap between technical feasibility and business objectives, collaborating with cross-functional teams including business development, operations, procurement, and external clients.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Feasibility & Concept Development

  • Evaluate client requirements and site-specific conditions to develop preliminary technical concepts.

  • Conduct feasibility studies, site assessments, and data analysis for potential projects.

  • Support techno-economic modeling and risk assessments of proposed solutions.

  • Perform onsite audits of mechanical and electrical system equipment.

Technical Solution Engineering

  • Develop conceptual and schematic designs for energy conservation measures to be performed on projects.

  • Create engineering scopes of work (SOWs), system layouts, equipment specifications, and preliminary P&IDs.

  • Coordinate with engineering partners, vendors, and internal stakeholders for design input and validation.

Proposal & Commercial Support

  • Support the proposal team by contributing technical content, cost estimates, and equipment selection for RFPs and client proposals.

  • Interface with vendors and intercompany divisions to obtain technical and budgetary quotations.

  • Assist in evaluating project economics including CAPEX, OPEX, and ROI analysis.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

  • Work closely with sales, business development, and project execution teams to align solutions with client expectations and company capabilities.

  • Participate in client meetings and presentations to explain engineering approaches and value propositions.

  • Ensure alignment with permitting, regulatory, and environmental considerations.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Energy Engineering preferred.

  • Technical degree in HVAC Technology with advanced experience.

  • 3–8 years of experience in energy project development and/or mechanical or electrical design.

  • Experience in mechanical and electrical system construction projects.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of mechanical/electrical systems.

  • Proficient in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other design software is a plus.

  • Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

  • Proficient in Excel and technical report writing.

Preferred Attributes

  • Field experience with upstream or midstream energy infrastructure.

  • HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, BAS, and General Construction knowledge.

Working Conditions

  • Hybrid office/field role with periodic travel to project sites or client facilities.

  • Must be comfortable in industrial environments and knowledgeable of safety protocols.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on experience.

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Paid time off and holiday pay.

  • Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.