Junior Mechanical Engineer

About Walker Blue, LLC
Walker Blue, LLC is a national energy engineering and tax incentive consulting firm specializing in Section 179D engineering certifications and federal Investment and Production Tax Credits (ITC/PTC) for renewable energy projects. Our services include engineering validation, energy audits, prevailing wage and apprenticeship compliance, domestic content compliance, ESG assessments, and utility allowance studies for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties and public housing authorities.
Our clients include accounting firms, architecture and engineering firms, building owners and developers, ESCOs, tax-exempt and governmental entities, and public housing authorities.
Walker Blue is a mid-sized firm headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with branch offices in Louisville, Kentucky, and Denver, Colorado. We work on projects nationwide and provide our engineers with opportunities to gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of commercial buildings and renewable energy technologies.
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. You will primarily conduct field inspections, perform engineering validation, and assist with technical project reviews associated with Section 179D and renewable energy Investment Tax Credit projects.
Projects may include commercial and institutional building improvements, HVAC upgrades, lighting systems, solar installations, geothermal systems, battery energy storage, and other qualifying energy technologies.
This is a remote-based position with significant fieldwork and travel. The successful candidate will work independently at project sites while collaborating with our engineering and project management teams.
Prior experience with energy tax incentives is not required. We are willing to train the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Field Inspections & Technical Validation
Conduct on-site engineering inspections of commercial, institutional, educational, and renewable energy projects.
Inspect and document HVAC systems, lighting, building envelope components, and other energy-efficient building improvements associated with Section 179D.
Perform field inspections and technical validation of renewable energy projects associated with federal Investment Tax Credits.
Review solar, geothermal, battery storage, and other qualifying energy installations to document installed equipment and project conditions.
Verify installed equipment and systems against engineering drawings, equipment schedules, construction documents, and project specifications.
Collect photographs, equipment specifications, field measurements, and supporting documentation necessary for engineering certifications and tax credit substantiation.
Identify discrepancies between project documentation and actual field conditions.
Prepare accurate and organized inspection reports for review by senior engineers.
Assist with engineering analysis, project reviews, and technical documentation when not performing field inspections.
Project Coordination & Client Communication
Coordinate inspections with project managers, building owners, contractors, and facility representatives.
Communicate clearly and professionally with facility managers, maintenance personnel, construction teams, and other site contacts.
Explain inspection requirements to individuals who may not be familiar with the engineering validation or tax incentive process.
Professionally manage situations involving reluctant facility personnel, limited building access, or challenging site conditions.
Maintain consistent communication with internal teams regarding inspection findings, project status, and documentation needs.
Travel Requirements
This position requires extensive travel, particularly during our peak project seasons.
Travel may range from 1 to 5 days per week, depending on project demand.
During peak periods, travel may be required 3 to 4 weeks per month.
Peak travel seasons generally occur January through April and July through October.
Travel will primarily occur throughout the Midwest, with occasional assignments in other regions.
Some assignments will require driving to project locations, while others will involve commercial air travel.
Overnight travel and multiple consecutive days away from home will be common.
Candidates must be comfortable managing travel logistics and working independently while on assignment.
This is not a traditional work-from-home engineering position. While administrative and technical review work can be performed remotely, significant time will be spent visiting project sites.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Recent graduates and early-career engineers are encouraged to apply.
Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn new engineering concepts.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work professionally with building owners, contractors, facility managers, and maintenance personnel, including individuals who may be reluctant or frustrated by inspection requirements.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively.
Ability to perform the physical requirements associated with field inspections, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or plans to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination.
Interest in pursuing Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Familiarity with commercial HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, or building construction.
Interest in renewable energy technologies, including solar, geothermal, and energy storage systems.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and construction documents.
Prior internship or field experience in mechanical engineering, construction, energy efficiency, or renewable energy.
Residence near Madison, Wisconsin, or the greater Chicago area with convenient access to ORD.
Physical Requirements
The position involves inspections of active commercial buildings, mechanical systems, and renewable energy installations. Candidates must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
Climbing ladders and accessing rooftops, mechanical rooms, and equipment areas.
Walking and standing for extended periods at large project sites.
Bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching to inspect equipment.
Carrying inspection tools and documentation equipment.
Working in indoor and outdoor environments, including varying weather conditions.
Safely navigating construction sites, mechanical spaces, and operating facilities.
Benefits & Professional Development
Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
Walker Blue offers unlimited PTO, recognizing the importance of work-life balance and flexibility. Employees are expected to plan time off responsibly, coordinate with their teams, and ensure project commitments are met. Given the seasonal nature of our business, flexibility and availability are particularly important during our peak periods of January through April and July through October. PTO is encouraged throughout the year, with consideration given to project schedules, travel commitments, and team coverage.
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health, dental, and vision insurance are available, with Walker Blue covering 50% of employee-only premiums.
401(k) Retirement Plan
Employer matching contributions of up to 5% of salary.
Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure Program
Walker Blue is committed to supporting the professional development of our engineers through our PE Licensure Program. The program provides:
Mentorship and guidance from experienced licensed Professional Engineers.
Dedicated time for studying and preparing for licensure examinations.
Study materials and exam preparation resources.
Coverage of examination fees and licensing fees associated with obtaining PE licensure.
Opportunities to gain relevant engineering experience while working toward licensure.
Our goal is to provide employees with the resources, support, and practical engineering experience needed to successfully pu

Work arrangement
Yes