Alex Benda

About Alex Benda

As a licensed (PE) senior mechanical engineer my experience is centered on upgrading and modernizing critical utility infrastructure for large-scale healthcare and university clients. In roles including lead mechanical engineer, project manager and engineer of record, I have guided teams in the design and delivery of complex systems. My work focuses on improving operational resiliency, advancing sustainability goals and enhancing safety during the replacement of end-of-life equipment.My project experience includes serving as a lead mechanical engineer for one of the nation’s largest open-loop geoexchange systems, a project that delivers electrified heating and cooling to more than two million square feet of hospital facilities. I have also served as a mechanical engineer for a steam boiler plant replacement at a major medical center, leading the design and planning to maintain uninterrupted hospital operations. At a large university steam plant, I improved operator safety as the engineer of record for a control room relocation and increased system longevity by leading the design for the replacement of critical plant infrastructure.

Experience

1. Senior Mechanical Engineer

   Burns & McDonnell

   Jan 2025 — Present · Kansas City, MO, US

   Lead multidisciplinary mechanical design efforts for district energy systems, central utility plants, geo-exchange systems, thermal energy infrastructure, and complex industrial facilities—guiding projects from concept through construction. Develop mechanical system designs, equipment specifications, and technical documentation while reviewing vendor submittals and coordinating closely with suppliers, contractors, and cross-discipline teams. Ensure quality through detailed design reviews, field inspections, and construction-phase support, resolving installation issues and validating system performance. Shape project schedules, scopes, budgets, proposals, and cost estimates, managing change orders and supporting strong financial outcomes. Build and maintain client relationships, support key business development pursuits, and present technical insights to clients and industry audiences. Provide leadership, mentorship, and QA/QC oversight for the mechanical engineering team while ensuring all safety and compliance standards are met.

Education

• Iowa State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Mechanical Engineering

  2007 — 2011