Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted MEP Engineering Partner in San Diego
BSE Engineering has delivered exceptional mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering solutions for over half a century. Founded in 1962 by WWII veteran and Professional Engineer Vance E. Brown, we combine technical expertise with innovative thinking to create sustainable, energy-efficient systems that enhance building performance and occupant comfort. Our multidisciplinary team specializes in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design for new construction and renovations, serving diverse sectors including healthcare, education, transportation, and government facilities across Southern California. As a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the State of California, we maintain deep local knowledge while adhering to rigorous national standards through our work on Title 24 compliance, LEED certification, and HCAI/OSHPD projects. Our infrastructure engineering division offers comprehensive medium voltage distribution, substation design, and control systems for critical facilities such as data centers, hospitals, and military installations. With a legacy of innovation dating back to our pioneering work on San Diego International Airport expansions and Reagan-era military projects, we continue advancing environmentally responsible engineering practices that reduce carbon footprints and optimize resource efficiency.Our principals, including LEED-certified engineers and specialists in high-reliability facility design, bring decades of combined experience in electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, photovoltaic systems, and energy modeling to every project. We prioritize seamless integration of MEP systems with architectural vision, balancing operational costs, human comfort, and environmental impact through cutting-edge technologies and proven methodologies. Through strategic partnerships with architects, contractors, and facility managers, we ensure technical excellence across all project phases from concept development to construction support. Our commitment to community is reflected in ethical business practices, transparent client communication, and active participation in regional sustainability initiatives.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Plumbing Engineering
MEP Infrastructure
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of continuous engineering excellence in Southern California
- Certified Small Business Enterprise with specialized high-reliability facility expertise
- Award-winning designs for data centers, hospitals, and critical operations facilities
- Comprehensive energy modeling and utility incentive optimization capabilities
- Deep expertise in California-specific compliance including Title 24 and HCAI/OSHPD
Associations and certifications
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE) California
Services
Electrical Engineering
Our electrical engineering covers full-spectrum design for new construction and renovations. We handle power distribution, lighting systems, and critical facility infrastructure including data centers and hospitals. Our specialists perform system analysis, arc flash studies, and California Title 24 compliance verification while integrating EV charging and photovoltaic solutions. With decades of experience in military and public works projects, we deliver reliable, future-ready electrical systems that meet evolving technological demands.
Mechanical Engineering
We design energy-efficient mechanical systems balancing comfort, cost, and sustainability. Our services include geothermal systems, variable air volume solutions, and passive cooling technologies. Through energy modeling and utility incentive programs, we optimize building envelopes and mechanical components while ensuring compliance with LEED and California High Performance Schools standards. Our team delivers innovative HVAC solutions tailored to both new and renovated facilities.
Plumbing Engineering
Our plumbing engineering focuses on water conservation and energy reduction. We design domestic water systems, gray water recycling, and medical gas installations while prioritizing public safety and regulatory compliance. Using industry-leading fixtures and sustainable methodologies, we ensure optimal performance across commercial kitchens, healthcare facilities, and stormwater management systems while meeting LEED and CALGreen standards.
MEP Infrastructure
We engineer comprehensive MEP infrastructure for campuses and critical facilities. Services include medium voltage distribution, substation design up to 70kV, and SCADA control systems for water/wastewater facilities. Our team conducts system assessments, recommends upgrades, and implements grounding solutions for military bases, airports, and educational institutions while maintaining compliance with complex regulatory frameworks.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability experts integrate energy modeling, carbon footprint analysis, and utility incentives to create net-zero buildings. Services include ASHRAE 90.1 modeling, decarbonization strategies, and Life Cycle Cost Analysis that align with LEED certification requirements. We help clients achieve environmental compliance while maximizing operational savings through innovative solar thermal systems and high-performance mechanical solutions.
People
Alan Brown
Principal, Electrical Engineer
PE, MBA, LEED AP BD+C certified professional with expertise in electrical engineering and sustainable design. Leads high-reliability facility projects while maintaining focus on energy efficiency and code compliance across complex infrastructure systems.
Paul Luster
Principal, Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer
PE with DBIA and HFDP certifications specializing in mechanical and plumbing systems for critical facilities. Brings technical excellence to healthcare infrastructure and high-performance building projects while managing complex compliance requirements.
Bobby Rodrigues
Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer
PE with extensive experience in mechanical system design for commercial and institutional buildings. Focuses on optimizing HVAC performance while integrating sustainable technologies that reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
Karl Fish
Senior Associate, Mechanical Engineer
LEED AP certified engineer specializing in mechanical systems integration. Applies energy modeling expertise to achieve high-performance building goals while ensuring compliance with California's strictest environmental regulations.
Ross Slocum
Senior Associate, Electrical Engineer
PE with expertise in electrical distribution systems and infrastructure projects. Specializes in medium voltage solutions for military bases, airports, and educational campuses while maintaining focus on system reliability and safety.
Questions
What types of engineering services does BSE Engineering specialize in?
We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering for commercial, institutional, and infrastructure projects including data centers, hospitals, and airports.
Does BSE Engineering work on sustainable and energy-efficient designs?
Yes, we incorporate energy modeling, photovoltaic systems, and utility incentives to create LEED-certified, ZNE-optimized buildings with reduced environmental impact.
What geographic areas does BSE Engineering serve?
Our primary service area includes San Diego and Southern California, with expertise in regional compliance requirements and infrastructure needs.
Can BSE Engineering handle complex infrastructure projects?
We design medium voltage distribution, substations, and control systems for military bases, airports, and college campuses with voltages up to 70kV.
Does BSE Engineering work on code compliance for California projects?
Yes, we ensure all projects meet Title 24 energy standards, HCAI/OSHPD healthcare requirements, and DSA compliance for educational facilities.
