ABOUT US
Throughout their careers, both Geno Higgins and James Higgins have completed projects involving specialized and complex MEP systems. Prior to entering the engineering field, they each started in the field installing HVAC and Electrical systems, both receiving journeyman status in their trades. Geno and James have continued working in the HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical trades as professional engineers for the more than 25 years. They provide a “hands-on” practical approach to planning and developing construction documents and specialize in existing building investigations to develop a realistic scope of work that remains within budget. Higgins Engineering can generate construction cost estimates throughout planning and design to ensure the cost stays within a specific range set by the project budget. The same design process applies to new building projects, which they produced quickly and within budget.

Geno Higgins, PE
Principal, Dual Mechanical/Electrical Engineer
Higgins Engineering, LLC is co-owned and managed by Geno Higgins, a dual Mechanical and Electrical Professional Engineer. He is also a licensed Commissioning Agent. Geno has over 25 years of experience in commercial mechanical and electrical design. He has extensive experience with design and construction administration for multiple building types.
Geno is extremely knowledgeable with construction codes and regulations, ASHRAE Standards, Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements.
Geno’s engineering design and construction administration experience has given him the ability to provide high quality designs with a thorough understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls system requirements and coordination in the field.
Education
Associates of Liberal Arts
New Mexico Military Institute
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico State University
Registrations
Mechanical & Electrical Professional Engineer
New Mexico PE #18723
Commissioning Agent
CxA # 1009-571

James Higgins, PE
Principal, Mechanical Engineer
Higgins Engineering, LLC is co-owned and managed by James Higgins, a Mechanical Professional Engineer. James has over 20 years of experience in engineering, design, and project management, 12 years of experience in facilities operations and maintenance management, and more than 25 years of experience in construction.
James has extensive experience with construction documents, including design standards, specifications, drawings, and contract documents. He also has in-depth knowledge of construction codes and regulations, including state and federal energy requirements, ASHRAE Standards, Uniform and International Building Code, Uniform and International Mechanical Code, Uniform and International Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code, and the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA-70E).
James’ thorough knowledge of design, construction, and critical facility operations have enabled him to provide high quality designs with an understanding of how the mechanical and plumbing systems interface with other disciplines and how these systems come together in the field while keeping in mind requirements for future maintenance. He also has extensive technical expertise in conducting condition assessments, managing programs, implementing safety through design, sustainability, and lifecycle management. This experience enables James to provide value engineering, and he focuses on understanding what the client wants while considering cost-reduction measures as well as long-term operation.
Education
Master of Science in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in
Construction Engineering & Management
University of New Mexico
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of New Mexico
Registrations
Mechanical Professional Engineer
New Mexico PE #20279
Journeyman Electrician
EE98J License # 32147
Construction Document Technologist (CDT)

Samantha Harris
Office Manager
Samantha Harris serves as the Office Manager at Higgins Engineering, LLC, where she oversees daily operations, manages administrative tasks, and ensures a smooth, efficient workplace. Her responsibilities include scheduling, handling communications, maintaining records, managing office supplies and budgets, processing payroll, and supporting proposal development. As the go-to person for office-related matters, Samantha helps foster a productive and well-organized environment for the entire team.

Rick Higgins
Senior Project Manager
Rick Higgins has been working in the electrical trade for over 50 years. As CEO of Chaparral Electric Contractors, Inc. for 26 years, he gained experience from working on various electrical projects that included office buildings, health care/hospitals, residential buildings, and industrial facilities (i.e. Emcore and K-Tech). By 2008, Chaparral Electric had grown to over 200 employees covering various projects throughout New Mexico.
Since shutting down Chaparral Electric in 2014, Rick has maintained his Electrical Contractor and Journeyman Electrician licensure. He became a part-time Senior Project Manager in 2019 supporting a local MEP Engineering firm and has since joined Higgins Engineering, LLC to provide similar services. These include conducting field investigations, providing as-builts, developing condition assessment reports, and attending coordination meetings to discuss mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and design requirements.
Registrations
Electrical Contractor
EE98 License # 385113
Journeyman Electrician
EE98J License # 05132

Moe Saleh
Senior Project Manager
Moe Saleh is a Senior Project Manager at Higgins Engineering, LLC, where he leads the CAD team and oversees the development of detailed MEP construction drawings. He works closely with engineers to complete design packages, integrates markups, and ensures high-quality project submissions. Moe also handles vendor coordination, client communications, site visits, and as-built documentation—bringing technical expertise and leadership to every phase of the project.

Blayze Schneider
Senior Project Manager
Blayze Schneider started working in the design industry in 2021 and has become extremely proficient in laying out full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This includes running preliminary load calculations, determining required ventilation, sizing HVAC systems, ductwork, and piping, and populating panel schedules. Blayze has also been providing mentoring to the CAD Technician Interns within the company.

Adam Benavidez
Senior MEP Designer/BIM Manager
Adam Benavidez has been working in the MEP design industry since 2005. He started out as an Electrical Draftsman, then an Architectural Draftsman, and eventually moved into full MEP design. Adam has extensive knowledge in design concepts, calculations, job scopes, and industry practices.
Education
Associates of Applied Science
Computer Drafting & Design
ITT Technical Institute
Registrations
Certified Revit Professional
Autodesk University

Dan Cooper
Senior MEP Designer
Dan Cooper has been working in the MEP design industry since 2006. He started his career as a Mechanical Draftsman before moving into full MEP design. Dan also has multiple years of 2D and 3D design experience in the software development industry.
Education
Associates of Applied Science
Computer Graphics
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College

Travis Annala
Intern, Mechanical Engineering
Travis Annala is attending the University of New Mexico as a senior and plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an associate degree in Business. He received his high school diploma from Ruidoso High School concurrent with his associate degree from Eastern New Mexico University. Travis provides CAD drafting for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems as well as providing necessary calculations.

Cade Higgins
Intern, CAD Technician
Cade Higgins received his high school diploma from the Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science in 2024. He is studying Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University while minoring in Physics. Cade provides preliminary calculations and CAD drafting for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Ashlynn Higgins
Intern, CAD Technician
Ashlynn Higgins started interning as a CAD Technician around 6 months ago. She is currently studying at the University of New Mexico in Valencia County. Ashlynn provides CAD drafting for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.