The Snyder Hoffman Associates Team
Snyder Hoffman Associates, Inc. is a mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm that was founded in 1987 (and later incorporated in 2005) by Lee Snyder, Gene Hoffman and Thomas Busch in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In 2015 the firm’s ownership transitioned to Professional Engineers Robert Malehorn, Jeff Machik and Nicholas Kaintz. Professional Engineer Shane Niper joined the partnership in 2020 and took on an increased role in 2024 with the departure of Rob Malehorn.
Our client base includes numerous architectural firms, school districts, townships, colleges and universities as well as hundreds of privately held organizations. While a majority of our business is comprised of new construction, alterations and renovations we are also frequently engaged in troubleshooting and rehabilitation of existing mechanical and electrical systems. As a team, we are committed to providing quality engineering and construction administration services which are individualized to suit our clients’ schedule, budget and project goals.
Jeff Machik
President
Jeff is the firm’s President and a Mechanical Engineer that specializes in the design and operation of K-12 facilities. Jeff graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology and has been with Snyder Hoffman since he joined the firm as a drafter in 2002. He is a Professional Engineer, registered in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Maryland. Jeff also holds a seat on Lower Macungie Township’s Building Code Board of Appeals and participates in Engineering mentor programs in several local school districts.
Nicholas Kaintz
Vice President
Nicholas is Snyder Hoffman’s Vice President and a mechanical engineer. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology from Temple University in 2006, is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Pennsylvania. Nicholas has been employed at Snyder Hoffman since 2008. His responsibilities include facilitating client and team communications, overseeing and managing projects, as well as mentoring younger engineers on staff. Nicholas was a past President of the Lehigh Valley chapter of ASHRAE. Nonprofessionally Nicholas volunteers his time as Co-founder and CFO of the Emersynn Isla Shining Star Foundation.
Shane Niper
Principal
Shane is a Principal in the firm and the HVAC department head. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University is 2014 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been with Snyder Hoffman since he graduated. He is a Professional Engineer, registered in Pennsylvania and also holds a LEED AP BD+C credential. Shane’s responsibilities include design of HVAC systems as well as energy modeling and life cycle analysis of buildings.
Lee Snyder
Founder
Lee is one of the founding partners of Snyder Hoffman Associates, Inc. which was established in 1987. Previously, he was a partner with Snyder Ritter Consulting Engineers. Mr. Snyder has 48 years of engineering experience with his main focus being heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Over the years he has developed a reputation for troubleshooting deficiencies with existing HVAC systems.
His long standing relationship with clients and the Firm’s highly regarded reputation is due in part to his hands on involvement in projects, surrounding himself with highly competent and dedicated people, his concern for details, as well as in depth review of the project documents thru the design phase and prior to being issued for bidding.
Lee received his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering Degree (5 year program) from The Pennsylvania State University in 1969, majoring in Environmental Engineering which included heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection, lighting and electrical designs.
He earned his professional engineer’s license in 1974 and is registered in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
Professional organizations include the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) serving as President of the Lehigh Valley Chapter in 1980-1981 and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). He received the Presidential Award of Excellence from ASHRAE in 1982 and Award of Merit from PPL Co. in 1987.
In addition to his contributions to Snyder Hoffman, Lee volunteers his engineering experience to non-profit organizations. He was a past President of the Rotary Club of Bethlehem, and is currently a Board Member on the City of Bethlehem Codes Board of Appeals, holds a chair on the City of Bethlehem License Engineers’ and Electricians’ Civil Service Board, is a Building Committee Member for the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park and serves on the Cathedral Church of the Nativity’s property committee.
Gene Hoffman
Founder
Gene is a founding principal of Snyder Hoffman Associates and served as Vice President and Treasurer of Snyder Hoffman Associates, Inc. from 1987 to 2014. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and from York College of Pennsylvania in 1983 with a Master of Business Administration and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. He is a member and Past Chapter President of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Tom Busch
Founder
Tom is a founding principal of Snyder Hoffman Associates and served as the firm’s secretary from 1987 until his retirement in 2016. During Tom’s tenure with the firm, he was responsible for code reviews and was a true expert in the fields of power, lighting and technology designs. Tom was certified by the International Code Council as a Commercial Electrical Inspector and Electrical Plans Examiner and assisted several local Townships and Boroughs by reviewing their plans for compliance with exterior lighting zoning ordinances. Tom was also Lighting Certified (LC) by the National Council for Qualifications for Lighting Professions (NCQLP) and was a Charter President of the Lehigh Valley Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).