HVAC/MEP Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

This role offers an opportunity for Mechanical Engineers at all experience levels who are passionate about Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and Fire Protection design to join a dynamic, growth-oriented team. You will contribute to the design of building systems for schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and retail projects, working closely with other engineers and CAD professionals.

Responsibilities

• Design Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) systems for regional projects in schools, healthcare, business, and retail facilities.
• Develop detailed building systems designs, including HVAC, chilled water, hot water, and fire protection systems such as sprinklers.
• Utilize AutoCAD to produce accurate drawings and coordinate closely with CAD operators to ensure precision and timely completion of design documents.
• Support project management activities, including coordinating with other engineers and designers working on small and medium-sized projects.
• Perform engineering design tasks on large and complex projects under the direction of a principal engineer, collaborating with other project personnel as needed.
• Apply knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures to ensure compliant and safe designs.
• Participate in project coordination, including redlining drawings, integrating design changes, and ensuring consistency across disciplines.
• Develop and refine an understanding of how to design MEP/FP systems specifically tailored for educational, healthcare, commercial, and retail environments.
• Use engineering software and tools, including MS Office, to support calculations, documentation, and project reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes and standards within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

• 5–10+ years of design experience in the engineering field, with a focus on building systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
• Relevant MEP design project experience, particularly in building design and building systems.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for the preparation and modification of engineering drawings.
• Experience with HVAC system design, including chilled water and hot water systems.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles as applied to building design.
• Familiarity with fire protection and sprinkler system design.
• Working knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures.
• Proficiency with MS Office for documentation, reporting, and project coordination.
• Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration with engineers, designers, and CAD operators.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) credential is a plus, or readiness to sit for the P.E. exam.
• Experience in MEP engineering across commercial, institutional, and healthcare projects.
• Knowledge of Revit for building information modeling is highly beneficial.
• Experience with project management or project coordination in a consulting or design environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply building codes and standards to complex design scenarios.
• Interest in ongoing professional development in building sciences and advanced MEP/FP design.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced design environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office environment with standard hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, primarily in a Middletown office. The firm has approximately 45+ team members across two offices, including Middletown and Poughkeepsie, fostering a collaborative and professional setting. You will work closely with engineers, designers, and CAD operators using tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and MS Office to deliver high-quality MEP and HVAC designs. The organization offers a stable, long-established setting with a strong focus on building sciences and technical excellence. Employees benefit from career-specific training, an excellent working environment, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes major medical coverage, paid education opportunities, paid sick time, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middletown, NY.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90,000.00 - $120,000.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital, 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents), Short and long-term disability, Health Spending Account (HSA), Transportation benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.