Mechanical Engineer

Actalent connects top engineering and science talent with leading organizations to drive innovation and deliver complex projects at scale. This role is based in Tysons, VA, and is a permanent, fully onsite position.

About the role

This role focuses on the mechanical design of large commercial buildings, with a strong emphasis on data centers. The mechanical engineer performs load calculations, selects HVAC equipment, and develops HVAC and plumbing designs for new construction and renovation projects. The position also involves project management responsibilities, coordination with mechanical/electrical subcontractors, and regular use of Revit and AutoCAD to produce high-quality design documents.

Responsibilities

• Design HVAC systems for large commercial buildings, with a primary focus on data centers.
• Perform detailed load calculations to size and select appropriate HVAC equipment.
• Develop plumbing system designs for new construction and renovation projects.
• Select HVAC equipment based on project requirements, energy efficiency, and performance criteria.
• Prepare and review mechanical design documents using Revit and AutoCAD.
• Coordinate and work closely with mechanical and electrical subcontractors (ME subs) to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Manage mechanical engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, and tracking progress.
• Interact directly with clients to discuss HVAC and mechanical design concepts, requirements, and proposed solutions.
• Support field and site visits at data center locations across the United States to verify existing conditions and support design implementation.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams to ensure designs meet applicable codes, standards, and client expectations.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to less experienced engineers as needed.
• Participate in design reviews and quality checks to ensure accuracy and constructability of mechanical systems.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with 6–10 years of applicable experience, or 10+ years of mechanical engineering project management experience.
• At least 5+ years of HVAC design experience.
• Strong background in HVAC system design for commercial buildings.
• Experience in plumbing system design for building projects.
• Proficiency in Revit for mechanical design and documentation.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for mechanical drafting and coordination.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical design for large commercial or data center projects.
• Ability to perform load calculations and HVAC equipment selection.
• Project management experience in mechanical engineering projects.
• Ability to interact professionally with clients to discuss HVAC and mechanical design.
• Strong communication and coordination skills for working with mechanical and electrical subcontractors.
• Professional Engineer (PE) orientation or experience working in environments that value professional licensure.

Skills

• Experience with both new construction and renovation projects for commercial buildings.
• Experience working on data center projects on a regional or national scale.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure is highly valued.
• Experience in an architecture/engineering (A/E) firm environment.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, training, and certifications.
• Ability to mentor and support junior engineers in developing their technical skills.
• Flexibility to travel for site visits across the United States as project needs require.

Work Environment

The role is primarily office-based, working mostly in a professional engineering office environment. The position involves regular use of Revit and AutoCAD on modern computer systems to produce mechanical and plumbing designs. The engineer will also conduct site visits on a national level to data centers across the United States to observe existing conditions and support project implementation. The organization offers flexible schedules and supports a culture of mentoring, professional growth, and training, including financial support for relevant certifications. The work setting reflects a top-tier architecture/engineering firm with a collaborative, project-driven atmosphere focused on delivering high-quality mechanical designs for complex commercial facilities.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year.

Benefits

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.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)