Mechanical Systems Engineer

About the role

This position seeks an experienced Senior Systems / Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership in the assessment, definition, and development of advanced HVAC and thermal management solutions for complex government and defense-related systems.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate existing cooling and environmental control infrastructure to identify performance gaps, risks, and opportunities for modernization.
• Establish and refine system-level requirements for mechanical, HVAC, and thermal management subsystems supporting mission-critical applications.
• Develop modernization strategies and technical plans for updating and improving environmental control systems in older government facilities.
• Lead systems engineering activities, including requirements development, system architecture definition, and interface management for mechanical and thermal systems.
• Direct mechanical design and thermal analysis efforts to ensure robust, efficient, and reliable system performance under operational conditions.
• Conduct trade studies and engineering assessments to compare design alternatives and recommend optimal solutions based on technical, schedule, and risk considerations.
• Guide subsystem integration activities to ensure mechanical, HVAC, and thermal components function cohesively within larger system architectures.
• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or structured systems engineering methodologies to maintain requirements traceability and architectural consistency.
• Support full lifecycle system development activities, from concept development and system assessment through modernization, implementation, and sustainment planning.
• Perform engineering assessments, modernization studies, and technical planning activities for complex mechanical and environmental control systems.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, project management, and technical leadership to align designs with operational needs and program objectives.
• Translate operational and mission requirements into clear, actionable engineering solutions and system specifications.
• Prepare and present technical recommendations, analyses, and design documentation to internal stakeholders and government customers.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively in both written reports and verbal presentations.
• Work independently to drive technical tasks while contributing effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.
• Support government and defense-related engineering programs, particularly during concept development, system assessment, and modernization initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Approximately 12 or more years of experience in mechanical or systems engineering roles, with a focus on complex systems.
• Strong background in systems engineering principles, including requirements development, system architecture, and interface management.
• Hands-on HVAC design experience, including familiarity with environmental control and cooling system design practices.
• Understanding of thermal systems, including thermal management architectures, performance analysis, and system integration practices.
• Experience conducting engineering assessments, modernization studies, trade analyses, and technical planning activities.
• Working knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) or structured systems engineering methodologies to support requirements traceability and system modeling.
• Understanding of government design cycles and procurement processes associated with highly regulated engineering programs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Active security clearance enabling participation in government and defense-related projects.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or other highly regulated engineering programs.
• Background in environmental control systems and modernization initiatives for existing facilities.
• Experience collaborating with project management and technical leadership to align engineering solutions with program goals.
• Proven ability to lead trade studies and make data-driven recommendations for system improvements.
• Familiarity with mission-critical applications where reliability, resilience, and performance are key design drivers.