Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer (HVAC Building Design)

Job Description

This role leads the mechanical (HVAC) design for complex pharmaceutical, biotech, and life science facilities. You will take ownership of air distribution ductwork, hot and chilled water systems, condenser water and steam systems, central plants, air handling and dehumidification systems, automatic controls, and ancillary heat transfer systems. You will serve as a technical leader on projects, guiding design from feasibility through detailed documentation while collaborating closely with clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of mechanical (HVAC) systems for pharmaceutical, biotech, and life science facilities, including air distribution ductwork, hot water, chilled water, condenser water, steam and condensate piping, central plants, air handling systems, dehumidification systems, automatic control systems, and ancillary heat transfer systems.

• Prepare engineering studies and schematic designs for new mechanical systems, ensuring designs meet project requirements, codes, and industry standards.

• Analyze the operation and performance of existing HVAC and utility generation systems and equipment, and determine their suitability for renovation and upgrade projects.

• Serve as mechanical design lead or Project Lead across all phases of work, including feasibility reports, building assessments, concept and basis of design reports, and detailed design and documentation.

• Assess project requirements, break projects into manageable tasks, and collaborate with the Project Manager to define scope of work, budget, and staffing needs.

• Develop clear and comprehensive scopes of work for design based on preliminary reviews, site assessments, and client meetings.

• Review and evaluate existing mechanical systems to identify opportunities for optimization, replacement, or integration into new designs.

• Collaborate with code officials and other design professionals when code interpretations or exceptions are required, ensuring compliance and safety.

• Assign tasks to the project design team, review their work, and provide markups and guidance to be incorporated into drawings and documentation.

• Monitor progress of design work, maintain quality standards, and ensure deliverables are completed on schedule.

• Communicate regularly with clients, provide technical updates, and promptly alert the Project Manager to changes in scope or the need for additional services.

• Review contractor applications for payment to confirm alignment with project progress and contractual requirements.

• Coordinate all aspects of project document completion internally and externally, working with clients, architects, engineers, and other design professionals to deliver integrated project packages.

• Perform detailed engineering calculations, including duct sizing and pressure drop calculations, air balance calculations, and equipment sizing, using appropriate engineering formulas and software tools.

• Prepare or review construction budgets based on experience, project scope, and design requirements, providing input on cost-effective solutions.

• Promote the use of standardized design and production practices, and actively participate in the development and refinement of company design standards.

• Support the education and professional development of design staff by mentoring, answering design questions, and serving as a technical resource.

• Engage in complex and challenging design projects that require highly technical solutions, contributing to innovative and reliable mechanical systems.

• Perform additional tasks or special projects as assigned to support project delivery and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of engineering and design experience in the building design industry, specifically involving HVAC systems and utility generation equipment.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• Proficiency in Revit for mechanical and building design modeling.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for mechanical design and documentation.

• Thorough knowledge of mechanical (HVAC) system design principles and applicable building and mechanical codes.

• Experience using software tools to perform load calculations and energy analysis for building mechanical systems.

• Strong understanding of the construction process and how mechanical designs translate into constructible, maintainable systems.

• Ability to lead mechanical design efforts on complex projects and coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Capability to perform detailed engineering calculations, including duct sizing, pressure drop, air balance, and equipment sizing.

• Strong communication skills to interact with clients, project managers, code officials, and design team members.

• Ability to assess project requirements, define scope of work, and contribute to budgeting and staffing plans.

Qualifications

• Experience designing mechanical systems for pharmaceutical, biotech, and life science facilities.

• Experience in building engineering and mechanical design for complex, technically challenging projects.

• Familiarity with utility generation equipment and central plant design.

• Experience preparing feasibility reports, building assessments, concept and basis of design reports, and detailed design documentation.

• Ability to mentor and support the development of junior design staff.

• Interest in working on complex, high-profile projects that are technically challenging and rewarding.

• Desire for growth opportunities in a stable organization with strong industry reputation.

• Ability to work independently as a project lead while collaborating effectively within a team environment

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Blue Bell, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $180000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Blue Bell,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 15, 2026.

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 [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.