Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer will lead the design of mechanical and plumbing/piping systems for building projects, with a strong focus on HVAC, plumbing, sprinkler, and overall MEP design. This role oversees equipment selection, sizing, and specifications, ensures code compliance and technical accuracy, and partners closely with operations and construction teams to deliver cost-effective, constructible solutions. The position also provides technical leadership within the engineering team, supports commissioning, and maintains high-quality project documentation from concept through client turnover.
Responsibilities
Perform and lead mechanical and plumbing/piping system design, including HVAC, plumbing, sprinkler, and broader MEP systems for building projects.
Select and size mechanical equipment, and develop detailed specifications and sequences of operation for mechanical and plumbing systems.
Complete and review load calculations to ensure systems are appropriately sized and energy efficient.
Review and verify code compliance for mechanical and plumbing designs to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to applicable standards.
Lead design peer reviews to improve design quality, consistency, and constructability across projects.
Partner with operations teams to define project scope, support cost control, and ensure constructability considerations are integrated into the design.
Develop engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets to support project planning and decision-making.
Oversee the internal commissioning process and incorporate commissioning requirements early in the design phase.
Create or oversee the creation of design sketches, models, calculations, and complete design document packages using tools such as Revit and AutoCAD.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation throughout all phases of design and coordination.
Support construction activities through field walks, punch list development and resolution, as-built updates, and client turnover documentation.
Collaborate with other engineers by sharing best practices, providing technical guidance, and identifying development needs within the team.
Contribute as a technical resource within the mechanical team, acting as one of the more experienced engineers in the group.
Essential Skills
Extensive mechanical design and mechanical engineering experience, with a decade or more of progressive engineering responsibility.
Strong expertise in HVAC system design, including equipment selection, sizing, and load calculations.
Proficiency in plumbing and plumbing system design for building applications.
Experience with sprinkler systems and their integration within overall building design.
Solid experience in mechanical building design within an MEP @context.
Proficiency with Revit for mechanical and plumbing modeling and documentation.
Proficiency with AutoCAD for design, drafting, and coordination.
Ability to perform and review load calculations and ensure code compliance for mechanical and plumbing systems.
Experience leading design peer reviews and coordinating with operations and construction teams.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
Accredited bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Construction, or a closely related field.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience supporting industrial or manufacturing facilities is considered a strong asset.
Demonstrated ability to develop engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets.
Experience overseeing or participating in internal commissioning processes and integrating commissioning needs into design.
Strong documentation skills, including maintaining accurate design records, as-built documents, and client turnover packages.
Ability to mentor and support other engineers by sharing best practices and identifying development opportunities.
Work Environment
The role is primarily office-based, with occasional site tours to support construction activities, field walks, and project closeout. You will work as part of a close-knit engineering team of approximately ten people, including six mechanical and four electrical engineers. In this position, you will be the second most experienced engineer on the team, providing significant opportunities for technical leadership, collaboration, and mentorship within a professional and supportive environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $135000.00/yr.
Paid holidays Health, dental and vision insurance Growth potential with a stable company Paid vacation Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account 401k with company match and profit-sharing Continuing education and advancement opportunities Tuition reimbursement
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
