Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, analyzing, and supporting high-performance hydronic mechanical systems and central utility equipment for commercial, institutional, and manufacturing facilities. You will contribute to the full lifecycle of critical infrastructure projects, from engineering design and documentation through fabrication coordination, installation support, and commissioning, ensuring reliable and efficient heating, cooling, and utility services.
Responsibilities
Design and analyze hydronic heating and cooling systems, including chilled water, hot water, steam, and condenser water loops.
Develop detailed engineering documentation such as P&IDs, equipment specifications, load calculations, and system schematics.
Size and select major mechanical equipment including chillers, boilers, pumps, heat exchangers, cooling towers, and air handling units or air houses.
Perform thermodynamic and energy balance calculations to optimize system performance and verify design assumptions.
Provide engineering support for central utility plants, including new installations, expansions, and retrofits.
Collaborate with fabrication shops to translate engineering designs into buildable assemblies and skid packages.
Author or review fabrication drawings, weld details, material specifications, and quality control requirements.
Ensure fabricated assemblies meet required tolerances, structural loads, thermal expansion allowances, and installation constraints.
Support field teams during assembly, installation, pressure testing, and system startup.
Apply structural engineering fundamentals to evaluate and design equipment supports, skids, platforms, frames, anchors, and pipe supports.
Work with structural engineers on load analysis, lifting plans, rigging points, and seismic or wind considerations.
Review or create 2D and 3D models to verify structural and mechanical compatibility of systems and components.
Participate in client meetings, site evaluations, and multidisciplinary design reviews.
Prepare and present technical reports, engineering calculations, and design recommendations to stakeholders.
Support commissioning activities and troubleshoot mechanical systems during startup and early operation.
Ensure all engineering work complies with relevant codes, standards, and regulations, including ASME, ASHRAE, SMACNA, and similar industry standards.
Essential Skills
3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with lead design responsibility for hydronic systems and central utility plants.
Proven experience with major mechanical equipment such as chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling towers, and air houses.
Hands-on experience with thermal distribution networks and hydronic system layouts.
Strong knowledge of hydronic systems, thermal-fluid science, and thermodynamics.
Experience working in industrial, facilities, or mechanical contracting environments.
Familiarity with fabrication and assembly methods, including welding, forming, and fitting for mechanical systems.
Working understanding of structural and mechanical integration for skids, supports, frames, and related equipment structures.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
Proficiency with engineering software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, Pipe-Flo, or equivalent tools.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities applied to complex mechanical and thermal systems.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
Experience in industrial facilities, HVAC plants, or mechanical contracting environments beyond the minimum requirements.
Knowledge of controls, automation, and plant instrumentation for central utility and hydronic systems.
Experience in project management or field engineering, including coordination with fabrication and construction teams.
Experience developing or reviewing lifting plans, rigging strategies, and installation methodologies for large mechanical equipment.
Familiarity with industry codes and standards such as ASME, ASHRAE, and SMACNA and their application to mechanical system design and installation.
Work Environment
This position is primarily onsite at an engineering center located in Troy, where you will work closely with other engineers, designers, and fabrication partners in a collaborative office and technical environment. The role involves approximately one visit per month to a facility in Fenton, Michigan, to support site evaluations, equipment reviews, and coordination with field teams. You will regularly use engineering and design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, Pipe-Flo, or similar tools, and you will interact with fabrication shops and field crews during assembly, installation, and commissioning activities. The work environment centers on industrial and utility plant settings, where you will engage with central utility plants, hydronic systems, and major mechanical equipment in a safety-focused, professional atmosphere.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Troy, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $58.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Troy,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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.
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.
