Mechanical Engineer (HVAC) - Own Projects. Drive Impact. Grow Fast. Newport Beach, CA (Hybrid)The Opportunity
This is not a back-seat design role.
This is for a mechanical engineer who wants to own real projects, drive decisions, and step into work that is already moving-not sit behind redlines or modeling workflows.
You'll join a highly respected, multidisciplinary consulting engineering team delivering complex healthcare and specialty projects across Southern California-projects that demand coordination, speed, and technical precision.
You'll be trusted to:
Take ownership immediately
Interface with clients
Drive coordination across disciplines
Execute against real deadlines
If you've been stuck doing production work-or supporting someone else's projects-and you're ready to step into ownership, this is that move.
What Makes This Role Different
Execution-first environment - You'll run work, not just support it
High-impact projects - Healthcare, specialty, and technically complex facilities
Real responsibility early - RFIs, submittals, coordination, client interaction
Clear path to leadership - Earn it through execution, not tenure
Strong engineering culture - Work alongside engineers who actually build and deliver
What You'll Actually Do
This role is about owning the work-not watching it happen.
You will:
Lead HVAC design and coordination across active, high-demand projects
Own project deliverables from concept through construction
Drive RFIs, submittals, and coordination across the full project lifecycle
Work directly with architects, engineers, and clients to solve real problems
Manage priorities and keep projects moving forward under deadlines
Support and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with production teams
Step into projects mid-stream and quickly take control with minimal ramp-up
What We're Looking For
We are selectively hiring engineers who can operate independently and contribute immediately.
Core Requirements:
5-10 years of experience in MEP / AEC consulting
Strong HVAC design experience within a consulting environment
Demonstrated ownership of:
RFIs
Submittals
Coordination
Client interaction
Proven ability to execute-not just support-projects
Experience working on commercial, healthcare, or institutional buildings
Strong communication skills with client-facing confidence
Critical Differentiators
Candidates who will stand out immediately:
Experience with California-based projects, especially:
HCAI (OSHPD)
DSA
Healthcare facilities
with reputable MEP consulting firms
Hybrid HVAC + plumbing exposure
PE license or actively pursuing
What This Role Is NOT
To respect your time and ours, this position is NOT a fit for:
Production-only / drafting-heavy roles
Manufacturing, aerospace, or facilities-only backgrounds
Engineers without project ownership experience
Candidates seeking pure management or leadership positions
Individuals outside the 5-10 year experience range
Projects You'll Work On
HCAI healthcare facilities
Museums, theme parks, and specialty builds
Complex institutional environments
Non-multifamily, technically demanding projects
These are not cookie-cutter projects-they require engineers who can think, coordinate, and deliver.
Growth Path
This role is designed for engineers who want to grow into:
Project Enginee Engineer Project Leadership
Growth is driven by ownership and execution, not tenure or title.
Why Engineers Make This Move
They want more control over their work
They're ready to move beyond support roles
They want exposure to complex, meaningful projects
They want to accelerate into leadership without skipping technical depth
Location & Work Style
Newport Beach, CA (Hybrid: ~3 days onsite)
Collaborative, multidisciplinary office environment
Strong preference for candidates based in or near Orange County
Final Thought
This is not for everyone.
But if you're an engineer who:
Takes ownership
Moves fast
Solves problems
Wants to grow
You will have real impact here-quickly.
Apply if:
You've been waiting for the opportunity to step into real project ownership and accelerate your career.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Newport Beach, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $160000.00/yr.
Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change) 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Newport Beach,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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 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.
