Job Title: Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Description
The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer leads the design, analysis, and documentation of HVAC and mechanical building systems for complex healthcare, science and technology, infrastructure, and commercial projects. This role applies advanced mechanical engineering expertise to develop innovative, code-compliant solutions that align with project objectives and uphold high technical standards. The engineer performs detailed engineering analyses and calculations, prepares system designs and construction documents, selects equipment, develops specifications, and ensures compliance with applicable building codes, HCAI requirements, industry standards, and internal quality standards. The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer also provides technical oversight by reviewing engineering drawings, calculations, and specifications to ensure accuracy, quality, and successful project delivery.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of HVAC and mechanical building systems for complex healthcare, science and technology, infrastructure, and commercial projects.
Perform detailed engineering analyses and calculations to support system sizing, performance, and code compliance.
Prepare mechanical system designs, layouts, and construction documents using tools such as Revit and AutoCAD.
Select appropriate mechanical and HVAC equipment and develop clear, accurate specifications.
Ensure all designs and documentation comply with applicable building codes, HCAI requirements, industry standards, and internal quality standards.
Review engineering drawings, calculations, and specifications to verify accuracy, completeness, and adherence to project requirements.
Oversee design quality, coordination, and technical deliverables across project teams.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple offices to support integrated building design.
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to junior designers and engineers.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence within the mechanical discipline.
Participate in coordination and review processes related to HCAI (formerly OSHPD) requirements and construction administration, as applicable.
Communicate design concepts, technical decisions, and project updates clearly to internal teams and project stakeholders.
Essential Skills
Advanced knowledge of HVAC and mechanical building systems design.
Strong understanding of applicable building codes, industry standards, and integrated building design principles.
Advanced proficiency with Revit for mechanical and HVAC system modeling and documentation.
Proficiency with AutoCAD for mechanical design and drafting.
Proficiency with Bluebeam for drawing review, markups, and coordination.
Experience overseeing design quality, coordination, and technical deliverables on complex projects.
Working knowledge of HCAI (formerly OSHPD) requirements, codes, review processes, and construction administration (strongly preferred).
Familiarity with sustainable, resilient, and high-performance building design principles.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
Mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated experience in design and analysis of building systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working on healthcare facilities, hospitals, medical centers, or other HCAI-regulated projects.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and design teams across multiple locations.
Experience providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and engineers.
Interest in contributing to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and development of best practices within the mechanical discipline.
Exposure to sustainable and high-performance building design strategies and their application in real projects.
Interest in working within an employee-owned benefit corporation structure with opportunities to share in company success.
Work Environment
The role offers remote and hybrid work flexibility, allowing a mix of work-from-home and office-based collaboration depending on project and team needs. The engineer works closely with multidisciplinary teams using digital design and coordination tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam in a highly technical, project-driven environment. The organization emphasizes complex healthcare and critical facility projects, providing exposure to challenging, regulated environments and integrated building design practices. As an employee-owned benefit corporation, the company fosters a culture of shared ownership, collaboration, and long-term engagement, supported by an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $96.00/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 remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 30, 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.
