Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob Description
The Mechanical Engineer will lead the design and coordination of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems for building and industrial projects within a design-build environment. This role focuses on equipment selection, system sizing, specifications, and sequences of operation while ensuring code compliance, technical accuracy, and constructability. The engineer will collaborate closely with operations and construction teams, oversee internal commissioning, and support projects from early design through construction, closeout, and client turnover.
Responsibilities
Perform and lead mechanical and plumbing/piping system design, including HVAC, equipment selection, system sizing, specifications, and development of sequences of operation.
Complete and review mechanical and plumbing load calculations to ensure systems are appropriately sized and meet project requirements.
Verify compliance with applicable codes and standards, ensuring technical accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
Lead design peer reviews to validate design quality, identify risks, and improve constructability and performance.
Partner with operations teams to define project scope, manage cost control, and ensure design decisions support efficient construction and long-term operation.
Develop detailed engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic-level budgets to support project planning and proposals.
Oversee the internal commissioning process and integrate commissioning requirements early in the design phase.
Create or oversee design sketches, models, calculations, and complete document packages for project deliverables.
Coordinate and review mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, and broader MEP design elements to ensure system integration within overall building design.
Maintain accurate and organized project documentation throughout design, coordination, and execution phases.
Support construction activities through field walks, punch lists, and resolution of design-related issues during installation.
Update as-built documentation to reflect field changes and ensure accurate turnover packages for clients.
Support project closeout and client turnover, ensuring systems are documented, commissioned, and handed over effectively.
Collaborate with the in-house drafting team to ensure Revit and AutoCAD models and drawings accurately reflect design intent.
Share best practices with other engineers, mentor less experienced team members, and help identify training and development needs within the department.
Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and standards within the mechanical and MEP design practice.
Essential Skills
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in an applicable engineering discipline.
Accredited bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Construction, or a closely related engineering field.
Extensive mechanical design background with at least 10 years of progressive engineering experience.
Proven experience designing HVAC systems, including equipment selection, sizing, and sequences of operation.
Strong experience with plumbing and piping system design, including layout, sizing, and specification.
Experience with sprinkler systems and broader MEP coordination in building design projects.
Proficiency with Revit for mechanical and MEP modeling and documentation.
Proficiency with AutoCAD for mechanical and plumbing design drafting and coordination.
Demonstrated ability to perform and review load calculations and ensure code compliance.
Experience developing engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets.
Ability to lead design peer reviews and coordinate with operations and construction teams.
Experience overseeing internal commissioning processes and integrating commissioning into design.
Strong documentation skills, including preparation and maintenance of design packages and project records.
Experience supporting industrial or manufacturing facilities, considered a strong asset.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
background in mechanical building design within a design-build or MEP-focused environment.
Experience working closely with construction teams to ensure constructability and smooth project execution.
Familiarity with building design processes involving HVAC, plumbing, sprinkler, and broader MEP systems.
Ability to mentor and support other engineers by sharing best practices and identifying development opportunities.
Comfort working with a full drafting team and collaborating on Revit and AutoCAD-based workflows.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, operations, and construction stakeholders.
Experience with industrial or manufacturing facilities is highly beneficial and viewed as a strong differentiator.
Work Environment
The role is primarily office-based, with most work performed in a collaborative engineering environment alongside a team of approximately 10 engineers, including 6 mechanical and 4 electrical professionals. This position will be one of the most experienced roles in the department, providing opportunities to influence design standards, mentor others, and contribute to departmental growth. Typical work hours are approximately 40 to 45 hours per week in the office, with a long week considered 45 hours rather than extended overtime. Travel is minimal, with only occasional site visits or project tours, typically once per year for a few days to a project in a surrounding state. The organization operates as a design-build contractor, meaning every engineering project is executed by an in-house construction team, which fosters close communication, streamlined coordination, and reduced project friction. The engineering department is viewed as a break-even group rather than a profit center, which reduces pressure to chase revenue-based deadlines and allows engineers to focus on quality, constructability, and long-term performance. The company supports a culture where engineers have previously launched new departments such as automation, technology, and virtual design and construction, leading to internal growth and promotion opportunities. A full in-house drafting team supports the engineering group by producing detailed specifications and drawings, and the organization offers a profit-sharing program that aligns employee contributions with overall success.
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 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.
