Job Title: Mechanical Engineer III
Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer III focuses on the design and engineering of HVAC and mechanical utility systems for new buildings, renovations, additions, and process-related projects. This role oversees the mechanical discipline scope of work and manages discipline budgets for small to medium projects of intermediate complexity, while coordinating closely with internal and external architects, engineers, construction teams, and manufacturers to deliver coordinated, constructible, and code-compliant designs.
Responsibilities
Design HVAC and mechanical utility systems for new construction, renovations, additions, and process-related facilities in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
Oversee the mechanical discipline scope of work and manage the mechanical design budget on small to medium projects of intermediate complexity.
Coordinate mechanical designs with internal and external architects, engineers, clients, construction managers, subcontractors, vendors, and manufacturers to ensure a fully integrated solution.
Perform engineering tasks including load calculations, utility assessments, energy modeling, design reports, code evaluations, plans, P&IDs, schedules, installation details, and equipment and system selection and specification.
Utilize building information modeling (BIM) tools, computer-aided drafting software, and engineering calculation software to develop accurate and coordinated mechanical designs.
Direct design activities across all phases of a project, including studies, conceptual and schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
Design mechanical systems of intermediate complexity in conformance with code requirements and in coordination with other design disciplines.
Manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously, establish priorities, and direct the work of other team members as needed.
Work closely with architects, engineers, designers, and other internal and external team members to deliver coordinated, constructible, and complete design packages.
Develop narratives, technical reports, and comprehensive construction drawing packages, and write construction specifications for projects of intermediate complexity with minimal oversight.
Support construction-phase activities, including responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, developing punch lists, and preparing construction progress reports.
Plan and direct mechanical design work and monitor adherence to project budgets for projects of intermediate complexity.
Support proposal development efforts under the supervision of a Lead or Engineer, contributing technical input and scope definition.
Identify design requirements, translate them into clear scope definitions, and document open issues, project decisions, and action items to consistently advance the design.
Identify basic non-compliant existing conditions during site walks and construction field surveys and communicate findings to the project team.
Develop basic internal mechanical design and engineering training presentations to support knowledge sharing within the organization.
Lead quality check efforts for projects of intermediate complexity and drive overall project quality through thorough reviews and adherence to standards.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to less experienced Mechanical Engineers and Designers to support their development.
Lead systems design programming and master planning activities on intermediate projects with support from a Design Lead or Engineer.
Serve as Engineer-of-Record for small to medium projects when acting in the Lead Mechanical Engineering role, assuming responsibility for the technical accuracy and completeness of the mechanical design.
Essential Skills
ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a mechanical focus.
Minimum of 5 years of mechanical engineering experience in an Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firm environment.
Professional engineering registration in good standing.
Intermediate experience performing engineering calculations and developing HVAC, mechanical utility, and piping system designs.
Intermediate experience with load calculations, utility assessments, energy modeling, design reports, code evaluations, plans, P&IDs, schedules, and installation details.
Demonstrated experience in equipment and system selection and specification, including coordination with manufacturers and trade partners.
Proficiency in software for building information modeling (BIM), computer-aided drafting, and engineering calculations.
Experience using Microsoft Office products and available BIM software.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks, establish priorities, and direct the work of others.
Ability to work independently or under the direction of a Lead Engineer or Project Manager.
Capability to develop narratives, reports, and construction drawing packages with minimal oversight.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Relevant experience working on projects within an Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firm.
Experience supporting proposal development and contributing to technical scopes of work.
Experience leading quality checks on mechanical design projects and driving continuous improvement in project deliverables.
Ability to mentor and guide less experienced engineers and designers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for developing reports, specifications, and training materials.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting design requirements, decisions, and action items.
Work Environment
This role operates in a professional design and engineering environment that combines office-based work with occasional site walks and construction field surveys. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, engineers, designers, construction managers, subcontractors, vendors, and manufacturers, in a collaborative and project-focused setting. The position involves extensive use of building information modeling (BIM) tools, computer-aided drafting software, engineering calculation software, and Microsoft Office applications to produce coordinated and constructible mechanical designs. Project work typically spans all design phases, from conceptual studies through construction documentation and administration, and may require periodic visits to active construction sites to support RFIs, submittal reviews, punch lists, and progress reporting. The environment emphasizes quality, coordination, and mentorship, offering opportunities to lead design efforts, support proposal development, and contribute to internal training initiatives. Dress expectations are generally aligned with a professional office setting, with appropriate attire for site visits as required.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/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 hybrid position in Durham,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.
