Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer leads the design of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems for building projects within a collaborative design-build environment. This role focuses on delivering technically accurate, code-compliant designs, guiding internal commissioning efforts, and supporting construction through close coordination with in-house teams. The position offers the opportunity to influence project outcomes from concept through turnover, mentor other engineers, and contribute to the growth of new engineering capabilities and departments.
Responsibilities
Perform and lead mechanical and plumbing/piping system design, including equipment selection, sizing, specifications, and sequences of operation.
Complete and review mechanical and HVAC load calculations to ensure systems are properly sized and energy efficient.
Verify code compliance for all mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and related building systems to ensure technical accuracy and adherence to applicable standards.
Lead design peer reviews and collaborate closely with Operations on scope definition, cost control, and constructability considerations.
Develop engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets to support project planning and proposal efforts.
Oversee the internal commissioning process and integrate commissioning requirements early in the design phase.
Create or oversee design sketches, models, engineering calculations, and comprehensive document packages for project delivery.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation throughout design and coordination phases.
Support construction activities through field walks, punch lists, and resolution of design-related issues encountered on site.
Prepare and update as-built documentation and support client turnover at project closeout.
Share best practices with other engineers and help identify development needs within the team.
Provide technical guidance and act as a resource to less experienced mechanical engineers within the department.
Essential Skills
Extensive mechanical design with at least 10 years of progressive engineering experience.
Strong proficiency in HVAC system design, including load calculations, equipment selection, and sequences of operation.
Demonstrated experience in mechanical building design, including integration of mechanical, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
Hands-on experience with plumbing system design for building and industrial applications.
Knowledge of sprinkler systems and broader MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination.
Proficiency with Revit for building information modeling and coordination of mechanical systems.
Proficiency with AutoCAD for mechanical, plumbing, and building design documentation.
Ability to ensure code compliance and technical accuracy across mechanical and plumbing designs.
Capability to lead design peer reviews and coordinate with operations and construction teams.
Licensed Professional Engineer preferred, with an Engineer in Training license required.
Accredited bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as Mechanical, Electrical, Construction, or a closely related field.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience supporting industrial or manufacturing facilities is considered a strong asset.
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Experience developing engineering estimates, scopes of work, and schematic budgets.
Exposure to commissioning processes and integration of commissioning requirements into design.
Familiarity with building design practices that integrate HVAC, plumbing, and sprinkler systems.
Interest in contributing to or helping develop new departments or capabilities such as automation, technology, or virtual design and construction.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and participating in design peer reviews.
Ability to mentor and support other engineers through sharing best practices and identifying development needs.
Work Environment
The role is primarily office-based, with occasional site tours to active projects. The engineering team consists of approximately 10 professionals, including 6 mechanical engineers and 4 electrical engineers, creating a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. This position will be one of the most experienced roles in the department, offering opportunities for leadership and mentorship. Work hours typically range from 40 to 45 hours per week, with a long week considered 45 hours, supporting a balanced workload compared to many consulting environments. Travel requirements are minimal, with at most one trip per year to a project in a surrounding state for a few days. Projects are completed by an in-house construction team, enabling close communication between engineering and construction and reducing common coordination challenges. The engineering department is treated as a break-even group rather than a profit center, so engineers are not pressured to meet year-end revenue targets or push deadlines solely for financial goals. The organization offers a profit-sharing program and maintains a full in-house drafting team to complete project specifications, fostering a supportive and integrated project delivery environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $135000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Well established design build contractor. Fairly new office in-between West Des Moines and Des Moines. When asking the VP and Engineering manager why they've stayed at Waldinger long term they spoke heavily on being able to do work like this for a design build contractor and not for a consulting company. A long week for them is 45 hours compared to the 60 hour weeks they had working for local consulting companies. Every project the engineering team is completed by Waldinger's construction team. Having that in house communication takes out a lot of the headaches they previously faced. A few engineers have been able to start new departments within Waldinger (Automation, technology, VDC) which led to promotions. They have a profit sharing program (5%). Have a full drafting team in house to complete all specifications on projects. The engineering department is viewed as a break even department, that means they're not expected to make a profit and won't have to push to hit year end revenue goals or worry about deadlines for the sake of yearly revenue.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.
