Senior Mechanical Engineering Lead

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We're looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineering Lead to help shape and deliver some of our most complex and high‑impact building systems projects. In this role, you'll serve as a senior technical leader, partnering with multidisciplinary teams to drive engineering excellence, provide strategic design direction, and deliver innovative solutions that create lasting value for our clients.

As a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, you'll play a key role in advancing project delivery across the Higher Education, Life Sciences, Corporate Commercial, and Advanced Facilities sectors. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced engineer who is passionate about solving complex challenges, mentoring technical teams, and elevating the quality and performance of building systems design.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the lead mechanical engineer and technical authority for complex building design and renovation projects.
• Establish project design approach, engineering strategies, and technical standards to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Lead the development of HVAC, central utility, mechanical, and other building systems from concept through construction administration.
• Direct and oversee engineering calculations, analyses, system selection, and design decisions for complex facilities.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams of engineers, designers, architects, and specialty consultants.
• Conduct design reviews and quality assurance evaluations to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and Jacobs' quality expectations.
• Mentor and develop engineers and designers through technical coaching, guidance, and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as a senior client‑facing representative, building trusted relationships and advising clients on engineering solutions and industry best practices.
• Support business development efforts through technical presentations, proposal contributions, pursuit strategy, and participation in client meetings.
• Collaborate with regional and national technical leaders to advance engineering practices, innovation, and design consistency across the organization.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, sustainability strategies, and industry trends to enhance project outcomes.
• Represent Jacobs within the Mid-Atlantic markets through industry engagement, client interactions, and technical leadership activities.
• Actively represent the firm within professional organizations and industry associations.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration required; Pennsylvania registration preferred or ability to obtain through comity.
• 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience in building systems design and engineering consulting.
• Demonstrated success serving as a Lead Engineer, Principal Engineer, Discipline Lead, Engineer of Record, or Technical Lead on large, complex projects.
• Extensive experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for Higher Education, Life Sciences, Corporate Commercial, and other complex facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable industry codes, standards, and design practices, including ASHRAE, ASME, NFPA, International Building Code, and energy codes.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams and guide technical decision‑making across multiple projects and disciplines.
• Provided technical oversight and quality assurance for multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring consistent application of design standards, code compliance, and delivery of high-quality engineering solutions.
• Strong understanding of digital design and project delivery processes, including the application of BIM and related technologies, with the ability to provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to engineering teams throughout the design and delivery lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to interface directly with executive-level clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and technical leadership skills.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• 20+ years of progressive mechanical engineering experience with a focus on building systems design and engineering consulting.
• Experience leading the mechanical design of large or highly technical facilities, including Life Sciences/Research Laboratories, Healthcare, Mission Critical, or Advanced Manufacturing environments.
• Recognition as a subject matter expert through industry engagement, speaking opportunities, publications, or participation in professional organizations.
• Experience supporting project pursuits, technical proposals, and client presentations resulting in successful project wins.
• Expertise in sustainable and/or high-performance building design.
• Ability to travel within the Eastern US to collaborate with Jacobs offices and clients as needed.

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $225,000.00 to $275,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.