Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical EngineerMesa Associates, Inc. is a woman/minority-owned full-service engineering, procurement, and project management firm covering power, defense, aerospace, industrial, commercial, and municipal entities. We specialize in power generation and delivery services. We have been in the top 10 of EC&M's Top 40 Electrical Design Firms since 2012. With over 1,000 associates, we are big enough to perform, but small enough to care!Mesa Associates is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to serve as the senior advisor for our Piping & Pressure Systems practice, delivering projects for our Generation, Industrial, and Government clients. This role is centered on review and guidance rather than day-to-day design production: you will bring deep piping and pressure vessel expertise and strong power industry experience to catch issues, verify code compliance, and steer engineers across the department toward sound technical decisions, rather than producing the bulk of the designs yourself. We're looking for someone who leads by example, communicates clearly, and genuinely enjoys helping others get it right.Core Competency: Piping & Pressure Systems DesignWhat We're Looking ForExpert knowledge of mechanical design codes including ASME, ANSI, API, and NFPA, with deep specialization in ASME B31.1/B31.3 piping codes and ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, API 650, and API 620Extensive, well-rounded experience across piping and pressure vessel design for the power industry specifically, including coal, gas, and hydro generation, gained over a long career in the fieldSharp eye for identifying design errors, code gaps, and constructability issues in piping and pressure vessel calculations, drawings, and specifications produced by othersStrong background in stress analysis of piping systems, custom piping components, and fabrication assemblies, with knowledge to check work performed using AutoPIPE and/or Caesar IIWorking knowledge of pressure vessel and tank design fundamentals, including nozzle loading, wall thickness, and code stamping requirements, sufficient to independently verify others' calculationsComfortable reading and checking Plant3D, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and SolidWorks piping isometrics, layouts, and 3D models produced by the teamRecognized depth of experience across a wide range of piping and pressure vessel project types, serving as a natural go-to resource for the departmentWhat You'll DoServe as the technical checker for piping and pressure vessel designs, calculations, and drawings produced by the team, verifying code compliance and engineering accuracy before issueReview and check detailed stress analysis and pressure vessel calculations for major projectsAdvise engineers on piping and pressure vessel code questions, design approach, and problem-solving throughout the project lifecyclePerform independent spot checks and occasional walkdowns to verify field conditions match design assumptionsWeigh in on complex or unusual piping and pressure vessel challenges where deep power industry experience is neededStamp piping and pressure vessel deliverables as the reviewing engineer of record where appropriateSecondary Experience: HVAC SystemsWhat We're Looking ForWorking knowledge of industrial HVAC design fundamentals, including load calculations, ductwork sizing, and equipment selectionComfortable reading and reviewing HVAC drawings and specifications, particularly where they intersect with piping and pressure system scopes, such as chilled water or steam and condensate pipingWhat You'll DoReview and advise on HVAC-related scopes when they intersect with piping and pressure system design, such as chilled water and steam/condensate pipingCoordinate with the department's HVAC and utility systems engineers on shared scopes as neededLeadership & Team RoleServe as the most experienced technical resource in the Piping & Pressure Systems practice, checking work and providing guidance to engineers at every level of the departmentReview and advise on the team's deliverables as the primary focus of the role, rather than producing the bulk of the designs directlyMentor piping-focused engineers, offering coaching on code compliance, stress analysis, and design practicesCheck deliverables across the department and offer constructive, practical feedbackSupport proposal development and client-facing technical discussions for piping and pressure vessel scopesSet a strong example of collaboration, accountability, and a positive attitude that the rest of the team can learn fromQualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and PE License (required)15+ years of experience in piping design and pressure vessel engineering, with strong, direct experience in the power industryA track record of checking, reviewing, and improving the work of other engineers, in addition to strong personal technical abilityA track record of coaching and developing engineers at multiple experience levelsStrong written and verbal communication skills with internal and external clientsWell organized, detail-oriented, and quick to spot issues and offer practical solutionsA collaborative, team-first mindset and a genuine willingness to help wherever neededWhat You'll EarnPaid Time OffHoliday Pay – 10 Days AnnuallyGroup Medical/Dental InsuranceLife Insurance (Company Paid)Disability Insurance (Company Paid)401(K) Retirement Savings plan401(K) Matching ContributionSection 125/Cafeteria PlanLong Term Care InsuranceTuition ReimbursementFitness Center ReimbursementAnnual Performance Bonus9/80 Work Schedule OptionFSA and HSA OptionsNotice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.BehaviorsLeader:Inspires teammates to follow themMotivationsSelf-Starter:Inspired to perform without outside helpEducationRequired:Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering.ExperienceRequired:15 years:Experience in piping design and pressure vessel engineering, with strong, direct experience in the power industryLicenses & CertificationsRequired:Prof Engineering (PE)Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.