Mechanical Design Engineer

Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Description

The Lead Mechanical Design Engineer leads the design, analysis, and documentation of HVAC and mechanical building systems for complex healthcare, science and technology, infrastructure, and commercial projects. This role applies advanced mechanical engineering expertise to develop innovative, code-compliant solutions that support project objectives and uphold high standards of technical excellence. The engineer performs detailed engineering analyses and calculations, prepares system designs and construction documents, selects equipment, develops specifications, and ensures compliance with applicable building codes, HCAI requirements, industry standards, and internal quality standards. The position also provides technical oversight through the review of engineering drawings, calculations, and specifications to ensure accuracy, quality, and successful project delivery.
Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and documentation of HVAC and mechanical building systems for healthcare, science and technology, infrastructure, and commercial projects.
• Perform detailed mechanical engineering analyses and calculations to support system design and performance.
• Prepare mechanical system designs and comprehensive construction documents, including drawings and specifications.
• Select appropriate mechanical and HVAC equipment and develop clear, accurate technical specifications.
• Ensure mechanical and HVAC designs comply with applicable building codes, HCAI requirements, industry standards, and internal quality standards.
• Provide technical oversight by reviewing engineering drawings, calculations, and specifications for accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee design quality, coordination, and technical deliverables across project teams.
• Apply integrated building design principles to develop efficient, coordinated mechanical solutions.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple offices to deliver cohesive project outcomes.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and engineers to support their development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence within the mechanical discipline.
• Support projects involving complex healthcare facilities, hospitals, medical centers, and critical infrastructure subject to HCAI regulation.
• Communicate design concepts, technical issues, and project updates clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Advanced knowledge of HVAC and mechanical building systems design for healthcare and commercial facilities.
• Strong understanding of applicable building codes, industry standards, and integrated building design principles.
• Advanced proficiency with Revit for mechanical and HVAC system modeling and documentation.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for mechanical design and drafting.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam for drawing review, markups, and coordination.
• Experience overseeing design quality, coordination, and technical deliverables on complex projects.
• Working knowledge of HCAI (formerly OSHPD) requirements, codes, review processes, and construction administration (strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with sustainable, resilient, and high-performance building design principles.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for conveying technical information to diverse audiences.
• Mechanical engineering experience with demonstrated experience in building systems design.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on complex healthcare facilities, hospitals, medical centers, and critical infrastructure projects.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams across multiple office locations.
• Ability to provide effective technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and engineers.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and advancing technical excellence in mechanical engineering.
• Interest in employee ownership culture and contributing to long-term organizational success.

Work Environment
The role offers remote and hybrid work flexibility, allowing a blend of work from home and office-based collaboration. The work focuses on technically challenging healthcare and critical facility projects, providing exposure to complex, HCAI-regulated environments and integrated building design practices. Employees participate in an employee-owned benefit corporation structure with access to an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), fostering a culture of shared success, collaboration, and long-term engagement in a professional engineering setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $96.00/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 fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.