Mechanical Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Project Manager

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Project Manager to lead complex building systems projects while remaining deeply involved in hands-on mechanical design. You will manage smaller projects, mentor 1–2 mechanical designers, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams on commercial, educational, municipal, healthcare, and higher education projects. The position combines project management, technical design leadership, and active participation in a collaborative, people-first firm that values mentorship, flexibility, and long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical project delivery from concept through construction, managing scope, schedule, and coordination for a variety of building types including K-12, municipal, healthcare, higher education, and commercial projects.
• Plan and oversee the work of 1–2 mechanical designers, providing day-to-day guidance, technical direction, and mentorship to support their growth.
• Contribute significantly to design production, with an approximate workload split of 60% technical work and 40% project management responsibilities.
• Develop complete, biddable construction document packages, including mechanical plans, details, schedules, and specifications for HVAC, plumbing, controls, and hydronic systems.
• Produce and review 2D and 3D mechanical drawings using AutoCAD and Revit, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and coordination with other disciplines.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to design complex mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, controls, hydronics, and related MEP systems.
• Ensure code compliance by applying a working knowledge of commonly used building codes and standards to all project designs.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to resolve design issues and maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in inter-office collaboration on regional and national projects, sharing knowledge and best practices across teams.
• Manage project timelines and deliverables, using strong time management skills to meet deadlines in a deadline-driven yet relaxed environment.
• Support specification writing and documentation for mechanical systems and equipment, contributing to clear and comprehensive project specifications.
• Engage in regular mentorship and technical leadership, including supporting junior staff, participating in lunch-and-learn sessions, and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.
• Collaborate closely with the mechanical department leadership, providing project status updates and aligning project execution with departmental standards and goals.
• Adapt project management responsibilities over time, taking on increased leadership as you progress toward more project management levels.
• Participate in internal development initiatives, quarterly check-ins, and ongoing education to support personal and professional growth.

Essential Skills

• 5–10 years of experience in mechanical engineering or mechanical design roles, with substantial involvement in HVAC and/or plumbing design, controls, and hydronic systems.
• 5+ years of experience as a Project Designer or similar role in mechanical engineering, focusing on HVAC and/or plumbing design, controls, and hydronics.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit, including the ability to complete 2D and 3D mechanical drawings for building systems.
• Strong mechanical design skills, including experience with MEP design and MEP engineering for building projects.
• Ability to produce a complete set of biddable construction documents for mechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of commonly used building codes and code compliance requirements for mechanical and MEP systems.
• Experience with commercial, educational, and/or municipal construction projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for documentation, communication, and project coordination.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with team members and project stakeholders.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to meet project deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Comfort working in an office environment and collaborating with small, tight-knit teams.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative while remaining collaborative.
• Experience with HVAC design, plumbing design, and related mechanical engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with electrical design and controls engineering as they relate to integrated building systems.
• EIT certification, PE license, or demonstrated progress toward these credentials.
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred but not required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with educational projects, including K-12 and higher education facilities.
• Experience with healthcare and commercial projects and an understanding of their unique mechanical system requirements.
• in designing complex mechanical systems and hydronic systems for a variety of building types.
• Experience with spec writing for mechanical systems and equipment.
• Familiarity with Dynamo and Revit automation tools is a plus.
• Exposure to AI-driven design automation or interest in AI innovation within building systems design.
• LEED AP or other relevant sustainability certifications.
• Demonstrated interest in ongoing education, mentorship, and professional development.
• Comfort working in a hybrid environment and adapting to evolving project and team needs.
• Interest in participating in networking, philanthropy, and community involvement activities.
• Ability to thrive in a family-oriented, people-first culture that emphasizes teamwork, education, mentorship, and adaptability.

Work Environment

The role operates within a flexible, hybrid work environment that emphasizes both collaboration and autonomy. The standard schedule is an 8-hour shift with a flexible start time, and a 4/9 schedule with a half-day on Friday is available. The schedule is intentionally not rigid, allowing for personalized arrangements that balance project needs with individual preferences. During onboarding, you can expect to be onsite approximately 2–3 days per week, transitioning over time to around 1 day per week or every other week onsite, depending on autonomy and performance. Initially, you will likely spend 3 or more days in the office with 2 or more remote days, with increased remote flexibility as you become more established. In-office collaboration remains important, and team members typically align their in-office days to work together. The team structure centers on small groups where Project Managers oversee 1–2 designers, fostering close collaboration, autonomy, and hands-on learning. Teams collaborate across regional and national projects, providing exposure to diverse scopes and markets. The culture is family-oriented, laid-back, and people-first, with a fun and inclusive atmosphere. The firm operates as a smaller, multidisciplinary building systems design practice, which supports fluid roles, strong mentorship, and technical excellence. Employees enjoy a collaborative two-story office environment with ample space, regular breaks together, luncheons, lunch-and-learn sessions, and in-office trainings. The organization emphasizes growth and innovation, including a strong focus on AI-driven design automation and a commitment to healthy, sustainable expansion over the next several years. Benefits and cultural offerings include flexible and hybrid work options, team-building budgets, quarterly check-ins for personal and professional development, support for certifications and licensing, mentorship opportunities, inter-office project collaboration, and active participation in philanthropy and community events. Dress expectations align with a professional yet relaxed office setting, consistent with the firm’s laid-back and inclusive culture.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $67.31/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)

This is a hybrid position in Sacramento,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 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 ziprecruiter.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.