Associate Mechanical Engineer - Aviation

Buro Happold; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Annual discretionary bonus

Generous PTO 4 weeks + 10 holidays

401k with company match

Licenses and renewal fees reimbursed

Learning and development opportunities

Diversity & Inclusion programs

Job summary

Buro Happold in Washington, DC, invites an experienced Associate Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical systems for aviation projects. You will oversee design, specifications, and coordination with architects and clients, guiding a team to deliver high-quality, compliant solutions.

The role requires 8+ years in mechanical engineering/HVAC, aviation project experience, and a PE license. Hybrid work in DC supports collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Mechanical Engineering and HVAC experience.
• 5+ years on airport/aviation projects.
• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or relevant degree.
• P.E. license expected; LEED AP preferred.
• Experience using Revit and computational analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary mechanical discipline lead on medium to large aviation projects.
• Lead design and specs of mechanical and HVAC systems.
• Manage project resources and client relationships.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor graduates and junior engineers.
• Communicate with clients and maintain strong relationships.
• Contribute innovative solutions across projects.

Skills

8+ years experience

Aviation projects

BS/MS Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.)

LEED AP preferred

Revit experience

Computational analysis tools

Client-facing skills

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit

Computational analysis tools

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Washington DC

Associate Mechanical Engineer - Aviation

Job Reference burohappold/TP/132643/2623

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent

Competitive

Working Hours:

40

Location:

Washington DC

Closing Date:

05/01/2027

Job Category:

Engineering and Design

Business Unit:

USA

BEnv Mechanical

Associate Mechanical Engineer – Aviation

Buro Happold has an exciting opportunity for a talented and experienced Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our hybrid team in Washington, DC.

The Associate Mechanical Engineer will lead the design of mechanical systems and manage a team to deliver high-quality solutions, with a particular focus on aviation projects. You will work closely with clients, architects, other Buro Happold Engineers, and/or design team members as part of a dedicated and skilled team. Duties include the production of coordinated detailed design drawings, specifications, written reports, site observation reports, schedules, etc. on a variety of projects.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Your next role

Join us and be surrounded by exceptional opportunities in an environment alive with innovation and possibility. Your new team has a willingness and curiosity to see possibility and potential in everything – from the most iconic projects to our everyday conversations.

As an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you will have the opportunity to serve as a primary mechanical discipline lead on medium to large aviation projects, providing technical leadership while collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams and clients.

As a key part of the team, your responsibilities will be varied, but likely to include:

• Serve as the primary mechanical discipline lead on medium to large aviation projects.
• Lead the design and technical specifications of mechanical and HVAC systems, ensuring quality output.
• Manage project resources, client relationships, and deliver high-quality solutions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated and technically sound solutions.
• Guide graduates and other junior engineers through their professional development.
• Communicate directly with clients and maintain strong client relationships.
• Actively contribute ideas and innovative solutions across various projects.
• Ensure practices, policies, strategy, and services represent the client’s best interests and comply with current legislation and building codes.

Your skills and experience

• 8+ years of experience in Mechanical Engineering and HVAC.
• 5+ years of experience working on airport/aviation projects.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as the primary mechanical discipline lead on medium to large aviation projects.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior role within MEP for an architectural engineering consultancy.
• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or relevant degree.
• P.E., Professional Engineer.
• LEED AP accreditation preferred.
• Experience using Revit and computational analysis tools.
• Additional sector experience in Transportation, Cultural Projects, Labs, Commercial, and Higher Education is beneficial.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary project teams.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all requirements.

What we offer

• Generous benefits package
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous PTO (4 weeks) in addition to 10 paid holidays
• 401k with company match
• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• Connection to global network of experts on the forefront of industry initiatives
• Access to wide ranging learning and development opportunities
• Be a part of supporting our diverse company culture through open engagement with our Young Employees Forum, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Buro Happold Women's Network, and/or our Black at Buro Happold Employee Resource Groups

Compensation

Anticipated base annual salary: $123,000–$170,000. The salary range listed for this position is intended as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as location, education, skills, experience, and market conditions. We recognize that candidates bring diverse backgrounds and qualifications, and compensation may be adjusted accordingly. The posted range should not be viewed as a strict minimum or maximum limitation. Benefits and any additional compensation elements are separate from the base salary range listed.

Ready for something a little less ordinary?

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another.Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.