Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aviation

Buro Happold; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 151,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Annual discretionary bonus

Generous PTO 5 weeks + holidays

401k with company match

License reimbursements

Job summary

Buro Happold is seeking an Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex aviation projects in Washington, DC, blending technical oversight with strong client management.

The role demands extensive experience in mechanical design, aviation sector expertise, and leadership across multidisciplinary teams, with a focus on delivering high-quality, compliant engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of Mechanical Engineering design in building services/construction.
• 10+ years of aviation experience.
• Senior leadership within MEP for an architectural engineering consultancy.
• Ability to manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for project teams, driving successful outcomes.
• Lead design and technical specifications of mechanical systems.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, resources, and delivery.
• Develop and maintain client relationships for business development.
• Guide graduates and junior engineers in their development.
• Communicate with clients, architects, and project partners.
• Oversee multiple projects ensuring quality engineering solutions.

Skills

12+ years experience

Aviation experience

Senior leadership

FAA knowledge

Client relationship mgmt

Business development

Revit

Communication

Education

BS/MS Mechanical Engineering or related

Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred

LEED AP preferred

Tools

Revit

Computational analysis tools

Job description

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

Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer - Aviation

Job Reference burohappold/TP/132643/2630

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 Principal Mechanical Engineer – Aviation

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

The Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer will play a pivotal role in providing technical expertise and leadership to our Building Environments Group, with a particular focus on the aviation sector. You will work closely with clients, architects, other Buro Happold Engineers, and/or design team members as part of a dedicated and skilled team. You will provide leadership across complex aviation projects while managing project delivery, client relationships, resources, and financial performance.

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 Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will take a leadership role in the delivery of complex aviation projects, providing technical oversight while managing project performance, client relationships, and multidisciplinary teams. You will also contribute to business development efforts and help strengthen our relationships and presence within the aviation sector.

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

• Provide leadership for project teams, driving successful outcomes and ensuring project objectives are delivered.
• Lead the design and technical specifications of mechanical systems, ensuring quality output.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, resources, and overall project delivery.
• Manage project resources and deliver high-quality technical solutions.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities to support business development and continued growth.
• Guide graduates and other junior engineers through their professional development.
• Communicate directly with clients, architects, project partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Direct multiple projects across the group, ensuring the successful implementation of engineering solutions while maintaining financial performance.
• Apply an understanding of FAA requirements, airport operational constraints, and aviation industry best practices throughout project planning and delivery.
• 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

• 12+ years of extensive experience in Mechanical Engineering design within the building services and construction industry.
• 10+ years of aviation experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role within MEP for an architectural engineering consultancy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and resources.
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills.
• Strong understanding of FAA requirements, airport operational constraints, and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects, teams, and deadlines while ensuring client satisfaction.
• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or relevant degree.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred.
• 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.
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and client-facing skills.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t meet all requirements.

What we offer

• Generous benefits package
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous PTO (5 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: $151,000–$212,000. 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.