Early Career Mechanical Engineering- Summer 2027

WSP USA; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking a Full-Time Early Career Mechanical Engineer for our Richmond, VA office starting in Summer 2027. You will assist on mechanical systems design, development, testing, and inspection across infrastructure, building, and construction projects, with duties including documentation and safety compliance.

The role involves data collection from sites and basic engineering tasks under supervision, contributing to project deliverables and adherence to codes and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 0 to 1 year of relevant post-education experience.
• Strong research skills and analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with design/build concepts and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of relevant codes and safety practices.
• Good written and verbal communication in a professional context.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting and analyzing data from sites, blueprints, and reports.
• Support basic mechanical engineering work on design and site conditions.
• Contribute to load calculations and operating strategies for equipment.
• Verify site characteristics and provide technical assistance on design issues.
• Produce clear documentation and specifications using drawings and logs.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and project procedures.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Independent work

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Process design concepts

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

CAM

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Early Career Mechanical Engineer for our Richmond, VA office starting in Summer of 2027. Be involved in projects with our Property & Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the design, development, building, testing, and inspecting of mechanical systems on infrastructure, building, and construction projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, installation, operation, maintenance, and optimal integration of automatic temperature control, air distribution, hydronic, and plumbing systems, equipment and processes. Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, computer-generated reports, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.


• Assist with performing basic professional mechanical engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, resources, building, infrastructure, usage, and mechanical systems to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.


• Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, load calculations, and operating strategies to account for the proper installation and functioning of equipment and systems according to specifications.


• Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on various engineering, design, and construction issues.


• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation and specifications using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.


• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.


• Complete training on assigned tasks.


• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.


• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.


• 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.


• Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.


• Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.


• Familiarity with relevant mechanical system and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.


• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.


• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.


• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.


• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.


• Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., Revit, AutoCAD, CAM).


• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.


• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.


• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineer in Training Certification.


• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.


• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $63,000- $88,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.