Junior Mechanical Engineer

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 69,550 - 125,725; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in Reston, VA to assess facilities in denied-access environments, focusing on MEP integration and operational capability. You will develop 3D models, run simulations, and translate findings into technical reports and CAD/BIM outputs for DoD stakeholders.

Required are active TS/SCI clearance, a relevant degree with 2+ years of experience, and strong HVAC/MEP knowledge. This role demands rigorous analysis and clear communication of assumptions and gaps.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph willingness; U.S. citizen.
• Bachelor's degree with 2+ yrs experience or Master's with less than 2 yrs.
• Experience in facility analysis, infrastructure vulnerability, or DoD/IC settings.
• MEP design, integration, and operation in complex facilities.
• Identify HVAC equipment, estimate size and capacity.
• Work with large datasets from field data, manuals, and models.
• Proficient in 3D modeling, engineering analysis, and simulation.
• Able to read engineering drawings, layouts, and intelligence data.
• Communicate assumptions and gaps clearly.

Responsibilities

• Analyze facility layouts and architectures within denied-access environments to define purpose and capacity.
• Evaluate designs to identify vulnerabilities, single points of failure, and mission impact.
• Develop high-fidelity 3D models and run simulations of operations and constraints.
• Apply engineering knowledge to assess MEP integration and functionality in facilities.
• Translate data and assessments into reports, CAD/BIM products for DoD stakeholders.
• Support R&D initiatives independently or in teams to advance methodologies.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

U.S. Citizenship

3D modeling

Engineering analysis

Physical simulation

MEP systems knowledge

HVAC knowledge

Data interpretation

Communication of assumptions

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Autodesk Revit

VENTSIM

ETAP

Job description

Leidos is seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer to support critical national security missions in Reston, Virginia. This role focuses on the assessment, reverse engineering, and characterization of complex above-ground and subterranean facilities located in denied-access environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze and characterize the physical and functional attributes of facility layouts, building architecture, and operational workflows within denied-access environments to determine facility purpose, capability, and operational capacity.

• Evaluate facility and infrastructure designs to identify security vulnerabilities, single points of failure, operational bottlenecks, and potential mission impacts.

• Develop high-fidelity 3D models and conduct engineering simulations to replicate facility operations, workflow efficiencies, and structural or mechanical limitations.

• Apply multidisciplinary engineering knowledge to assess supporting facility systems, with a primary focus on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) integration and functionality.

• Translate field-collected data, intelligence information, and engineering assessments into comprehensive technical reports, CAD/BIM products, and simulation-based analyses for Department of Defense stakeholders.

• Support customer-approved research and development initiatives independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team to advance analytical methodologies, modeling capabilities, and mission solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Active and in scope TS/SCI clearance and willingness to obtain a polygraph required. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Working knowledge of engineering principles, theories, concepts, and techniques, with the ability to apply them to technical and mission-focused challenges.

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with less than 2 years of relevant experience.

• Relevant experience includes facility analysis, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and mechanical engineering within commercial, Department of Defense, or Intelligence Community environments.

• MEP Systems Knowledge: Understanding of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) system design, integration, and operational functionality within complex industrial or military facilities, including specialized containment systems, filtration systems, and backup power infrastructure.

• Ability to identify industrial HVAC equipment, estimate system size and capacity, and assess operational capabilities through visual analysis.

• Ability to evaluate, organize, and utilize large datasets from diverse sources, including field-collected data, equipment technical manuals, and existing facility models.

• Experience with 3D modeling, engineering analysis, and physical simulation methodologies.

• Familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings, facility layouts, blueprints, and intelligence-derived technical data.

• Ability to make sound technical judgments with incomplete information and clearly communicate assumptions, information gaps, and recommended paths forward.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of field experience working with industrial HVAC systems, including air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, condensers, cooling towers, air handlers, heat exchangers, boilers, and related equipment.

• Working knowledge of air management systems supporting critical environments, including medical laboratories, clean rooms, chemical laboratories, and similar specialized facilities.

• Hands‑on experience with advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) and engineering simulation tools, including Autodesk Revit, VENTSIM, ETAP, and other industry-standard CAD and modeling platforms.

• Experience supporting forensic engineering investigations, industrial accident analyses, or Department of Defense facility vulnerability studies.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Experience identifying mechanical system vulnerabilities and developing effective corrective actions.

Pay Range: $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.