Lead Mechanical Engineer

SolomonEdwards; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SolomonEdwards is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer in Cary, North Carolina to provide technical leadership across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences projects. Lead the mechanical design process, mentor engineers, and support project delivery from feasibility through construction documentation.

The role requires 10–12 years in building design with HVAC expertise, strong leadership, and familiarity with AutoCAD or Revit.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of engineering and design experience in building design, with HVAC focus.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Understanding of building construction and project delivery methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency with CAD tools including AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical/HVAC system design principles and codes.
• Experience with HVAC load calculations and energy analyses.
• At least 4 years leading or overseeing engineers and designers on projects.
• Strong communication, coordination, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mechanical and HVAC systems for life sciences facilities.
• Oversee systems like air distribution, piping, central plants, AHUs, and controls.
• Act as Project Lead through feasibility to construction documentation.
• Define scope, budgets, schedules, and staffing with PMs.
• Coordinate with officials and other design professionals as needed.
• Mentor engineering staff and review project drawings and calculations.
• Communicate scope changes and opportunities to clients.

Skills

HVAC design

Project leadership

Mechanical design

AutoCAD

Revit

Engineering calculations

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

A global leader in providing innovative solutions for technically complex facilities, with a primary focus on the life sciences industry. Our multidisciplinary services include consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV).

Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Cary, North Carolina team. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and engineering expertise across a variety of projects within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences sectors.

The Lead Mechanical Engineer will work independently under the direction of a Project Manager or Group Lead and may lead the complete mechanical design process, serve as a technical subject matter expert, or support specialized design efforts. This position may involve managing multiple projects simultaneously and requires strong technical, organizational, and leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of mechanical and HVAC systems for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences facilities.
• Design and oversee systems including:
• Air distribution and ductwork systems
• Hot water, chilled water, and condenser water piping and pumping systems
• Steam and condensate systems
• Central utility plants
• Air-handling systems
• Dehumidification systems
• Automatic temperature and building control systems
• Heat transfer and related mechanical utility systems
• Develop engineering studies, feasibility assessments, and schematic designs for new mechanical systems.
• Evaluate existing HVAC, mechanical utility, and equipment systems and determine their suitability for renovation and retrofit projects.
• Serve as Project Lead throughout all phases of project delivery, including feasibility studies, building assessments, conceptual design, basis-of-design documentation, detailed design, and construction documentation.
• Define project requirements, develop task plans, and collaborate with Project Managers to establish scope, budgets, schedules, and staffing requirements.
• Develop design scopes of work based on preliminary assessments, client requirements, and project meetings.
• Coordinate with building officials and other design professionals when code interpretations, variances, or exceptions are required.
• Assign, coordinate, and review the work of engineers and designers on project teams.
• Monitor project progress and provide drawing markups and technical direction as needed.
• Communicate regularly with clients and promptly identify changes in scope, project requirements, or additional service opportunities.
• Review contractor payment applications and related project documentation.
• Coordinate completion of project documents internally and with clients, contractors, and other design professionals.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses, including duct sizing, pressure-drop calculations, air balancing, equipment sizing, and related HVAC design calculations.
• Develop or review construction cost estimates and budgets based on project scope and engineering experience.
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of company design and production standards.
• Mentor and support engineering and design staff and serve as a technical resource for design-related questions.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 10–12 years of engineering and design experience within the building design industry, with significant experience in HVAC systems and mechanical utility generation equipment.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Thorough understanding of the building construction process and project delivery methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency with engineering design and computer-aided drafting tools, including AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and HVAC system design principles, standards, and applicable building codes.
• Experience using software for HVAC load calculations, energy analysis, and related engineering assessments.
• At least 4 years of experience leading or overseeing engineers and designers on project teams.
• Strong communication, coordination, problem-solving, and project leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience designing mechanical systems for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other highly regulated life sciences facilities.
• Experience with complex utility systems, central plants, and technically sophisticated manufacturing or research facilities.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Climb ladders when necessary.
• Perform field activities associated with construction and client‑site environments.

This position may require work in both indoor and outdoor environments and exposure to varying site conditions.

Employees may be required to work in controlled or cleanroom environments and must be able to comply with strict cleanroom gowning and safety protocols.

Travel Requirements

This position requires approximately 5–20% travel, depending on project requirements. Additional or extended travel may be required based on project assignments.

Travel responsibilities may include:

• Extended assignments at client locations.
• Overnight travel or temporary stays in the client's city.
• Routine visits to construction, manufacturing, research, process, packaging, or other client facilities.
• Compliance with all applicable client and IPS travel and safety policies.
• Reliable transportation for travel to and from client sites.
• Ability to commute to client or project locations on a regular basis.

Safety

This is a safety-sensitive position. The role includes field assignments and regular access to client sites where construction, manufacturing, process, packaging, research, and other non‑administrative activities are performed.