Lead Mechanical Engineer

IPS - Integrated Project Services, LLC; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for our Irvine, California office to direct the design of HVAC systems for life sciences facilities, including central plants, air handling, and automated controls. The role requires 10–12 years of engineering experience and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Proficiency with AutoCAD/Revit and strong project leadership are essential. Travel 5–20% and field work at client sites are expected as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Strong understanding of the construction process.
• Experience with CAD tools (AutoCAD/Revit).
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical system design and applicable codes (HVAC).
• Experience with load calculations and energy analysis software.
• 4 years of experience overseeing engineers and designers on project teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct the design of mechanical (HVAC) systems including air distribution, piping, central plants, air handling, dehumidification, and automatic control systems for life sciences facilities.
• Prepare engineering studies and schematic designs and analyze existing systems.
• Replace project lead on projects across all phases of work.
• Draft the scope of work for design based on client reviews and meetings.
• Collaborate with code officials and other design professionals on building code interpretations.
• Assign and review the work of the project design team and monitor progress.

Skills

HVAC design

Project leadership

AutoCAD

Revit

Code compliance

Load calculations

Energy analysis

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Overview

IPS is a global leader in technical consulting, architecture, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation services for technically complex facilities in the life sciences industry. We are seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for our Irvine, California office.

Responsibilities

• Direct the design of mechanical (HVAC) systems, including air distribution ductwork systems, hot water, chilled water, condenser water pumping and piping, steam and condensate piping, central plants, air handling, dehumidification, automatic control systems, and ancillary heat transfer systems for pharmaceutical, biotech, and life science facilities.
• Prepare engineering studies and schematic designs for new mechanical systems and analyze the operation of existing systems.
• Analyze existing HVAC and utility generation systems and equipment to determine applicability for renovation projects.
• Replace project lead on projects across all phases of work, including Feasibility Reports, Building Assessments, Concept and Basis of Design Reports, and Detailed Design and Documentation.
• Assess project requirements, break work into tasks, and collaborate with a Project Manager on scope, budget, and staffing.
• Draft the scope of work for design based on client reviews and meetings.
• Collaborate with code officials and other design professionals when interpretations or exceptions to building codes are required.
• Assign and review the work of the project design team; monitor progress and produce markups for drawings.
• Communicate with clients and inform the Project Manager of changes in scope or additional services.
• Review contractor applications for payment.
• Coordinate all aspects of project documentation with internal teams, clients, and other design professionals.
• Make calculations using engineering formulas for design tasks such as duct sizing, pressure drop, air balance, and equipment sizing.
• Prepare or review construction budgets based on project scope and experience.
• Promote and contribute to company design and production standards; support education and development of design staff.
• Perform additional tasks or projects as assigned.

Salary information: The offered salary for this role ranges from $154,000 to $237,000 and is dependent on experience, skill set, and education.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 10–12 years of engineering/design experience in the building design industry (e.g., HVAC systems and utility generation equipment).
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Strong understanding of the construction process.
• Expertise in engineering design software and CAD tools (AutoCAD/Revit).
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical system design and applicable codes (HVAC).
• Experience with load calculations and energy analysis software.
• 4 years of experience overseeing engineers and designers on project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Must be able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to climb ladders as necessary.

Work Environment

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments with varying conditions.
• Adhere to cleanroom gowning protocols as required.

Travel

• 5–20% travel, or as project requirements dictate.
• Potential assignment to a client site for extended periods; overnight travel may be required.
• Must have access to reliable transportation and be able to travel on a daily or routine basis.

Safety

• This is a safety-sensitive position.
• Field work at client sites in non-administrative environments (construction, process, packaging, manufacturing, etc.).

Equal Opportunity

IPS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or citizenship status.

About IPS

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway company, provides technical consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, commissioning, qualification, and validation services for complex facilities. We emphasize integration of people and technology to deliver solutions at any scale, with a focus on collaboration and client partnerships.