Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP)

Catapult Federal Services; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Catapult Federal Services seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP) to design, develop, and coordinate mechanical systems for building and infrastructure projects in Scottsdale, AZ. You will drive HVAC, plumbing, and piping concepts, ensuring code-compliant, efficient designs and providing construction support from initiation through project closeout.

The role requires 5–8 years of mechanical design experience, strong software skills (AutoCAD, Revit, Deltek), and excellent leadership and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• 5–8 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably within MEP consulting.
• Experience with HVAC load calculations, plumbing systems, and piping design.
• Strong knowledge of ASHRAE standards, mechanical codes, and industry practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and plan mechanical design projects, aligning with proposal details.
• Develop initial HVAC, plumbing, and piping design concepts and validate direction with PE.
• Lead mechanical design submissions and milestone reviews (35% design, 50% design).
• Review progress drawing sets for mechanical systems and coordinate revisions.
• Provide technical guidance and support to mechanical designers and drafters.
• Coordinate mechanical systems with electrical, plumbing, and structural disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with ASHRAE, local codes, and mechanical standards.
• Oversee coordination with vendors supplying mechanical equipment.
• Review mechanical submittals, shop drawings, and respond to RFIs.
• Provide construction administration support to ensure design intent is met.
• Support troubleshooting of mechanical system issues during construction.
• Update and monitor mechanical project schedules and report risks.

Skills

HVAC design

Plumbing design

Piping design

AutoCAD

Revit

Deltek

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Deltek

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer (MEP)

Department: MEP
Reports To: Director of Operations
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Duration: Direct-hire/PERM
Work Model: On Site

Position Summary

The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and coordinating mechanical systems for building and infrastructure projects. This includes HVAC, plumbing, piping, and fire protection systems. The role requires expertise in mechanical design principles, system integration, and regulatory compliance. The engineer collaborates with internal teams, vendors, and external stakeholders to ensure high‑quality, efficient, and code‑compliant designs. The position plays a key role in project initiation, guiding design development, providing construction support, and monitoring project progress to meet performance, budget, and schedule goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Initiation & Planning
• Review and confirm the mechanical scope of work against proposal details.
• Identify missing or required information specific to HVAC, plumbing, or piping systems.
• Conduct internal kickoff meetings and review project schedules with a mechanical focus.
• Prepare ASA descriptions and estimated hours for mechanical tasks.
• Mechanical Design Development
• Develop initial HVAC, plumbing, and piping design concepts.
• Validate design direction with the PE and project team.
• Lead mechanical design submissions and milestone reviews
  • 35% design 50% design
• Review progress drawing sets for mechanical systems and coordinate revisions.
• Provide technical guidance and support to mechanical designers and drafters.

Coordination & Oversight

• Coordinate mechanical systems with electrical, plumbing, and structural disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with ASHRAE, local codes, and mechanical standards.
• Oversee coordination with vendors supplying mechanical equipment (HVAC units, pumps, etc.).
• Confirm site visit needs, mechanical access requirements, and safety protocols.
• Construction Support & Documentation
• Review mechanical submittals, shop drawings, and respond to RFIs.
• Provide construction administration support to ensure design intent is met.
• Support troubleshooting of mechanical system issues during construction.
• Project Monitoring & Reporting
• Update and monitor mechanical project schedules throughout the lifecycle.
• Report mechanical design issues, resource needs, or risks to the Director of Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• 5-8 years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably within MEP consulting.
• Proficiency in mechanical design software and project management tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Deltek).
• Strong knowledge of ASHRAE standards, mechanical codes, and industry practices.
• Experience with HVAC load calculations, plumbing systems, and piping design.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and coordination skills.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and piping design.
• Problem solving and analytical thinking.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple mechanical design projects under deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with leadership capability.