Mechanical Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to lead the design of mechanical systems for commercial and institutional facilities. You will coordinate a diverse team across schematic through contract document phases and ensure code compliance with governing agencies.

The ideal candidate will have a PE license, 3+ years of relevant experience, and familiarity with healthcare, laboratory, data center, aerospace, or federal facilities, plus MS Office and TRACE software proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required).
• Master's degree in Architectural Engineering with Mechanical emphasis (preferred).
• PE license recognized by the licensing board for the position location.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the work of the mechanical design team through schematic design, development and contract document phase.
• Be responsible for the design of mechanical systems across a variety of building typologies.
• Establish meetings and participate in reviews with governing agencies for code compliance.
• Coordinate workload to complete documents on schedule.
• Provide construction contract administration as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Architectural Engineering with Mechanical emphasis

Tools

MS Office

Trane TRACE

Manufacturer selection software

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

• Coordinate the work of the mechanical design team through the schematic design development and contract document phase of a project
• Be responsible for the design of mechanical systems across a variety of building typologies.
• Coordinate the work of the mechanical design team through the schematic design development and contract document phase of a project
• Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
• Coordinate workload to complete the document on schedule
• Conduct work sessions at the project site in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines
• Review mechanical documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
• Write and edit mechanical specifications, selects equipment, mechanical systems and devices
• Coordinate with and assist affected disciplines with addenda, RFIs, CPRs and change orders, and take responsibility to incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents
• Provide construction contract administration as needed
• Conduct QA/QC on the work of other Mechanical Project Engineers, Mechanical Project Coordinators or Mechanical CAD Technicians as needed
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architectural Engineering with Mechanical emphasis
• A minimum of 3 years experience in mechanical system design of commercial, institutional, or federal buildings
• Experience with the design of healthcare, laboratory, data center, aerospace, and/or federal/DOD facilities.
• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired but not required.
• Preference given to candidates currently residing in the Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD, DC) Area

*LI-MJ1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Previous experience in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings

Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.

• Experience in commercial or institutional facilities
• Computer experience using MS Office, Trane TRACE or similar software, manufacturer selection software
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Other Locations

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Building Mechanical

Job Posting

Jul 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employee.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.