Mechanical Engineer

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Inc is looking for a Mechanical Engineer in Reston, Virginia, to support critical national security missions. This position focuses on analyzing and characterizing complex facility designs and infrastructure in denied-access environments.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering and possess an active TS/SCI clearance. Responsibilities include evaluating vulnerability and developing engineering simulations for defense initiatives.

Qualifications

• Active and in-scope TS/SCI clearance required.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering principles and theories.
• 4+ years of experience in relevant engineering roles.

Responsibilities

• Analyze facility designs and spatial layouts.
• Evaluate security vulnerabilities in infrastructure.
• Develop 3D models and conduct engineering simulations.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering Principles

3D Modeling

Data Analysis

HVAC System Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

Autodesk Revit

VENTSIM

ETAP

Job description

Mechanical Engineer (TS/SCI Required)

Location: Reston, VA

Leidos is seeking a 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.

The successful candidate will apply mechanical engineering expertise to analyze facility designs, spatial layouts, operational workflows, and supporting infrastructure to determine functional capabilities and mission relevance. The role includes evaluating facility systems, modeling critical infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities, and contributing technical insights that support complex intelligence and defense initiatives.

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 expertise 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 required with willingness to obtain a polygraph after hire. Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering principles, theories, and concepts, with the ability to apply them across a range of technical and mission-focused programs.
• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 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: Strong multidisciplinary 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

• Five 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 mitigation or corrective action strategies.

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date.

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.