Mechanical Engineer-Project Engineer

JP Donovan Construction; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

JP Donovan Construction is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer to support aerospace and industrial construction projects at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The role involves providing engineering support on construction and commissioning tasks to ensure project success.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3-5 years of relevant experience. This position requires strong technical skills and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in project engineering or construction engineering.
• Experience supporting industrial or aerospace construction projects.
• Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide mechanical engineering support for construction and commissioning.
• Ensure accurate tracking of progress and KPIs.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineering teams.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project engineering

HVAC systems

Process piping

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer with 3-5 years of experience to support aerospace and industrial construction projects at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB).

This role will function as a Project Engineer on an existing construction project, providing mechanical engineering support on ongoing construction, commissioning, and project closeout for critical aerospace infrastructure.

Working closely with the Project Manager and technical engineering team to provide a link between operational management, schedule, tracking, and construction teams to ensure accurate tracking of progress, KPIs, and deliverables to meet an aggressive schedule and client needs.

The position requires strong technical skills, field engineering capability, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-focused government and aerospace environment.

Work Location & Environment

• Primary work location is Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
• Position requires full-time on-base presence and access to active construction and aerospace operations areas
• Combination of field office-based engineering work and field construction support
• Industrial construction sites requiring PPE and adherence to strict safety protocols
• Must be able to obtain and maintain base access credentials

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in project engineering, construction engineering, or mechanical design roles
• Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, or aerospace-related construction projects
• Working knowledge of:
  • HVAC and building mechanical systems
  • Process piping and mechanical equipment
  • Construction means and methods
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project)
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred but not required
• Prior experience working on Department of Defense or aerospace facility projects
• Familiarity with ASME, ANSI, NFPA, UFC, and other government/aerospace standards
• Experience with cryogenics, propellant systems, launch pad utilities
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, or other engineering design software
• Commissioning and startup experience for mechanical systems
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• Design-build or EPC project delivery experience