Mechanical Principal - Labs

HDR, Inc.; Pennington (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Mechanical Principal to coordinate and lead mechanical projects in Pennington, NJ. The role emphasizes collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as at least 10 years of experience in mechanical system design. This position is critical for shaping the infrastructure supporting technological advancement. Candidates should possess a Professional Engineering license and strong leadership skills in a project management context.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings.
• Professional Engineering license recognized by the licensing board.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering firm.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the work of Mechanical Engineers throughout the project’s development.
• Establish client relations and participate in marketing and design meetings.
• Conduct design development and contract document work sessions.

Skills

Mechanical system design

Leadership skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Mechanical Principal - Laboratories

(190482)

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. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: HDR Story

Each 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.

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures; it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. In 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the work of Mechanical Engineers with the balance of a multidiscipline team throughout the entire project’s development.
• Establish client relations and participate in marketing, design, and production meetings regarding mechanical systems.
• Assume the mechanical lead on many projects.
• Participate in reviews with governing agencies for code compliance.
• Conduct schematic, design development, and contract document work sessions at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager, Project Architect, and other disciplines.
• Coordinate workload through the entire project development to complete documents on schedule.
• Track the financial aspects of projects and coordinate and adjust the work efforts with the team to ensure work is completed within agreed‑upon schedule parameters.
• Work with the Project Manager, Regional Controller, and Regional Director for project reviews with corporate management as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with Mechanical emphasis.
• Understand the design process for research and laboratory facilities and facilitate clear communication to provide leadership for the entire design team.
• Be a conceptual thinker who can engage and challenge our integrated architecture and engineering teams during early stages of projects to inform design strategies.
• Work with local leadership to drive the growth of new business through new client relationships, while also continuing to focus on growing our scope of service offering to existing clients.
• Develop strategies, capture plans, and initiate/build relationships with key clients.
• Collaborate with leadership to support pursuit go/no‑go and strategy discussions.
• Possess and maintain knowledge of client technical needs and plans, track current and trending business environment, and maintain awareness of client assessment of HDR to anticipate, track, and capture contract assignments.
• Work in partnership with others, including other sectors and business groups, to drive new business prospects and more existing client opportunities.
• Support the development of qualifications packages and proposal submittals by developing scope, schedule, and fees and addressing staffing and expertise requirements.
• Monitor and track projects for successful execution inclusive of technical and financial aspects.
• Healthcare, Science and Technology and/or Lab facilities experience.
• Preference given to local candidates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years in mechanical system design of commercial or institutional buildings.
• Professional Engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (Professional Engineer license).
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Project, and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, previous team coordination, and project management experience.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Active participation in HDR’s employee‑owned culture is a must.

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Primary Location

United States – New Jersey – Pennington

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Jan 23, 2026

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

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

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

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. We’re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.