Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems; Lyndhurst (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match up to 15%

Medical insurance with company premium

Dental and vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Sick leave

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design efforts for refrigeration piping and systems in cold storage projects. You will collaborate with fabrication, construction, procurement teams to ensure high-performance, compliant and efficient designs.

The role requires 2–5 years of mechanical design experience, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and proficiency with CAD tools such as AutoCAD, Inventor or SolidWorks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical system design or related field.
• Proficiency in CAD tools including AutoCAD, Inventor or SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration engineering principles and related codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of mechanical rooms, piping systems, and refrigeration components for cold storage projects.
• Perform engineering calculations including thermal analysis and structural evaluations.
• Ensure designs comply with standards and client requirements.
• Prepare detailed drawings and coordinate with fabrication and construction teams.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support during installation.
• Generate BOMs and input specifications into ERP.
• Mentor junior engineers when needed.

Skills

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

Mechanical engineering

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

At Innovative, innovation isn't just part of our name —it's the mindset that drives everything we do.We are built by people who take ownership, challenge the status quo,and create solutions that keep the world's most critical industries running.From engineering and fabrication to installation and service,our teams collaborate to solve complex challenges with creativity, precision, and purpose.We invest in people who are passionate about making an impact,fostering a culture where innovation thrives, careers grow,and great teams build extraordinary solutions together.

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Details:

Salary: Dependent on experience

Posted: 2026-10-29

Employee Type: full-time

Experience Required: 3+ yrs

Education Required: Bachelor's Degree

Travel Required: No

Description:

Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission‑critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in‑house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long‑term system support.

Job Role:A Pricipal Mechanical Design Engineerwill lead design efforts for key refrigeration piping andsystems used in cold storage warehouses. This includes working cross‑functionally with fabrication, construction, and procurement teams to ensure high‑performance, compliant, and efficient system designs.

Key Duties:

• Lead the design of mechanical rooms, rooftop penthouses, piping systems, and other refrigeration components
• Perform advanced engineering calculations including thermal analysis, tolerance dimensions, and structural evaluations
• Ensure all designs comply with company, client, and regulatory standards
• Submit detailed drawings for review and coordinate with upper management and build teams
• Provide on-site and remote technical support during system installation
• Generate Bills of Materials (BOM) and input specifications into the ERP system
• Collaborate with fabrication teams, providing detailed guidance to ensure build accuracy
• Coordinate with purchasing to ensure materials are specified and ordered correctly
• Communicate with vendors regarding part specifications and manufacturing requirements
• Occasionally mentor junior engineers and share best practices

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience
• 2–5 years of experience in mechanical system design
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and familiarity with Inventor or SolidWorks
• Strong grasp of mechanical and refrigeration engineering principles
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Occasional travel to job sites may be required
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods.
• Occasionally may need to lift or carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g., office supplies, small equipment).

Preferences:

• Experience in sheet metal and pipe fabrication
• EIT License
• Interest in pursuing a PE license
• Prior experience with refrigeration systems, HVAC, or MEP design

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee‑focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work–life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services