Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Owen Thomas Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Thomas Group in Washington, DC is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex, security-focused building projects from design through completion. You will direct HVAC and mechanical system design, review calculations, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with clients, architects, and contractors to deliver compliant, high-quality documents.

This is a senior role requiring 10+ years in mechanical engineering, a BS in ME, and PE license (preferred); government/defense

Qualifications

• Federal project experience required.
• 10+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Experience designing HVAC and mechanical building systems.
• Experience with government, defense, secure, or mission-critical facilities is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of applicable mechanical codes and standards.
• Experience reviewing and producing construction documents.
• Ability to lead technical work and mentor less-experienced engineers.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, or other engineering/design software.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering and HVAC design for complex building projects.
• Develop and review mechanical systems, calculations, layouts, specifications, and construction documents.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Work through design challenges and help develop practical solutions for clients.
• Review drawings, specifications, and engineering documents for quality and accuracy.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate directly with clients, architects, contractors, and other project team members.
• Support projects from early design through construction.
• Help manage technical scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Work on projects with strict security, performance, and technical requirements.
• Contribute to proposals and other business development efforts as needed.

Skills

Federal project experience

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join a growing engineering team supporting complex, highly secure federal and mission-critical projects. This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineer who can take ownership of projects, provide technical direction, and help deliver challenging facilities from design through completion.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead mechanical engineering and HVAC design for complex building projects
• Develop and review mechanical systems, calculations, layouts, specifications, and construction documents
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers
• Work through design challenges and help develop practical solutions for clients
• Review drawings, specifications, and engineering documents for quality and accuracy
• Participate in project meetings and communicate directly with clients, architects, contractors, and other project team members
• Support projects from early design through construction
• Help manage technical scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Work on projects with strict security, performance, and technical requirements
• Contribute to proposals and other business development efforts as needed

What We're Looking For

• Federal project experience required
• 10+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred
• Experience designing HVAC and mechanical building systems
• Experience with government, defense, secure, or mission-critical facilities is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of applicable mechanical codes and standards
• Experience reviewing and producing construction documents
• Ability to lead technical work and mentor less-experienced engineers
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Experience with Revit, AutoCAD, or other engineering/design software