Principal Mechanical Engineer

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 125,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Benefits

Dental & Vision

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Onsite Childcare

Job summary

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, IL is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead major, complex projects within the Infrastructure Services Division, providing technical direction and supervising a team as needed.

Candidates typically hold an ABET-accredited Bachelor's with 8+ years, or a Master’s/PhD with 6+ years, with AutoCAD required and Revit a plus; HVAC, piping, and building codes experience are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in an engineering discipline from ABET-accredited institution with 8+ years of experience, or a Master’s/PhD with 6+ years.
• Deep knowledge of engineering principles and project execution for complex programs.
• Experience with AutoCAD required; Revit is a plus.
• PE licensure in IL is desirable; familiarity with HVAC and building systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data and perform engineering calculations for major projects.
• Develop specifications, designs, and documents for technically complex projects.
• Plan and lead large projects from inception to operating status.
• Estimate manpower, schedule work, and coordinate technicians.
• Provide technical direction to draftsmen and engineers.
• Supervise technicians, engineers, and subcontractors as needed.
• Participate in procurement, installation, testing, and operation.

Skills

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree

Master's or PhD in applicable field

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC design

Piping design

Building codes knowledge

Professional Engineer licensure in IL

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree

Master's or PhD in applicable discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

CDS-Trace / energy modeling

Job description

Compensation

Expected hiring range: $124,800.00–$164,200.00. Pay offered will be determined based on scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role

The Fermilab Infrastructure Services Division (ISD) is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer. This individual is responsible for major, complex, high-level engineering projects requiring creativity in developing innovative concepts and techniques. The role may oversee subcontractors or supervise a engineering group/department.

Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Analyze data and perform engineering calculations.
• Develop specifications, designs, and documents for major and technically complex projects.
• Plan and/or lead large or complex projects from inception to completion and bring them to operating status.
• Estimate manpower, schedule work, coordinate and direct technicians.
• Provide technical direction to draftsmen, designers, engineering associates, technicians, or less senior engineers.
• Coordinate and/or supervise technicians and other engineers and subcontractors.
• Identify problems or tasks requiring engineering solutions and provide thorough analysis of alternatives.
• Participate in procurement, manufacture, installation, testing, and operation.
• Assist or lead in the development of cost estimates and the monitoring and/or management of budgetary obligations.
• Review and approve work before hardware and financial resources are committed, ensuring conformance to specifications and cost/time constraints.
• Enhance the national and international presence of projects or the Lab through participation in project reviews, technical conferences, and publication.
• Serve on safety panels, review committees, and other subcommittees as assigned; may serve as chair of subcommittee(s) or division/section committees.
• Contribute to setting lab‑wide engineering policies, safety standards or technical standards.
• Provide supervision or leadership of a team, including hiring, promotions, performance reviews, training, disciplinary actions, team exits, and other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abide by all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Bachelor’s in an applicable engineering discipline from an ABET‑accredited institution with 8+ years of engineering experience, or a Master’s or PhD in an applicable discipline with 6+ years of experience.
• In‑depth knowledge and proficiency in application of theories, concepts, principles, and methodology for the engineering discipline.
• Extensive project planning skills; experience developing specifications and documents for major and technically complex projects.
• Ability to perform a variety of complex and advanced engineering techniques.
• Experience with AutoCAD required; Revit is a plus.
• Professional Engineer licensure in the State of Illinois desired.
• Experience in HVAC system design, piping system design, plumbing system design, and related codes.
• HVAC “Controls/DDC” background desired.
• Experience with energy modeling/HVAC software, especially CDS‑Trace, desired.
• Exposure to building commissioning.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE requirements and applications desired.
• Working knowledge of building codes related to mechanical systems.

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite role at the Fermilab Batavia office.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long‑term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.