Sr. (Lead) Mechanical Engineer – Life Science

Ilocatum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilocatum is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer for its Boston-area office to lead the mechanical group on pharmaceutical and biotech projects. The role requires directing design work, mentoring a team of about ten engineers, and working closely with clients on proposals and development.

Responsibilities include designing HVAC and central utilities for cGMP spaces, performing load calculations, and coordinating with process, electrical, architecture, and commissioning teams throughout project

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license required.
• Significant mechanical design experience in pharmaceutical/biotech facilities.
• Hands-on cGMP work experience benefits.
• Experience leading and mentoring engineers.
• Comfortable working directly with clients.

Responsibilities

• Design HVAC and process support systems for pharmaceutical/biotech spaces, including cleanrooms and aseptic areas.
• Design central utility systems such as chiller plants.
• Perform load calculations and equipment selection; write specifications.
• Engineer of record; review mechanical team work.
• Mentor and develop the engineers in the group.

Skills

Professional Engineer

Mechanical design

cGMP work

Mentoring engineers

Client interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

About our client

Our client is an architecture, engineering, and construction management firm focused on pharmaceutical and biotech facilities. Their work includes process and MEP engineering, process architecture, lab planning, and commissioning and qualification. They are adding a senior mechanical engineer to lead the mechanical group in their Boston-area office.

The role

The Lead Mechanical Engineer is responsible for mechanical design on the office’s pharmaceutical and biotech projects and for a team of about ten. Projects range from renovations and expansions to new construction, including biologics and cell therapy facilities, aseptic processing, and central utility plants.

The position is based in the Boston area.

What you would be doing

• Designing HVAC and process support systems for cGMP spaces, including cleanrooms and aseptic processing areas
• Designing central utility systems such as chiller plants
• Performing load calculations and equipment selection, and writing specifications
• Serving as engineer of record and reviewing the mechanical team’s work
• Mentoring and developing the engineers in the group
• Working directly with clients and supporting proposals and business development
• Coordinating with the firm’s process, electrical, architecture, and commissioning teams
• Supporting construction administration, including submittals, RFIs, and site visits

What we are looking for

• Professional Engineer license
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
• Significant mechanical design experience on pharmaceutical or biotech facilities, with hands‑on cGMP work
• Working knowledge of cGMP HVAC requirements, including cleanroom classification and pressurization
• Experience leading and mentoring engineers
• Comfortable working directly with clients
• Familiarity with ISPE Baseline Guides is a plus