Sr. (Lead) Mechanical Engineer - Life Science

The Keystone Distinction Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a Senior Lead Mechanical Engineer to head the mechanical group in its Boston-area office, leading designs for pharmaceutical and biotech facilities, including biologics labs and aseptic processing areas.

You will guide HVAC and process systems, mentor a team of about ten engineers, and collaborate with process, electrical, architecture, and commissioning teams while supporting client relationships and proposals.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for pharma/biotech spaces, including cleanrooms and aseptic areas.
• Design central utility systems such as chiller plants.
• Perform load calculations and equipment selection; write specs.
• Serve as engineer of record and review team's work.
• Mentor and develop engineers in the group.
• Work with clients and support proposals/business development.
• Coordinate with process, electrical, architecture, and commissioning teams.
• Support construction administration, including submittals, RFIs, site visits.

Skills

Mechanical design

cGMP HVAC knowledge

Mentoring

Client interaction

Engineering leadership

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