Lead Mechanical Engineer

Lead Mechanical EngineerLocation: Cary, North CarolinaEmployment Type: Regular Full-TimeDepartment: DesignWork Arrangement: HybridPosition OverviewA global leader in providing innovative solutions for technically complex facilities, with a primary focus on the life sciences industry. Our multidisciplinary services include consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV).Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our Cary, North Carolina team. In this role, you will provide technical leadership and engineering expertise across a variety of projects within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences sectors.The Lead Mechanical Engineer will work independently under the direction of a Project Manager or Group Lead and may lead the complete mechanical design process, serve as a technical subject matter expert, or support specialized design efforts. This position may involve managing multiple projects simultaneously and requires strong technical, organizational, and leadership capabilities.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the design and development of mechanical and HVAC systems for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences facilities.Design and oversee systems including:Air distribution and ductwork systemsHot water, chilled water, and condenser water piping and pumping systemsSteam and condensate systemsCentral utility plantsAir-handling systemsDehumidification systemsAutomatic temperature and building control systemsHeat transfer and related mechanical utility systemsDevelop engineering studies, feasibility assessments, and schematic designs for new mechanical systems.Evaluate existing HVAC, mechanical utility, and equipment systems and determine their suitability for renovation and retrofit projects.Serve as Project Lead throughout all phases of project delivery, including feasibility studies, building assessments, conceptual design, basis-of-design documentation, detailed design, and construction documentation.Define project requirements, develop task plans, and collaborate with Project Managers to establish scope, budgets, schedules, and staffing requirements.Develop design scopes of work based on preliminary assessments, client requirements, and project meetings.Coordinate with building officials and other design professionals when code interpretations, variances, or exceptions are required.Assign, coordinate, and review the work of engineers and designers on project teams.Monitor project progress and provide drawing markups and technical direction as needed.Communicate regularly with clients and promptly identify changes in scope, project requirements, or additional service opportunities.Review contractor payment applications and related project documentation.Coordinate completion of project documents internally and with clients, contractors, and other design professionals.Perform engineering calculations and analyses, including duct sizing, pressure-drop calculations, air balancing, equipment sizing, and related HVAC design calculations.Develop or review construction cost estimates and budgets based on project scope and engineering experience.Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of company design and production standards.Mentor and support engineering and design staff and serve as a technical resource for design-related questions.Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.Required Qualifications10–12 years of engineering and design experience within the building design industry, with significant experience in HVAC systems and mechanical utility generation equipment.Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.Thorough understanding of the building construction process and project delivery methodologies.Advanced proficiency with engineering design and computer-aided drafting tools, including AutoCAD and/or Revit.Strong knowledge of mechanical and HVAC system design principles, standards, and applicable building codes.Experience using software for HVAC load calculations, energy analysis, and related engineering assessments.At least 4 years of experience leading or overseeing engineers and designers on project teams.Strong communication, coordination, problem-solving, and project leadership skills.Preferred QualificationsProfessional Engineer (PE) license.Experience designing mechanical systems for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other highly regulated life sciences facilities.Experience with complex utility systems, central plants, and technically sophisticated manufacturing or research facilities.Physical RequirementsThe successful candidate must be able to:Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.Lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.Climb ladders when necessary.Perform field activities associated with construction and client-site environments.Work EnvironmentThis position may require work in both indoor and outdoor environments and exposure to varying site conditions.Employees may be required to work in controlled or cleanroom environments and must be able to comply with strict cleanroom gowning and safety protocols.Travel RequirementsThis position requires approximately 5–20% travel, depending on project requirements. Additional or extended travel may be required based on project assignments.Travel responsibilities may include:Extended assignments at client locations.Overnight travel or temporary stays in the client's city.Routine visits to construction, manufacturing, research, process, packaging, or other client facilities.Compliance with all applicable client and IPS travel and safety policies.Reliable transportation for travel to and from client sites.Ability to commute to client or project locations on a regular basis.SafetyThis is a safety-sensitive position. The role includes field assignments and regular access to client sites where construction, manufacturing, process, packaging, research, and other non-administrative activities are performed.