Lead Mechanical Engineer (Technical Lead - HVAC & Utilities)

Wood PLC

• $110K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical/HVAC system design
  • Expertise in complex systems like chilled water and steam/boiler plants
  • Advanced proficiency in HVAC load calculation and energy modeling tools
  • Proven ability to lead technical design efforts and mentor engineering staff
  • Strong communication skills to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the technical lead on complex mechanical system designs
  • Guide and review advanced engineering analyses, including HVAC loads and airflow strategies
  • Provide technical oversight for HVAC and central utility system layouts
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align design intent and resolve challenges
  • Lead facility assessments and utility master planning initiatives
  • Establish and review key design deliverables for regulated environments
  • Mentor and develop engineers, elevating overall team capability

Benefits

  • Collaborative and positive company culture
  • Flexible scheduling options, including a hybrid work model
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and RX insurance plans
  • Competitive 401(k) match
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit
  • Opportunities for thought leadership with awards for technical contributions
  • Company-paid training opportunities
  • 5% salary increase for earning your professional license
  • Endless opportunities for career growth
Full Job Description
Lead Mechanical Engineer - Technical Lead - HVAC and Utilities
  • Are you a licensed PE who thrives on solving complex mechanical challenges in high-performance environments?
  • Do you prefer leading through technical expertise rather than people management alone?
  • Are you ready to shape design standards, mentor engineers, and serve as a trusted advisor on critical projects?
    • If so, this role offers the opportunity to deepen your impact as a technical leader within complex life sciences projects.


Role Summary:

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer - Technical Lead - HVAC and Utilities, you will serve as a technical authority for HVAC and utility system design, guiding project teams through complex engineering challenges in pharmaceutical and life sciences environments.

You will lead through expertise-setting technical direction, reviewing critical design elements, and mentoring engineers-while partnering with project leadership to ensure high-quality, compliant, and innovative solutions. This role is ideal for a Lead Mechanical engineer (PE prwith 10-15+ years of experience who is passionate about remaining on a technical career track while influencing projects, clients, and internal standards.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
  • Serve as the technical lead on complex mechanical system designs, ensuring accuracy, quality, and compliance
  • Guide and review advanced engineering analyses, including HVAC loads, airflow/pressurization strategies, and hydronic system modeling
  • Provide technical oversight for HVAC and central utility system layouts, supporting project teams from concept through construction
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and contractors to align design intent and resolve technical challenges
  • Lead facility assessments, infrastructure evaluations, and utility master planning initiatives
  • Establish and review key design deliverables, including airflow diagrams, zoning strategies, and classification plans for regulated environments
  • Oversee the development of equipment specifications and ensure alignment with client requirements and industry standards
  • Review submittals, shop drawings, and RFIs, providing technical guidance during construction phases
  • Partner with automation/controls teams to ensure effective integration of mechanical systems and control strategies
  • Mentor and develop engineers, providing technical guidance and elevating overall team capability
  • Support client engagement and proposal efforts as a technical subject matter expert


Minimum Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical/HVAC system design
  • Demonstrated expertise in complex systems (chilled water, steam/boiler plants, air handling systems, hydronics, and controls integration)
  • Advanced proficiency in HVAC load calculation and energy modeling tools
  • Proven ability to lead technical design efforts and mentor engineering staff
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders


Preferred Qualifications
  • PE License preferred
  • Deep experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences facilities
  • Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance-driven design (GMP, cleanroom environments, etc.)
  • Experience serving as a technical lead or discipline lead on complex projects
  • Track record of contributing to proposals and supporting business development through technical expertise
  • Interest in developing standards, best practices, and technical innovation within the firm


WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE
  • Our collaborative and positive culture sets us apart.
  • We offer schedule flexibility*, including 9-hour days Monday-Thursday and 4-hour Fridays, all year long; daily hours that work with your commuting or personal obligations; and a hybrid in-office and work-from-home balanced work week.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and RX insurance plans, with two-thirds of your premiums and deductible paid!
  • Competitive 401(k) match.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO).
  • Paid Parental Leave Benefit.
  • Thought leadership opportunities, including a $1,000 award for presenting or publishing your technical expertise!
  • Competitive company-paid training opportunities.
  • A 5% salary increase for earning your professional license!
  • Endless opportunities to grow your career.
  • And so much more!

*For field-based personnel, flexible scheduling may be subject to client/project site requirements.

Are you ready to unlock your potential with us? With your passion and our vision, there's no limit to what you can accomplish here! Submit your resume today for immediate consideration.

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