Mechanical Engineer – HVAC & Plumbing

Mechanical Engineer – HVAC & Plumbing (Mission‑Critical Facilities)

Location: Irvine, CA

Work Model: Onsite ramp → Hybrid (performance‑based)

Employment Type: Long‑term consulting opportunity with strong conversion intent

If you’re a Mechanical Engineer who still designs systems, runs calculations, and owns deliverables—and you’re tired of roles that are drifting toward coordination, redlines, or meetings—you’ll want to read this.

This opportunity supports mission‑critical federal and defense facilities where HVAC and plumbing systems are far more complex than standard commercial buildings. Think facilities where ventilation, redundancy, and performance actually matter.

You’ll be a hands‑on mechanical contributor, working under senior guidance while owning real scope:

• Design HVAC and plumbing systems for complex facilities
• Run mechanical calculations independently, including:
  • Load calculations
  • Equipment sizing
  • Pump calculations
• Produce and contribute directly to Revit‑based design documentation
• Apply engineering judgment—not just software outputs—when results don’t look right
• Support multiple projects simultaneously in a lean, technical team
• Coordinate with architectural, electrical, and structural disciplines
• Participate in short, local site visits for field verification

This is not a PM role and not a redline‑only position.

• ✅ Execution matters here — titles and licensure don’t replace doing the work
• ✅ You’ll work on federal and defense infrastructure, not generic commercial buildings
• ✅ Systems are technically challenging and purpose‑driven
• ✅ senior engineers want support from someone who can carry real design load
• ✅ Clear expectations, fast decisions, and low politics

• “I designed this system.”
• “I ran these calculations.”
• “I produced these Revit drawings.”
• “I’ve done this on more than one project.”

• 5–7+ years of mechanical building systems experience
• Hands‑on HVAC and plumbing design experience (both are required)
• Strong background in mechanical calculations
• Revit experience (prior production use required; refresher acceptable if rusty)
• Ability to work onsite during ramp‑up
• U.S. citizenship (required for federal project access)

• EIT or PE (helpful, not required)
• Federal / VA / DoD project experience
• Industrial or medical facility exposure
• Controls coordination experience

• Your recent roles were PM‑only, coordination‑only, or oversight‑focused
• You haven’t personally designed systems or run calculations in years
• Your experience is HVAC‑only with little or no plumbing
• You’re looking for a fully remote role

$120,000 – $150,000 base (DOE)

Compensation is tied to hands‑on execution, technical depth, and independence—not just years or credentials.

• High‑impact, technically challenging work
• Long‑term stability with real conversion intent
• Hybrid flexibility once you’ve proven yourself
• A culture that values engineering judgment and ownership

If you’re an engineer who still enjoys designing, calculating, and solving real problems, this is worth a conversation.

Apply to learn more.

This is a Permanent position based out of Irvine, CA.

The pay range for this position is $57.00 - $72.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Irvine,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.