Hvac Engineer

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

This role is for engineers who do the work.

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

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.

What Makes This Role Different

• ✅ 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

This Role Is a Fit If You Can Honestly Say:

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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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)

Nice‑to‑Haves

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

Not a Fit If…

• 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

Compensation

$120,000 – $150,000 base (DOE)

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

Why Engineers Choose This Team

• 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

Interested?

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 Contract to Hire 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 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $57 - $72