Principal HVAC Design Engineer

The Principal HVAC Design Engineer provides advanced technical leadership and oversight for complex HVAC engineering projects. This role leads the design and execution of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with all applicable codes and standards throughout all project phases. The position acts as a key representative of the mechanical engineering discipline, guiding project teams, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions for large industrial and EPC projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC design efforts for assigned projects, serving as the primary mechanical engineering representative throughout all project phases.
• Provide advanced engineering expertise in the design of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for large and complex industrial facilities.
• Develop detailed HVAC load calculations to support system sizing and equipment selection.
• Create HVAC air flow diagrams and instrument diagrams that clearly define system configuration and control strategies.
• Prepare HVAC system sequence of operation narratives that describe how systems operate under various conditions.
• Size and specify air handling units (AHUs) and other HVAC equipment, ensuring alignment with project requirements and industry standards.
• Perform main duct and distribution duct sizing and routing, optimizing layouts for performance, constructability, and maintainability.
• Develop specifications for black utility systems, including chillers, boilers, custom air handling units, air compressors, and cooling towers, based on sizing data provided by process engineering.
• Prepare comprehensive HVAC specifications, including mechanical requirements for heating, cooling, boilers, chillers, and related systems.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable federal, state, and local codes, standards, and guidelines, including Department of Energy orders where applicable.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors to coordinate design activities and resolve technical issues.
• Utilize engineering analysis, 3D modeling, and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) tools to execute projects in a multi-discipline environment.
• Support the delivery of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services on large industrial projects, including participation in project set-up, progress reporting, and close-out as needed.
• Apply advanced knowledge of discipline codes, standards, and commercial availability of materials to develop practical and cost-effective designs.
• Maintain a strong focus on detail, schedule, and quality, working in a time-conscious and time-effective manner to meet project deadlines.

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of work-related experience in mechanical/HVAC engineering.
• Advanced engineering knowledge in the design of HVAC systems for industrial or large-scale facilities.
• Demonstrated experience developing HVAC load calculations.
• Experience creating HVAC air flow diagrams and instrument diagrams.
• Experience developing HVAC system sequence of operation narratives.
• Proficiency in sizing and specifying air handling units and other HVAC equipment.
• Experience with HVAC main duct and distribution duct sizing and routing.
• Experience developing HVAC and mechanical specifications, including boilers, heating, cooling, and chillers.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes and standards, including Department of Energy orders where applicable.
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical discipline codes and standards and ability to perform work in compliance with all relevant statutes and guidelines.
• Job-related technical knowledge necessary to complete complex engineering assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a time-conscious and time-effective manner.
• Intermediate computer and software skills, including proficiency with word processing, email, spreadsheets, and electronic presentation tools.
• Significant experience providing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services on large industrial projects.
• Proficiency executing large EPC projects using engineering analysis, 3D modeling, and CADD automation tools in a multi-discipline environment.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with the design of systems, structures, and components for nuclear facilities under the requirements of ASME NQA-1.
• Advanced knowledge of the commercial availability and cost of materials.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading large projects.
• Proficiency with project set-up, development of control-level schedules, progress reporting, and project close-out activities.
• Practical field experience supporting installation, testing, or commissioning of HVAC and mechanical systems.
• EPC project experience with U.S. Department of Energy or other U.S. federal government agencies.
• EPC project experience for nuclear facilities operating under a nuclear quality assurance program.
• EPC project experience in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industries.

This position is primarily office-based and supports complex engineering projects within a multi-discipline environment. You will work with modern engineering tools, including 3D modeling and CADD automation, as well as standard office software for documentation, communication, and presentations. The role involves close collaboration with project teams, clients, vendors, and subcontractors, and may require periodic visits to industrial or project sites to support design coordination or field-related activities. The work setting emphasizes professional conduct, adherence to safety and quality standards, and effective time management to meet project schedules.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Greenville, SC.

The pay range for this position is $88.00 - $88.00/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 fully onsite position in Greenville,SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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.

Salary : $88