Demo

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Actalent
Knoxville, TN Contractor
POSTED ON 5/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/16/2026

Job Title: Sr Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer provides expert mechanical engineering support across proposal and project lifecycles, from planning and design through execution and commissioning of advanced energy and environmental systems such as anaerobic digestion, power-to-gas, waste-fuel boilers, and flue gas treatment systems. This role combines hands-on engineering design, technical leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective solutions for complex industrial projects.

Responsibilities

  • Provide mechanical engineering support to proposal and project teams for the planning, design, execution, and commissioning of products and systems including anaerobic digestion, power-to-gas, waste-fuel boilers, and flue gas treatment systems.
  • Perform equipment sizing calculations and prepare mechanical documentation, including equipment specifications, datasheets, sizing calculations, equipment lists, and P&IDs, to support proposals, requests for quotation (RFQs), and procurement activities.
  • Execute the mechanical engineering scope on complex FEED, EP, EPC, and BOO projects, ensuring all designs comply with internal standards, contractual obligations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain the technical quality of mechanical engineering deliverables while meeting agreed-upon budgets and schedules.
  • Support business development and sales teams by preparing and delivering technical presentations, technical documentation, and invitation-to-bid (ITB) deliverables.
  • Participate in plot plan reviews, 3D model reviews, P&ID reviews, and safety reviews such as HAZID and HAZOP/SIL for both proposals and active projects.
  • Facilitate technical discussions with customers, business partners, suppliers, and internal departments to support engineering decisions and resolve complex technical issues.
  • Identify, evaluate, and recommend cost and schedule improvement opportunities, presenting fact-based recommendations for consideration and implementation.
  • Maintain and adapt the mechanical and piping knowledge base for products and systems to ensure alignment with North American market requirements and standards.
  • Ensure compliance with work instructions, standard practices, company policies, and quality standards throughout all engineering activities.
  • Contribute to successful industrial proposals and projects of varying scale by providing reliable technical input, documentation, and coordination.
  • Support process system optimization initiatives focused on performance improvement and cost or utility reduction.

Essential Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or in a closely related engineering field.
  • 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering for complex industrial systems, including both proposal development and project execution.
  • 10 years of experience developing technical requirements for industrial equipment.
  • Proven experience specifying, sizing, and procuring industrial equipment such as piping systems, chillers, valves, and tanks.
  • Demonstrated expertise in performing equipment sizing calculations and preparing mechanical documentation, including specifications, datasheets, P&IDs, and equipment lists, for RFQ and procurement activities.
  • Proven experience in process system optimization, performance improvement, and cost or utility reduction initiatives.
  • Experience in one or more of the following industries: renewable energy, gas processing, chemical, power, waste management, or environmental control/air quality systems.
  • Strong track record as a key contributor to successful industrial proposals and projects of varying scale.
  • Ability to ensure compliance with engineering standards, contractual requirements, and regulatory codes across all mechanical design activities.
  • Strong communication skills for facilitating technical discussions with customers, partners, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • EIT or PE registration is preferred.
  • An advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
  • On-site construction, installation, start-up, and commissioning experience is preferred.
  • Experience participating in HAZID and HAZOP/SIL reviews is beneficial.
  • Familiarity with FEED, EP, EPC, and BOO project execution models is advantageous.
  • Experience supporting business development and sales teams with technical presentations and proposal documentation is an asset.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid on-site office environment, combining in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. The schedule typically includes three days in the office each week, with additional remote days to support focused engineering tasks and documentation. Work involves close coordination with multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, sales, procurement, and project execution, as well as interaction with external customers, partners, and suppliers. The environment supports detailed design work, participation in technical and safety reviews, and the use of standard engineering tools and systems to develop and manage mechanical engineering deliverables. Paid time off and holidays are provided, contributing to a balanced and sustainable work-life environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $72.11/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 : $58 - $72

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