Demo

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Buro Happold
Los Angeles, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/28/2026
Start designing tomorrow’s future!

Are you a visionary Mechanical Engineer with a passion for innovation and a proven track record of successful project leadership? We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal level Engineer to join our dynamic team at Buro Happold.

As a Principal Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in providing technical expertise and leadership to our Building Environments Group. Come join our hybrid team based in Los Angeles, California!

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Your next role

Buro Happold has a clear strategic plan, strong learning culture and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to thrive.

Your key duties

  • Provide exceptional leadership for project teams as well as the broader group, driving successful outcomes and ensuring project objectives are achieved.
  • Mentor and coach colleagues, fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and meaningful delegation within the team.
  • Work closely with clients, architects, and other team members as part of a dedicated and skilled group, collaborating to deliver world-class solutions.
  • Oversee the production of coordinated detailed design drawings, specifications, site observation reports, schedules, and other project deliverables to ensure the highest quality standards.
  • Take ownership of building and sustaining productive client relationships, proactively addressing client needs and ensuring overall client satisfaction.
  • Direct multiple projects across the group, ensuring the successful implementation of engineering solutions while ensuring financial success.
  • Continually maintain and develop the highest standards of technical quality, staying at the forefront of industry advancements and best practices.
  • Ensure engineering practices, policies, and services align with the client's best interests and comply with current legislation and building codes.
  • Actively contribute to delivering profitable projects, monitoring financial performance, resourcing, and expenditure.


Your Skills And Experience

  • Possess 15 years of extensive experience in Mechanical Engineering design within the building services and construction industry.
  • Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of building codes and mechanical design principles.
  • Proven track record of successful project delivery in various sectors and regions.
  • Possess excellent technical knowledge of HVAC systems, and good technical knowledge of other MEP building systems, with an ability to investigate and provide effective solutions to technical challenges.
  • Adept at high-performance building design using electrified design solutions for both adaptive reuse and new building projects, with the ability to define the impact design solutions have on a building’s carbon footprint and a project’s commercial viability.
  • Be a Professional Engineer (P.E.) or hold equivalent professional certification.
  • LEED AP accreditation is preferred, reflecting a commitment to sustainable design practices.
  • Familiarity with industry-standard software like Revit for detailed design drawings and computational analysis tools, such as CFD and energy modeling software, to develop innovative and energy-efficient solutions.
  • Proven experience in a leadership capacity within an MEP Engineering Consultancy or related field.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, teams, and deadlines while ensuring client satisfaction.
  • A self-starter with a founder’s mentality with the ability to work independently, combined with the flexibility to collaborate effectively within a team-based organization.
  • Expertise in mentoring and coaching junior engineers to foster growth and development within the team.
  • Proven success in business development, client acquisition, and maintaining long-term client relationships is an advantage.


What we offer:

  • Salary range of $185,000 to $235,000. This will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience
  • Generous benefits package
  • Annual discretionary bonus
  • Generous PTO (5 weeks) in addition to 10 paid holidays
  • 401k with company match
  • Hybrid working & summer hours
  • Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
  • Connection to global network of experts on the forefront of industry initiatives
  • Access to wide ranging learning and development opportunities


Be a part of supporting our diverse company culture through open engagement with our Young Employees Forum, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Buro Happold Women's Network, and/or our Black at Buro Happold Employee Resource Groups

Ready for something a little less ordinary?

Apply now to start your career journey with us.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.

Salary : $185,000 - $235,000

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