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Mechanical HVAC Engineering Sector Lead- Life Sciences

Wood
Philadelphia, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/13/2026
Job Description

Wood is recruiting for a Mechanical HVAC Engineering and Design Department Lead to join its Life Sciences business. This opportunity is hybrid or potentially remote.

The Role

Wood is currently seeking a Mechanical HVAC Engineering and Design Department Lead to join our Life Sciences (Biotechnology / Pharmaceuticals) for our Plymouth Meeting, PA and Greenville, SC offices to develop life-changing and in many cases, life-saving solutions for our clients. We’re looking for an energetic, self-motivated individual with the ability to execute all phases of project design and lead HVAC/Mechanical design teams through all phases of design: feasibility & concept development, preliminary design, detailed design, and construction assistance.

  • Although we would prefer someone in proximity to our offices in PA and SC, exceptional candidates we will be given consideration to work in a fully remote capacity.

Our Clients and Projects

Designing the future. Transforming the world.

Wood’s Life Sciences business leverages 50 years of Life Sciences experience in the Americas, Europe and Australia. We bring full asset lifecycle value proposition to leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies by accelerating the design and delivery of their most complex facilities at pace with uncompromising quality and safety standards. Our future-minded team focuses on sustainability and optimized facility performance through innovative and cleaner design solutions that ultimately lead to positive advancements in human health.

What We Can Offer

  • Meaningful and interesting projects delivered to leaders of industry across Life Sciences sector.
  • Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs offering hybrid working.
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion; we are an organization actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice.
  • Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market.
  • Flexible benefits package that can be adapted to suit your lifestyle.
  • Commitment to continued professional development; development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests.
  • Global connections: join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession.

Our Hybrid model has employees in the office 3 days a week with remote work 2 days a week.

Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities

  • Providing world-class mechanical and HVAC engineering expertise to our clients and to Wood Life Sciences globally
  • Contributes to business growth through client relationships and support of proposals and presentations
  • Leading HVAC/Mechanical design teams through all phases of design: feasibility & concept development, preliminary design, detailed design, and construction assistance.
  • Establishing a mechanical design basis, developing options, and optimization of selected design
  • Conceiving, planning, and executing Feasibility and Conceptual studies
  • Coaching and support of other mechanical engineers/designers
  • Lead development of HVAC / Mechanical design documents for biotech and pharmaceutical facilities:
    • HVAC & Utility System Sizing Calculations
    • HVAC Airflow and Instrumentation Diagrams
    • Utility Process & Instrumentation Diagrams
    • Pressurization Diagrams
    • Zoning Plans
    • General Arrangement Plans
    • Ductwork & Piping Plans
    • Schedules & Details
  • Coordinating work with process engineers and architects to define utility requirements for utility generation and distribution systems
  • Calculating loads for wet utilities, line sizing, and distribution design (e.g. chilled water, plant steam, chilled glycol)
  • Preparing bid and purchase specifications for mechanical equipment (e.g. HVAC Systems, boilers, chillers)
  • Performing field surveys and evaluate condition of existing equipment and systems
  • Participating in project planning, cost development, and project scheduling
  • Reviewing submittals and shop drawings
  • Response to construction Requests For Information (RFIs), develop final construction documents including: plans, specifications, schedules, and details
  • Help to establish a culture of technical excellence through role modelling and communicating expectations
  • Establish effective working relations with colleagues, clients and officials.
Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood, now or in the future.

Qualifications

What makes you remarkable?

At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.

Expected

  • PE license professional, or eligible require.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, decision making capabilities, problem resolution skills, and a sense of initiative are important for this industry
  • Maintains an expert level understanding of department standards & guidelines, as well as applicable engineering codes and standards
  • Knowledge of relevant regulatory framework and legislation
  • Demonstrates a high degree of creativity, innovation, and ambition
  • Minimum of 10 years’ experience within pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
  • BS or MS in mechanical engineering required
  • Professional Engineering License required
  • Preferred computer skills: AutoCAD, Revit 3D modeling, PipeFlo, CFD Airflow Modeling, Trane Trace 3D.
  • Flexibility to travel (~10%)
  • Knowledge of cGMPs required
  • International experience required

About Us

Wood is a global leader in consulting and engineering, helping to unlock solutions to critical challenges in energy and materials markets. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in 45 countries, employing around 25,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Salary.com Estimation for Mechanical HVAC Engineering Sector Lead- Life Sciences in Philadelphia, PA
$142,309 to $179,601
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