Mechanical Designer

Job Title: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

This Mechanical Designer role focuses on designing high-performance HVAC and related mechanical systems for large-scale and technically complex facilities such as hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical production plants, data centers, airports, museums, and performing arts centers. You will contribute to energy-efficient building solutions, support central utility plant design, and help clients involved in engine development while advancing a more sustainable, greener future. The position offers exposure to diverse, cutting-edge projects and a collaborative environment that emphasizes innovation, quality, and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Design HVAC and mechanical systems for large and technically demanding facilities, including hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical production facilities, data centers, airports, museums, and performing arts centers.
• Develop layouts for HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems based on design criteria and project requirements.
• Use Revit, AutoCAD, and Plant 3D to create, modify, and maintain detailed mechanical and piping system models and drawings.
• Support the design of central utility plants and mechanical systems for clients involved in engine development.
• Apply knowledge of biopharmaceutical and petrochemical plant design, plumbing and piping systems, and process and instrumentation systems as needed for specific projects.
• Interpret design criteria, specifications, and client requirements and translate them into accurate and constructible design layouts.
• Collaborate closely with HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other discipline groups to deliver coordinated and integrated design solutions.
• Participate in project team meetings and communicate design progress, challenges, and solutions with colleagues at all levels.
• Incorporate innovative strategies and technologies to improve energy efficiency and overall system performance.
• Manage time and tasks effectively to meet project deadlines and maintain high-quality design documentation.
• Provide and receive constructive feedback within the team to continuously improve design quality and processes.
• Support multiple project types and industries or focus on a niche area, depending on project and team needs.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in HVAC or Architectural Design, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in HVAC design and computer-aided design.
• Proficiency with the current version of AutoCAD and/or Revit.
• Ability to interpret mechanical and HVAC design criteria and convert them into specific layouts and detailed drawings.
• Experience designing HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems for building and plant environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and follow through on collaborative tasks.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Quick technical comprehension and a strong motivation to deliver high-quality outcomes for clients.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with biopharmaceutical plant design and petrochemical plant design.
• Experience in plumbing and piping systems design, including process and instrumentation/automation systems.
• Familiarity with Plant 3D or similar 3D piping and plant design software.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to projects involving central utility plants and engine development facilities.
• Interest in energy-efficient building solutions and sustainable design practices.
• Desire to grow professionally within a collaborative, values-driven engineering consulting environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a Wisconsin office and reports into a multidisciplinary building systems group, which may include HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and related disciplines. You will work on a wide variety of project types and industries, with the option to specialize in a particular niche if desired. The work environment is flexible and collaborative, emphasizing employee appreciation, open communication, and shared commitment to excellence. The organization invests in professional development and offers opportunities to work on high-profile, state-of-the-art projects for leading research, healthcare, and technology institutions. After approximately one year, and contingent on performance, there is the option to work from home up to two days per week. The company provides comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a year-end bonus based on company performance, individual responsibility, and personal performance.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $40.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

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

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.