Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Life Sciences

Location: Philadelphia, PA or Raleigh-Durham, NC (On-Site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: Up to $190,000 base

Benefits: Full Benefits Package + Bonus Potential

Our client is a nationally recognized engineering design firm delivering complex pharmaceutical, biologics, and advanced therapy manufacturing facilities across the United States.

With continued expansion in both the Philadelphia and Raleigh-Durham life sciences markets, they are growing their senior mechanical engineering team to support large-scale GMP manufacturing programs, cleanroom facilities, and technically demanding process environments.

This is not a production drafting role.

This is a senior-level, high-impact engineering position where you will influence HVAC strategy for regulated environments, guide critical technical decisions, and help shape how advanced life sciences facilities are engineered and delivered.

If you enjoy solving complex airflow challenges, designing precise environmental control systems, and building infrastructure that supports life-saving therapies — this role offers meaningful technical ownership and visibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC (wet and dry) and mechanical utility system design for GMP-regulated life sciences facilities
• Own mechanical system strategy across:
• ISO-classified cleanrooms
• Temperature and humidity control systems
• Pressurization cascades and contamination control
• Process utility integration
• Perform and oversee detailed engineering calculations:
• Heat load analysis
• Duct sizing and static pressure
• Chilled water hydraulics
• Equipment sizing and selection
• Develop conceptual, preliminary, and final design documentation including:
• P&IDs
• General arrangements
• Sequences of operation
• Collaborate with process, electrical, architectural, and structural teams to ensure integrated facility delivery
• Provide technical leadership during construction administration and field coordination
• Contribute to discipline planning, scheduling, and QA/QC review processes
• Mentor junior engineers and elevate technical standards across projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• 8+ years of experience designing HVAC and mechanical systems for:
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Biologics production
• Cleanroom facilities
• Advanced therapy or regulated process environments
• Strong knowledge of cGMP environments and FDA-regulated facility requirements
• Deep understanding of pressurization strategy, airflow management, and environmental control
• Proven experience performing mechanical calculations and selecting major HVAC equipment
• Proficiency in Revit / BIM-based mechanical design
• Experience operating within a consulting engineering or project delivery environment
• Comfortable taking ownership of complex technical systems

Preferred Experience

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience leading discipline deliverables on large capital projects
• Background in biologics, cell & gene therapy, or aseptic manufacturing environments
• Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to technical team development

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $190,000
• Performance-based bonus potential
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Clear progression path toward Lead / Principal-level roles