Senior Mechanical Engineer
Location: U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Company: Colorado Network Staffing (CNS)
Salary Range: $116,200–$166,000 annually
Position Summary
Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer to support a federal client at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This position will serve as a subject matter expert for mechanical engineering and provide design, technical review, project coordination, and construction support for mechanical systems supporting a wide range of federal facilities.
The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for mechanical systems including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and controls; plumbing; fire suppression; natural gas distribution; compressed air; and specialty equipment such as cranes, elevators, and diesel prime movers for power generation. The position will support projects from initial design through construction and renovation, working closely with engineers, designers, project managers, construction personnel, and federal stakeholders.
Essential FunctionsMechanical Engineering Design & Technical Support
- Serve as the subject matter expert for mechanical engineering systems and facility-related mechanical infrastructure.
- Design and technically review HVAC and control systems, plumbing systems, fire suppression systems, natural gas distribution, compressed air systems, and specialty mechanical equipment.
- Perform HVAC design for commercial, institutional, industrial, educational, medical, maintenance, and mission-support facilities.
- Analyze mechanical system design calculations, procedures, and technical requirements.
- Calculate HVAC building loads using Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, or comparable HVAC load calculation and energy simulation software.
- Perform Life Cycle Cost Analyses to evaluate and select cost-effective building envelope and mechanical system solutions.
- Review mechanical engineering designs completed internally and by third-party architecture and engineering firms.
Facility Design & Engineering
- Provide mechanical engineering support for facilities including barracks, academic complexes, administrative buildings, dining and multipurpose centers, medical facilities, schools, and child development centers.
- Support engineering requirements for industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, storage, machine shop, vehicle repair, weapons repair, and fuel cell repair facilities.
- Provide mechanical design support for aircraft-related facilities, including flight control or simulation facilities, aircraft corrosion control facilities, and paint stripping facilities.
- Support mechanical systems for recreation facilities, commissaries, refrigeration facilities, and cold storage buildings.
- Evaluate mechanical systems based on facility mission, performance, energy efficiency, constructability, and life-cycle requirements.
Project Management & Design Coordination
- Participate in multidisciplinary design and production meetings.
- Coordinate mechanical engineering requirements with other engineering disciplines, architects, project managers, and project stakeholders.
- Interact with agency designers, project managers, and senior officials to resolve conflicts in design criteria and technical requirements.
- Assist in developing design and contracting strategies supporting advertisement, contract award, construction, and renovation of mission-essential facilities.
- Provide leadership and technical coordination on assigned engineering projects.
- Manage assigned projects from the design phase through completion of construction or renovation.
Construction & Contract Support
- Produce complete construction contract packages, including drawings, specifications, and independent cost estimates.
- Coordinate with construction management personnel throughout engineering, construction, and inspection activities.
- Assist with resolving field problems through interpretation of construction contract documents, drawings, specifications, and amendments.
- Review shop drawings and other construction-related technical submittals.
- Support review and approval of invoices for payment as appropriate to assigned project responsibilities.
- Recommend actions necessary to maintain project schedules and budgets.
- Provide engineering support during construction to address mechanical system questions, conflicts, and field conditions.
Technical Review & Quality Assurance
- Review mechanical engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Evaluate designs for compliance with applicable engineering criteria, project requirements, and accepted industry practices.
- Perform technical reviews of designs prepared by internal engineering personnel and external A/E consultants.
- Identify potential design conflicts, constructability concerns, and system performance issues.
- Provide recommendations for corrective actions and engineering solutions.
- Maintain appropriate engineering documentation throughout project design and construction.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in mechanical system design for commercial or institutional buildings.
- Current Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng.) license.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical building systems, including HVAC, controls, plumbing, and related facility systems.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
- Demonstrated leadership, team coordination, and project management experience.
- Previous experience working with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
- Ability to manage multidisciplinary engineering responsibilities and coordinate projects from design through construction.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with engineers, architects, construction personnel, project managers, and client representatives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron experience.
- Ability to work in person and on-site at the United States Air Force Academy.
- Experience supporting federal or governmental engineering projects.
- At least seven (7) years of commercial, non-residential experience as a professional mechanical engineer.
- At least five (5) years of experience in a project lead role.
- At least two (2) years of experience supporting a public or governmental organization.
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience with HVAC building load and energy simulation software, including Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, or comparable programs.
- LEED AP certification.
- Experience with AutoCAD and other applicable engineering software.
- Completion of applicable AFIT training courses, including WENG 400, WENG 519, WMGT 322, WMGT 422, and WTSS 200.
Key Competencies
- Mechanical Engineering
- HVAC Design & Controls
- Plumbing & Fire Suppression Systems
- Mechanical Systems Analysis
- Building Load Calculations
- Energy Modeling
- Life Cycle Cost Analysis
- Federal Facility Engineering
- Design & Constructability Review
- Construction Administration
- Contract Document Development
- Project Management
- Multidisciplinary Coordination
- Technical Leadership
- Quality Assurance
- Problem Solving
- Written & Oral Communication
Work Environment
This position is primarily performed on-site at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The role includes professional office and engineering work as well as coordination with construction and facility personnel.
The Senior Mechanical Engineer may visit active construction, renovation, maintenance, and operational facility environments to review existing conditions, address field issues, support inspections, and coordinate engineering activities.
Physical Demands
This position is primarily professional and technical in nature and requires prolonged periods of computer use, reviewing engineering drawings, preparing technical documentation, and participating in project meetings.
Site visits may require walking through active construction or operational facilities, standing for extended periods, navigating stairs and uneven surfaces, and wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, exempt position. Work hours will generally follow established project and client schedules. Additional or extended hours may occasionally be required to support project deadlines, construction activities, or mission-critical requirements.
Travel
Occasional travel may be required to support project activities, meetings, inspections, or other engineering responsibilities. The position may require occasional operation of a vehicle in support of assigned duties.
Work Authorization / Security Clearance
- Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable contract citizenship requirements.
- Must be able to successfully complete required federal background screening.
- Must meet applicable requirements to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC).
- Must maintain a valid Professional Engineer license as required for the position.
- Must meet applicable federal facility access and security requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
CNS complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination requirements governing recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, training, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Other Duties
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change based on contract requirements, project conditions, and client needs.
Pay: $116,200.00 - $166,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Mechanical engineering: 10 years (Required)
Location:
- U S A F Academy, CO 80840 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
