Job Title: HVAC Mechanical Design EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on the design and engineering of HVAC systems for a diverse range of commercial, institutional, and industrial projects based out of Fishers, IN. You will work as part of a collaborative mechanical team, partnering closely with plumbing, hydronics, electrical, and BIM groups to develop complete mechanical solutions. Typical projects include industrial facilities, warehouses and tenant improvements, commercial buildings, higher education and K-12 schools, hospitality venues, offices, and large food service facilities across the Midwest and throughout the United States.
Responsibilities
- Develop complete HVAC construction documents, including drawings, specifications, details, and schedules, for commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.
- Perform HVAC load calculations using Trane TRACE and analyze project requirements to recommend appropriate mechanical systems.
- Design and lay out HVAC systems, including equipment, ductwork, piping, and associated components for a variety of building types.
- Select and size mechanical equipment and coordinate with manufacturers and vendors to support project designs.
- Perform ductwork and piping sizing calculations and assist with hydronic system design as required.
- Conduct field surveys and document existing conditions for renovations, proposals, and new projects.
- Develop overall project design approaches and carry designs through detailed phases of development.
- Prepare, review, and check engineering calculations, reports, schedules, and construction documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Coordinate mechanical systems with architectural, structural, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical disciplines.
- Perform multidisciplinary coordination and clash detection using Revit and Navisworks.
- Identify and resolve coordination conflicts during the design process to ensure integrated, constructible designs.
- Review applicable mechanical and energy codes and incorporate requirements into project designs.
- Assist with responding to RFIs, reviewing submittals, and addressing design-related questions during construction.
- Participate in internal design reviews and project coordination meetings with engineers, designers, BIM staff, and project managers.
- Work with project managers and cross-functional teams to meet project schedules, deliverables, and quality standards.
- Independently manage assigned projects, including performing initial load calculations, equipment selection, vendor coordination, base file and model creation, system sizing and routing, and preparation of plan sheets for construction.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of mechanical design experience, with the ability to independently manage HVAC design projects from concept through construction documents.
- Strong proficiency in Revit for mechanical and MEP design, including modeling and coordination of HVAC systems.
- Hands-on experience with HVAC design, including load calculations, duct sizing, piping sizing, and mechanical HVAC engineering.
- Ability to perform HVAC load calculations using tools such as Trane TRACE.
- Demonstrated ability to design HVAC systems independently, including performing initial load calculations, calculating for equipment selection, selecting equipment, working with vendors, designing base files and models, performing sizing and routing, and creating plan sheets for construction.
- Experience in MEP engineering and MEP design, coordinating mechanical systems with other building disciplines.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Strong coordination skills to collaborate across disciplines such as architectural, structural, plumbing, fire protection, electrical, BIM, and construction management.
- Clear communication skills for participating in design reviews, responding to RFIs, and supporting construction teams.
- High attention to detail in reviewing engineering calculations, reports, schedules, and construction documents for accuracy and completeness.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in mechanical engineering is preferred.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) with the ability and interest to pursue a PE license is preferred.
- Commercial and industrial HVAC systems experience is highly desirable.
- Background with design consulting firms is preferred, particularly experience delivering MEP design projects.
- Experience using Navisworks for clash detection and multidisciplinary coordination is beneficial.
- Technology or related degrees may be considered for designer-level candidates who can design HVAC systems independently.
- Familiarity with mechanical and energy codes and their application to project design.
- Comfort working within a design/build environment, collaborating closely with in-house construction and BIM teams.
- Ability to adapt to flexible work arrangements and collaborate in both office and hybrid settings.
Work Environment
The role is based in a modern office in Fishers, IN, located near Topgolf, close to downtown Fishers, and conveniently accessible from the highway. The workspace consists of standard office areas with cubicles and private offices, and the culture emphasizes collaboration among mechanical, electrical, BIM, construction management, and other teams. The company operates as a design/build firm, which allows for streamlined coordination with construction and minimizes traditional consulting challenges such as extensive RFQs, RFIs with external general contractors, and detailed specification writing for plan/spec projects. Most team members work on a salaried basis and average 4045 hours per week. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with understood flexibility in start times (generally between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.) and hybrid work options. After approximately 60 days, team members commonly incorporate remote work, with many working 23 days in the office each week. The environment is stable, with a strong track record of consistent full-time hours, and supports professional growth, including opportunities to take on higher levels of responsibility within a design/build structure even without licensure. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation (PTO up to three weeks based on years of industry experience); six paid holidays; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; a 401(k) plan with a generous company match; and a company phone and laptop.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fishers, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.86 - $57.69/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fishers, IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 5, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Fishers,IN.
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 without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
