Job Title: MEP EngineerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on designing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for multi-family and mixed-use buildings, including mid-rise and high-rise developments, retail fit-outs, and preservation rehabilitation projects. You will contribute to the full project lifecycle, from initial design and coordination through construction administration, while working closely with a multidisciplinary team of architects and engineers. The position offers broad exposure to all MEP disciplines, clear opportunities for growth, and direct involvement in meaningful projects that shape the built environment.Responsibilities
- Design mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems for multi-family and mixed-use buildings, including mid-rise and high-rise projects, retail fit-outs, and preservation rehabilitation work in accordance with MEP design standards, engineering principles, and applicable building codes.
- Read and interpret drawings, technical documentation, schematics, codes, and computer-generated reports with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Develop and prepare MEP construction documents using AutoCAD and Revit under supervision, ensuring clarity, constructability, and code compliance.
- Manage and mentor junior-level staff and drafters, delegating tasks and overseeing their work to ensure projects are completed accurately and on schedule.
- Communicate design intent clearly to contractors, clients, and project team members to define project scope, evaluate feasibility, and resolve design issues.
- Coordinate closely with architectural, structural, and civil disciplines to ensure system feasibility, optimal constructability, and integration of MEP systems within the overall building design.
- Collaborate with equipment vendors to communicate design requirements and obtain appropriate basis-of-design equipment selections.
- Accompany staff on project job site visits during construction to monitor progress, verify conformance with design specifications, building codes, and owner expectations, and support construction administration activities.
- Attend meetings with owners, clients, and consultants as needed to present design concepts, address technical questions, and support decision-making.
- Participate in a collaborative, entrepreneurial team environment by sharing ideas, taking ownership of assigned tasks, and contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and standards.
- Maintain strong written and verbal communication with internal and external stakeholders, documenting design decisions, coordination issues, and project updates.
- Actively expand your technical knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disciplines within a multi-disciplinary framework.
Essential Skills
- 15 years of experience in the design of mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing systems for buildings.
- Hands-on MEP experience in any discipline, with the ability to contribute to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design and coordination.
- Proficiency with Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit for developing construction documents and design drawings.
- Familiarity with heating and cooling load calculations, applying principles of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.
- Knowledge of building codes, standards, structures, construction materials, and specifications relevant to MEP design.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a team of junior engineers and drafters, oversee multiple projects, and effectively delegate work to internal staff.
- Experience in project management activities related to MEP design, including coordination, scheduling, and documentation.
- Experience with HVAC design and engineering, including the development of construction documents and riser diagrams.
- Experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems design for commercial and multi-family buildings.
- Strong general software and computer proficiency, with the ability to learn new software tools quickly.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrated passion for being a helpful, responsive, and collaborative team member.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is not required but is a strong plus.
- Experience across all MEP trades is a strong plus; candidates without full MEP exposure should have strong design experience in at least one trade and demonstrated coordination experience with the other trades.
- Degree in an engineering discipline such as mechanical, electrical, or plumbing engineering, or a closely related field.
- Experience producing construction documents for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
- Familiarity with building systems in commercial and multi-family buildings, including mixed-use and affordable housing projects.
- Demonstrated aptitude and interest in continuously expanding your technical knowledge within a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Interest in working in an entrepreneurial, growth-oriented setting with clear paths to increased responsibility, leadership, and partnership.
- Comfort working in a collaborative environment where architects and engineers overlap responsibilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of how buildings come together.
Work EnvironmentThe firm operates as a full-service architecture and engineering practice, providing architectural, MEP, structural, and civil services under one roof. The team consists of approximately 50 employees, with around 30 architectural and 20 engineering professionals. The engineering group is rapidly expanding and will be moving into a newly purchased space dedicated to the engineering team, reflecting the firms ongoing growth.The culture is energetic and collaborative, with a staff profile of many early-career professionals. The environment emphasizes mentorship, office activities, and a fun, supportive atmosphere. Engineers and architects work closely together, often overlapping responsibilities, which provides exposure to multiple disciplines and helps team members understand how all building systems integrate from concept through construction administration.The firm follows a hybrid work model, with employees in the office three days per week. Typical work hours start around 8:00 AM, with most team members working approximately 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM for a 40-hour work week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines. There is no time clock; employees are held accountable for delivering high-quality work and meeting commitments. The firm offers summer half-days on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.Projects focus on mixed-use developments, affordable housing, and market-rate multi-family projects, primarily in New Jersey with a growing presence in New York. The firm prefers to hire early-career professionals and develop them internally, providing clear opportunities for advancement. Many leaders began their careers at the firm and progressed into principal roles.The team uses Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit, with Revit usage expanding over time. Employees gain hands-on experience across mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disciplines rather than being confined to a single specialty, fostering a well-rounded technical skill set. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive time-off package that includes paid time off, holidays, and accrued vacation in the first year. The overall environment emphasizes professional growth, direct access to leadership, recognition for strong performance, and a clear path to increased responsibility and long-term career development. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of East Rutherford, NJ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $100000.00/yr. 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.Full benefits to be provided upon request Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of East Rutherford, NJ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in East Rutherford,NJ.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.
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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.
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