Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Energy Systems

Full-Time | Permanent. Location: Cary, NC (Hybrid).

Our client is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer for a full-time, permanent role in their Cary, North Carolina office. This senior-level position offers the opportunity to lead and mentor mechanical engineering teams, collaborate directly with clients, and play a key role in strategic growth and business development within the energy sector.

The successful candidate will bring a broad understanding of mechanical and process engineering disciplines, with proven experience in consulting, engineering design, design management, and project management. This role will lead mechanical engineering efforts delivering advisory services and engineering design solutions related to energy and power systems across diverse market sectors, including aviation, education, healthcare, airports, and federal projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a mechanical engineering team (3-10 direct reports), providing technical direction, mentorship, and performance development
• Serve as a senior technical advisor and subject matter expert for energy and power-related projects
• Provide Owner's Engineer, contract management, and technical advisory/due diligence services
• Develop and deliver mechanical and energy system designs, including central utility plants, backup power systems, and energy infrastructure solutions
• Collaborate with clients to understand needs, develop strategies, and deliver innovative, value-driven engineering solutions
• Support strategy formation, business development, and sales efforts as part of the firm's expanding energy transition portfolio
• Partner with Client Account Managers and sales professionals on pursuits of strategic importance
• Lead proposal development efforts, including scope definition, manhour estimates, and execution planning
• Oversee project execution, ensuring quality, schedule adherence, and budget performance
• Apply knowledge of emerging technologies and decarbonization strategies to develop forward-looking solutions
• Travel as needed to support project and client requirements

Example Project Work

• Consulting with airport clients to design central utility plants providing heating and cooling for terminals
• Designing resilient and reliable backup power solutions for critical facilities
• Supporting utility master planning and decarbonization initiatives for institutional and public-sector clients

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of engineering design and consulting experience
• Professional Engineering (PE) license required (any U.S. state); EITs are not eligible
• Proven ability to develop client relationships, win work, and deliver successful projects
• Demonstrated experience in business growth strategy and development of new project opportunities
• Experience with proposal development, scope definition, and engineering manhour estimates
• Strong leadership skills with a passion for mentoring and developing junior and mid-level engineers
• Excellent verbal communication and technical writing skills
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%, depending on project needs
• Ability to work at least two days per week in the Cary, NC office when not traveling
• U.S. citizenship required due to potential federal project involvement
• Consistent work history with minimal employer changes

Required Technical Experience

Candidates must have prior experience with:

• Thermal utility plants and distribution systems (steam, condensate, hot water, chilled water)
• Utility master planning and decarbonization/climate response planning
• Cogeneration and combined heat and power (CHP) systems
• Natural gas-fueled prime power systems (gas turbines or large reciprocating engines)
• Heat pumps and heat recovery chillers
• Thermal energy networks, geothermal exchange systems, and geothermal power generation
• Central utility plant and energy infrastructure consulting and design
• Prior personnel management experience

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate
• This is a long-term, permanent opportunity with leadership visibility and growth potential

Aspen Technical Staffing
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS ~2001-2026~

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under the law. Assistance with the application process is available upon request.