Principal Mechanical Engineer

Technical Leadership

• Serve as a technical authority for complex mechanical engineering projects and design challenges.
• Establish design criteria and technical direction for mechanical systems and equipment.
• Apply advanced engineering judgment to resolve complex, unusual, or non-routine engineering problems.
• Evaluate alternative systems and equipment based on performance, reliability, constructability, maintainability, lifecycle cost, and client requirements.
• Identify technical risks and develop practical, defensible engineering solutions.
• Provide technical consultation to clients and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Serve as Engineer of Record or responsible mechanical engineer when appropriate.

Provide technical leadership in one or more areas including:

• HVAC, plumbing, and building utility systems
• Process and utility piping
• Pumping systems
• Steam, condensate, heating, and cooling water systems
• Compressed air, gas, and fuel systems
• Pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels, and packaged equipment
• Piping layouts, stress analysis, supports, and equipment interfaces

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Serve as Mechanical Lead on large, technically complex, and multidisciplinary projects.
• Lead mechanical engineering from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning.
• Develop and review project scopes, design criteria, engineering estimates, schedules, and budgets.
• Provide technical direction to engineers and designers and coordinate mechanical interfaces with other disciplines.
• Review and approve calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, data sheets, reports, and construction documents.
• Identify technical, scope, schedule, and budget risks and work with Project Management to resolve them.
• Ensure deliverables meet project requirements, applicable codes, client standards, and Valdes quality expectations.

Field & Construction Support

• Lead field investigations and assessments of existing mechanical systems.
• Provide senior-level engineering judgment in resolving field conditions, construction issues, and equipment problems.
• Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and proposed field modifications.
• Participate in equipment inspections, factory testing, startup, and commissioning.
• Ensure designs consider constructability, maintainability, accessibility, operations, and personnel safety.

Engineering Standards, Quality & Mentorship

• Provide senior-level QA/QC review of mechanical engineering deliverables, including the underlying design basis and technical approach.
• Help develop and improve department standards, specifications, procedures, calculation methods, and design practices.
• Promote consistent application of sound engineering practices and lessons learned.
• Mentor engineers and designers and help develop future technical leaders.
• Provide technical guidance while allowing developing engineers appropriate ownership of their work.
• Share technical knowledge and provide clear, constructive technical feedback.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients.
• Participate in client meetings, planning sessions, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Support proposals, project pursuits, scope development, technical approaches, and fee development.
• Identify opportunities where Valdes' mechanical engineering capabilities can address client needs.
• Develop and maintain strong technical relationships with clients.

Technical Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals and significant technical depth in one or more mechanical engineering areas.

Experience may include:

• Municipal infrastructure and water/wastewater
• Building mechanical systems
• Power generation and energy
• Industrial and central utility systems
• Industrial and process facilities
• Mechanical equipment and piping systems
• Pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities

The candidate shall demonstrate:

• Advanced ability to develop and review mechanical calculations, specifications, data sheets, equipment selections, reports, and construction documents.
• Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards including ASME, ASHRAE, AWWA, NFPA, API, IMC, IPC, IBC, and applicable state and local requirements.
• Ability to direct and review work using applicable engineering analysis and design software.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit sufficient to direct and review design work.
• Ability to communicate complex engineering issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.