Mechanical Engineer — Contract to Hire

Location: Columbus, OH
Employment Type: Contract to Hire
Travel: Approximately 10–15%, with travel expenses reimbursed

Our client is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design and execution of new construction, alterations, and redevelopment projects. This role combines hands-on mechanical engineering with multidisciplinary project coordination, supporting projects from concept through design, construction, and closeout.

Projects may span power, process, industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, aviation, commercial, institutional, government, and military facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs from conceptual planning through design completion, adapting plans to project budgets, design requirements, and client needs.

• Prepare, modify, and review mechanical drawings and components for a variety of facilities.

• Apply mechanical engineering principles, industry codes, standards, and established design practices.

• Incorporate senior engineers' revisions and verify drawing corrections using CAD and related design software.

• Research and compile project data; prepare materials for client presentations, shop drawing reviews, and contract administration.

• Perform field inspections, measurements, and engineering calculations.

• Lead cross-functional teams executing substation, transmission line, and telecommunications projects from inception through closeout.

• Oversee 5–20 concurrent projects with budgets ranging from $100,000 to $50 million and voltage levels ranging from 4 kV to 765 kV.

• Monitor schedules, identify risks, and coordinate requirements to achieve planned in-service dates.

• Guide projects through client approval processes, including presentations to senior and executive management.

• Maintain accurate cost forecasts, including committed and uncommitted costs, to support estimates at completion.

• Coordinate craft labor and client-approved vendors for construction, testing, and other field activities.

• Maintain project data, deliver routine status reports, and lead meetings with engineering, construction, cost, scheduling, real estate, and environmental stakeholders.

• Follow applicable company and client policies and standards.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program, plus at least 3 years of mechanical engineering experience.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a related Engineering Technology discipline from an ABET-accredited program, successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and at least 3 years of mechanical engineering experience.

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, plus at least 2 years of mechanical engineering experience.

Additional qualifications include:

• Strong knowledge of standard mechanical engineering techniques, procedures, concepts, and design practices.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, BIM/Revit, 3D rendering software, hydraulic analysis tools, and HVAC analysis programs.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly.

• Analytical problem-solving skills, sound critical thinking, and a methodical approach to work.

• Strong attention to detail, organization, collaboration, facilitation, and team-building skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and travel approximately 10–15%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering consulting experience.

• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.