Principal HVAC Design Engineer

Principal HVAC Design Engineer Job Description The Principal HVAC Design Engineer provides advanced technical leadership and oversight for complex HVAC engineering projects. This role leads the design and execution of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with all applicable codes and standards throughout all project phases. The position acts as a key representative of the mechanical engineering discipline, guiding project teams, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions for large industrial and EPC projects. Responsibilities + Lead HVAC design efforts for assigned projects, serving as the primary mechanical engineering representative throughout all project phases. + Provide advanced engineering expertise in the design of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for large and complex industrial facilities. + Develop detailed HVAC load calculations to support system sizing and equipment selection. + Create HVAC air flow diagrams and instrument diagrams that clearly define system configuration and control strategies. + Prepare HVAC system sequence of operation narratives that describe how systems operate under various conditions. + Size and specify air handling units (AHUs) and other HVAC equipment, ensuring alignment with project requirements and industry standards. + Perform main duct and distribution duct sizing and routing, optimizing layouts for performance, constructability, and maintainability. + Develop specifications for black utility systems, including chillers, boilers, custom air handling units, air compressors, and cooling towers, based on sizing data provided by process engineering. + Prepare comprehensive HVAC specifications, including mechanical requirements for heating, cooling, boilers, chillers, and related systems. + Ensure all work complies with applicable federal, state, and local codes, standards, and guidelines, including Department of Energy orders where applicable. + Collaborate and communicate effectively with project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors to coordinate design activities and resolve technical issues. + Utilize engineering analysis, 3D modeling, and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) tools to execute projects in a multi-discipline environment. + Support the delivery of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services on large industrial projects, including participation in project set-up, progress reporting, and close-out as needed. + Apply advanced knowledge of discipline codes, standards, and commercial availability of materials to develop practical and cost-effective designs. + Maintain a strong focus on detail, schedule, and quality, working in a time-conscious and time-effective manner to meet project deadlines. Essential Skills + Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. + Minimum of fifteen (15) years of work-related experience in mechanical/HVAC engineering. + Advanced engineering knowledge in the design of HVAC systems for industrial or large-scale facilities. + Demonstrated experience developing HVAC load calculations. + Experience creating HVAC air flow diagrams and instrument diagrams. + Experience developing HVAC system sequence of operation narratives. + Proficiency in sizing and specifying air handling units and other HVAC equipment. + Experience with HVAC main duct and distribution duct sizing and routing. + Experience developing HVAC and mechanical specifications, including boilers, heating, cooling, and chillers. + Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes and standards, including Department of Energy orders where applicable. + Advanced knowledge of mechanical discipline codes and standards and ability to perform work in compliance with all relevant statutes and guidelines. + Job-related technical knowledge necessary to complete complex engineering assignments. + Ability to communicate effectively with project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors. + Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a time-conscious and time-effective manner. + Intermediate computer and software skills, including proficiency with word processing, email, spreadsheets, and electronic presentation tools. + Significant experience providing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services on large industrial projects. + Proficiency executing large EPC projects using engineering analysis, 3D modeling, and CADD automation tools in a multi-discipline environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Professional Engineer (PE) license. + Experience with the design of systems, structures, and components for nuclear facilities under the requirements of

ASME NQA-1.

+ Advanced knowledge of the commercial availability and cost of materials. + Demonstrated experience managing and leading large projects. + Proficiency with project set-up, development of control-level schedules, progress reporting, and project close-out activities. + Practical field experience supporting installation, testing, or commissioning of HVAC and mechanical systems. + EPC project experience with U.S. Department of Energy or other U.S. federal government agencies. + EPC project experience for nuclear facilities operating under a nuclear quality assurance program. + EPC project experience in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology industries. Work Environment This position is primarily office-based and supports complex engineering projects within a multi-discipline environment. You will work with modern engineering tools, including 3D modeling and CADD automation, as well as standard office software for documentation, communication, and presentations. The role involves close collaboration with project teams, clients, vendors, and subcontractors, and may require periodic visits to industrial or project sites to support design coordination or field-related activities. The work setting emphasizes professional conduct, adherence to safety and quality standards, and effective time management to meet project schedules. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Los Angeles, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $88.00 - $88.00/hr. 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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Los Angeles,CA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026. 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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.