Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Lexington, KY

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer designs and integrates mechanical systems within complex building projects, serving as a technical advisor to clients and supporting the full project lifecycle from design through construction administration and commissioning. This role combines hands-on mechanical engineering, cross-disciplinary coordination with electrical and plumbing teams, and active participation in business development, while mentoring junior engineers and upholding high QA/QC standards in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical systems with a focus on power distribution, lighting, grounding, fire alarm, low-voltage data systems, and lighting systems as part of comprehensive MEP projects.
• Perform a full range of mechanical engineering duties, including analysis, design, documentation, and coordination for building systems.
• Act as a technical advisor in client meetings, clearly defining project scope, deliverables, and expectations, and providing expert guidance on mechanical and MEP solutions.
• Oversee construction administration and commissioning activities to ensure mechanical systems are installed and perform according to design intent and industry standards.
• Write detailed observation reports based on site visits and construction reviews, documenting findings, issues, and recommendations.
• Review contractors’ pay applications for accuracy and alignment with project progress and contractual requirements.
• Support proposals and business development efforts by contributing technical content, project approaches, and engineering insights.
• Coordinate closely with electrical and plumbing teams to integrate mechanical systems into the overall MEP design, ensuring seamless system interaction and project efficiency.
• Mentor junior engineers by providing technical guidance, reviewing their work, and supporting their professional development.
• Maintain rigorous QA/QC standards across all mechanical engineering deliverables, including drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, balancing priorities, schedules, and resources while maintaining high-quality outcomes.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, clients, and contractors to resolve issues and keep projects on track.
• Travel as needed (approximately 10–20%) for client meetings, site visits, construction reviews, and commissioning activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Kentucky.
• At least 5 years of experience working in a consulting firm environment.
• Strong mechanical engineering experience with experience in building systems design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for mechanical and MEP design and documentation.
• Experience working in or with consulting firms on multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Ability to act as a technical advisor in client meetings and clearly define project scope and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for interaction with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ability to travel approximately 10–20% for project-related needs.
• Commitment to maintaining high QA/QC standards in engineering deliverables.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license with experience practicing as a mechanical engineer.
• Experience using BIM tools and workflows in conjunction with Revit and AutoCAD.
• Prior experience in a small or mid-sized consulting environment with exposure to large, complex projects.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and support their technical and professional growth.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in writing observation reports and reviewing contractors’ pay applications.
• Experience with construction administration and commissioning for mechanical and MEP systems.
• Membership in professional organizations such as IEEE or similar engineering affiliations is supported.
• Interest in contributing to proposals and business development activities within an engineering firm.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment with flexible hours, including core work hours complemented by accommodations for individual schedules as needed. The team consists of approximately eight engineers, creating a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere where every project is a shared effort. Each engineer has their own office area rather than working in an open floor plan, allowing for focused, independent work while still supporting teamwork and communication. The firm operates as a small organization that takes on large, complex projects, providing significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Overtime, when required, is handled collectively so that no one is left working alone, fostering a supportive culture. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer matching and potential profit sharing, three weeks of paid time off per year, and single health insurance coverage at 100% with additional coverage enhancements after five years of full-time employment. Dental coverage for single plans is provided at no cost, and life insurance is available up to a specified amount, with long-term disability coverage offered. The firm pays for state professional registration fees and one professional affiliation such as IEEE, while employees are responsible for their own professional development hours. Overall, the environment emphasizes teamwork, professional development, and long-term career growth within a stable and supportive engineering practice.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $60.00/hr.

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.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 30, 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 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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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