Mechanical Engineer - Senior

Colorado Network Staffing (CNS) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is an on-site role where you serve as a mechanical engineering subject matter expert, contributing to design, technical review, project coordination, and construction support for mechanical systems across federal facilities.

What you’ll do

• Act as a subject matter expert for mechanical engineering systems and facility-related mechanical infrastructure.
• Design and perform technical review for HVAC and control systems, plumbing systems, fire suppression systems, natural gas distribution, compressed air systems, and specialty mechanical equipment.
• Develop HVAC designs for commercial, institutional, industrial, educational, medical, maintenance, and mission-support facilities.
• Analyze mechanical system calculations, procedures, and technical requirements to ensure alignment with project needs.
• Calculate HVAC building loads using Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, or comparable load calculation and energy simulation tools.
• Conduct Life Cycle Cost Analyses to evaluate and select cost-effective building envelope and mechanical system solutions.
• Review mechanical engineering work completed internally and by third-party architecture and engineering firms.
• Provide mechanical engineering support for facilities including barracks, academic complexes, administrative buildings, dining and multipurpose centers, medical facilities, schools, and child development centers.
• Support engineering requirements for industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, storage, machine shop, vehicle repair, weapons repair, and fuel cell repair facilities.
• Support mechanical design for aircraft-related facilities, including flight control or simulation facilities, aircraft corrosion control facilities, and paint stripping facilities.
• Support mechanical systems for recreation facilities, commissaries, refrigeration facilities, and cold storage buildings.
• Evaluate mechanical systems based on mission needs, performance, energy efficiency, constructability, and life-cycle requirements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary design and production meetings, coordinating requirements with other engineering disciplines, architects, project managers, and stakeholders.
• Assist with design and contracting strategies supporting advertisement, contract award, construction, and renovation of mission-essential facilities.
• Lead and coordinate assigned engineering projects from design through construction or renovation, including preparation of construction contract packages (drawings, specifications, and independent cost estimates).
• Support construction management during engineering, construction, and inspection activities; help resolve field problems by interpreting contract documents, drawings, specifications, and amendments.
• Review shop drawings and other construction-related technical submittals; assist with appropriate invoice review for payment.
• Recommend actions to maintain project schedules and budgets, and provide engineering support to resolve questions, conflicts, and field conditions.
• Review mechanical engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for accuracy and completeness, and evaluate compliance with applicable criteria, project requirements, and accepted industry practices.
• Identify potential design conflicts and constructability concerns, recommend corrective actions, and maintain appropriate engineering documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in mechanical system design for commercial or institutional buildings.
• Current Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng.) license.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical building systems, including HVAC, controls, plumbing, and related facility systems.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated leadership, team coordination, and project management experience.
• Previous experience working with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary engineering responsibilities and coordinate work from design through construction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers, architects, construction personnel, project managers, and client representatives.

Technologies

• Trane TRACE
• Carrier HAP
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Project
• AutoCAD

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

Work environment and schedule

• Primarily on-site at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
• Work includes professional office and engineering tasks, plus coordination with construction and facility personnel.
• May include visits to active construction, renovation, maintenance, and operational facility environments to review existing conditions, address field issues, support inspections, and coordinate engineering activities.
• This is a full-time, exempt position with hours generally following established project and client schedules. Additional or extended hours may occasionally be required to meet deadlines and mission-critical needs.

Physical demands

• Primarily professional and technical work requiring prolonged computer use, reviewing engineering drawings, preparing technical documentation, and attending project meetings.
• Site visits may require walking through active construction or operational facilities, standing for extended periods, navigating stairs and uneven surfaces, and wearing required PPE.

Travel and authorization

• Occasional travel may be required for project activities, meetings, inspections, or other engineering responsibilities.
• May require occasional operation of a vehicle to support assigned duties.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable contract citizenship requirements.
• Must successfully complete required federal background screening.
• Must meet requirements to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC).
• Must maintain a valid Professional Engineer license as required for the position.
• Must meet applicable federal facility access and security requirements.

Preferred qualifications

• Prior Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron experience.
• Ability to work in person and on-site at the United States Air Force Academy.
• Experience supporting federal or governmental engineering projects.
• At least seven (7) years of commercial, non-residential experience as a professional mechanical engineer.
• At least five (5) years of experience in a project lead role.
• At least two (2) years of experience supporting a public or governmental organization.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with HVAC building load and energy simulation software, including Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP, or comparable programs.
• LEED AP certification.
• Experience with AutoCAD and other applicable engineering software.
• Completion of applicable AFIT training courses, including WENG 400, WENG 519, WMGT 322, WMGT 422, and WTSS 200.