Mechanical Engineer LBYD Federal

Location: Bethesda, Maryland

Title: Jr. Biocontainment Safety Engineer (Mechanical Engineer)

Schedule (FT/PT): Regular Full Time

Travel Required: Yes (25-50%)

Government Clearance: Ability to Obtain

To provide engineering support for the operation and verification of high and maximum containment laboratories.

• Performs functional duties under the oversight of a senior engineer.
• Review design submissions for laboratory or hospital-related facility renovations and new construction with facility engineers, project officers, and architectural/engineering design firms to ensure safety compliance with the Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) and Design Requirements Manual (DRM); includes design consultation, variance request review, and safety issue resolution.
• Work closely with the federally designated engineer in the organization, eventually working more independently as knowledge and experience are gained.
• Validate air balance reports and facility system controls; and other safety and health related monitoring efforts.
• Assist with high (BSL‑3) and maximum (BSL‑4) containment lab verification testing and pressure decay testing in the field as needed.
• Assist with training of Office of Research Facilities (ORF) and Office of Research Services (ORS) staff on laboratory safety and biocontainment engineering practices.
• Assist with code and policy reviews to align NIH standards with good industry practices.
• Support the DOHS and ORF in plan review related to safety and health issues arising from construction/renovation of biomedical research facilities.
• Review design/construction plans and specifications to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines, standards, or requirements for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, laboratory layouts and finishes, primary containment devices, emergency safety fixtures, and chemical storage.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Science.
• Minimum 1 year of experience.

Skills and Abilities:

• Willing and able to learn.
• Effective communication and sound judgment.

Special Requirements:

• Understanding of design and construction processes.
• Reading and interpreting design and construction drawings and specifications.
• Technical and theoretical knowledge of general engineering principles.

May be sitting for long periods, but also required to stand, walk, and communicate with others.

Indoors and outdoors as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Accommodation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status. Proof of citizenship will be required as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to obtain and hold a Secret or Higher US Government Clearance.