Mechanical Principal - Labs

HDR is a company that builds on diverse experiences and perspectives to create impact. We focus on engineering solutions for the digital age and sustainability.

• Coordinate the work of Mechanical Engineers with the balance of a multidisciplinary team throughout the entire project's development.
• Establish client relations, and participate in the marketing, design and production meetings regarding mechanical systems.
• Assume the mechanical lead on many projects.
• Participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance.
• Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager, Project Architect and other disciplines.
• Coordinate workload through the entire project development to complete documents on schedule.
• Track the financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust the work efforts with the team to ensure that the work is completed within the agreed schedule.
• Work with the Project Manager, Regional Controller and Regional Director for project reviews with corporate management as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a Mechanical emphasis.
• Understand the design process for research and laboratory facilities and facilitate clear communication to provide leadership for the entire design team.
• Be a conceptual thinker who can engage and challenge integrated architecture and engineering teams during early project stages to inform design strategies.
• Work with local leadership to drive growth of new business through new client relationships while focusing on existing client scope expansion.
• Develop strategies, capture plans, and initiate/build relationships with key clients.
• Collaborate with leadership to support pursuit go/no‑go and strategy discussions.
• Possess and maintain knowledge of client technical needs and plans, track current and trending business environment, and anticipate client assessment of HDR to capture contract assignments.
• Work in partnership with other sectors and business groups to drive new business prospects and existing client opportunities.
• Support the development of qualification packages and proposal submittals by developing scope, schedule, fees and addressing staffing requirements.
• Monitor and track projects for successful execution inclusive of technical and financial aspects.
• Healthcare, Science and Technology and/or Lab facilities experience.
• Preference given to local candidates.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of mechanical system design experience in commercial or institutional buildings.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer/PE).
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, MS Project and AutoCAD.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, previous team coordination and project management experience.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Commitment to participation in our employee‑owned culture.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends on skills, experience, education and geographic location. For Pennington, NJ: $166,273 - $224,957.

Primary

Location:

United States – New Jersey – Pennington.

Industry: Building Engineering.

Schedule:

Full-time.

Employee Status:
Regular.

Business Class:
Building Mechanical.

Job Posting Date:
Jan 23, 2026.