Mechanical Project Designer | Germantown, MD

Mechanical Project Designer | Germantown, MD 100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture IMEG, formerly CFR Engineering, is hiring a Mechanical Project Designer in Germantown, MD. In this role, you will lead design efforts as a project manager or lead engineer for low to moderate complexity projects, collaborate with senior staff on larger and high complexity projects, and provide engineering solutions and advice to clients. Your work will focus on engineering analysis, design, and implementation oversight of mechanical systems for the vertical building industry. You will work within project budgets, help train and mentor teammates, and collaborate across disciplines to meet project goals and client expectations. This role supports government/municipal and science & technology projects and advances high-performance, energy-efficient design aligned with MEP2050 and AIA2030. At a Glance Location: Germantown, MD Discipline: Mechanical Markets: Government/Municipal and Science & Technology Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP) Travel: Up to 15% Work Schedule: Full-time hybrid Sponsorship: U.S. citizenship required, federal contract What You'll Do Lead design efforts for the analysis and design of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems, using engineering software and tools to develop detailed designs, specifications, and calculations in accordance with code requirements and IMEG standards. Interact with clients to understand needs, gather project requirements, communicate technical information effectively, and build and maintain client relationships through professional communication. Support the execution of consulting projects and lead project planning, budgeting, and scheduling tasks to meet project deadlines and objectives. Document design decisions and client instructions while monitoring project design progress as related to percent complete and fee expended. Analyze engineering problems and propose innovative solutions, collaborating with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical and efficient solutions. Provide in-process design reviews of HVAC, plumbing and fire protection system design, calculations, and specifications, and implement IMEG quality control processes to ensure designs meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards and client requirements. Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mechanical engineering, and contribute to research, development, and innovation efforts within IMEG. Prioritize safety in all aspects of engineering work and identify and mitigate potential safety risks associated with mechanical systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, architects, and project managers, to deliver integrated solutions that meet project goals. Identify potential project problems and seek advice from the Project Manager. Oversee projects through bidding and construction administration phase. What You'll Bring Required Education and Experience Qualifications (one of the following): Option A: Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent required Option A: 5 years of experience minimum required, 6 preferred, in the building design consulting industry Option B: Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering preferred Option B: 9 years of experience minimum required, 10 preferred, in the building design consulting or construction industry Skills and Abilities Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications Strong technical and analytical skills including proficiency of principles in thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics relating to mechanical design in HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems Strong training and mentoring skills Proficiency of industry standard engineering software and tools including HVAC load calculation software Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment Attention to detail and problem-solving skills Eagerness to adapt to new challenges Proficiency in the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, Excel, and Outlook Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups Ability to travel up to 15% with occasional overnight stays Preferred Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certification preferred About the Team Do work that matters, supporting mission-critical federal, healthcare, research, laboratory, and secure facility projects where reliability, redundancy, and safety directly support the client’s mission. Work on technically challenging projects for major clients and agencies, including NIH, NIST, NAVFAC, USACE, University of Maryland, Morgan State University, and private-sector research clients. Collaborate with a seasoned multidisciplinary team of Professional Engineers, LEED Accredited Professionals, energy modeling experts, CFD specialists, lighting designers, commissioning professionals, and healthcare facility design experts. Be part of a collaborative, trust-based culture with hybrid work schedules, strong mentorship, technical growth, and meaningful ownership of project outcomes. Why IMEG We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet. Employee ownership (ESOP), fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology PE, SE, and other license exam prep and support, with a clear path from EIT to PE Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits