Principal Mechanical Engineer / PE Needed for MEP Technical Leadership & QA/QC
MDS Engineering is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer / Professional Engineer to provide senior-level technical leadership, design oversight, QA/QC review, and project support on a freelance, 1099, or project-based basis. This role is intended for a highly experienced mechanical engineer who can support complex MEP projects, review technical design packages, provide senior engineering guidance, mentor project teams, and assist with high-level mechanical system decisions. We are looking for someone who can serve as a trusted technical resource to our internal team and support MDS Engineering as we continue to grow. About MDS Engineering MDS Engineering is a growing minority and woman-owned MEP engineering firm based in York, Pennsylvania. We provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, energy, and building systems engineering services across multiple sectors, including healthcare, higher education, government, commercial, industrial, transportation, and infrastructure-related projects. We are building a network of experienced senior engineers and technical leaders who can support project delivery, design quality, and firm growth on an as-needed basis. Scope of Work The selected consultant may assist with the following:
- Senior mechanical engineering oversight for MEP design projects
- HVAC, plumbing, hydronic, and energy system review
- Review of construction documents, specifications, calculations, and equipment selections
- QA/QC review of mechanical and plumbing design packages
- Technical guidance for complex HVAC, plumbing, and building system decisions
- Code compliance review for ASHRAE, IMC, IPC, NFPA, energy code, and applicable local requirements
- Peer review and constructability review of mechanical systems
- Support with project approach, design narratives, and technical recommendations
- Guidance on sustainable design, energy-efficient systems, decarbonization, LEED, WELL, or Net Zero strategies
- Support with proposals, scope development, and technical narratives as needed
- Support with RFIs, submittals, field reports, and construction administration issues
- Mentorship and technical guidance for internal engineers and designers
- Assistance with development of internal standards, calculation tools, specifications, and QA/QC practices
Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate should have:
- 15+ years of progressive mechanical engineering and MEP consulting experience
- Active Professional Engineer license required
- Strong leadership experience in mechanical design and project delivery
- Experience serving as a senior engineer, principal engineer, discipline lead, project executive, or technical director
- Strong background in HVAC, plumbing, hydronic systems, energy systems, and building systems design
- Experience reviewing and leading complex commercial, healthcare, higher education, government, industrial, or infrastructure-related projects
- Ability to provide high-level technical review and practical design recommendations
- Strong understanding of codes, standards, constructability, coordination, and quality control
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal teams, clients, architects, contractors, and other consultants
- Ability to support MDS on an as-needed, project-based, or long-term advisory basis
Preferred Qualifications
- PE license in Pennsylvania or surrounding states preferred
- Multi-state PE licensure is strongly preferred
- LEED AP, CEM, PMP, or similar credentials are a plus
- Experience leading MEP teams or mechanical departments is a plus
- Experience with healthcare, higher education, government, transportation, industrial, or infrastructure projects is preferred
- Experience with Revit-based project delivery is preferred
- Experience with sustainable design, energy modeling, decarbonization, and high-performance building systems is a plus
Important Notes This opportunity is intended for freelance, 1099, or project-based support. Work will be assigned based on project needs, availability, qualifications, and fit. Professional engineering stamping or sealing services will only be considered where the consultant is properly licensed and where all applicable state requirements for responsible charge, review, and professional practice are met. This role may develop into a long-term technical advisory relationship with MDS Engineering for the right consultant. Please Include in Your Proposal Please provide the following:
- Resume or company profile
- PE license status and states where licensed
- Summary of principal-level or senior technical leadership experience
- Relevant MEP/HVAC/plumbing project experience
- QA/QC, peer review, or discipline leadership experience
- Revit, AutoCAD, and calculation software experience
- Typical hourly rate
- Weekly availability
- Examples of similar work, if available
- Confirmation that you are open to ongoing 1099/project-based support