Mechanical Engineering New Graduate | Fairfax, VA
This entry-level Mechanical Engineering position at Confidential Client in Fairfax, VA offers new graduates hands-on experience in designing, analyzing, and overseeing mechanical systems for vertical building projects, primarily in education and government sectors. The role emphasizes collaboration with senior engineers, adherence to energy-efficient design standards, and professional growth through mentorship and innovative tools within a hybrid work environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering consulting (Mechanical/MEP).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with the design and analysis of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems for vertical building projects, with a focus on education and government markets.
- Produce detailed designs, specifications, and engineering calculations using industry-standard software and tools while following applicable codes and standards.
- Support engineering analysis and implementation oversight for mechanical systems throughout project phases.
- Contribute to project planning, scheduling, and cost-conscious delivery to help meet deadlines and budgets.
- Document design decisions, client instructions, and project progress; participate in quality-control reviews.
- Analyze low- to medium-complexity engineering tasks and collaborate with senior engineers to develop efficient solutions.
- Interact with clients to clarify requirements, communicate technical information clearly, and build professional relationships.
- Stay current on industry trends, energy-efficient design practices (including MEP2050/AIA2030 goals), and emerging technologies; contribute to innovation and research efforts.
- Prioritize safety in design and project work; help identify and mitigate potential safety risks.
What You’ll Bring
Required
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or equivalent certification.
- Understanding of thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics as applied to HVAC, plumbing and fire protection system design.
- Familiarity with HVAC load calculation tools and other industry-standard engineering software.
- Basic experience with BIM software.
- Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges.
- Ability to travel up to 5% with occasional overnight stays.
Preferred
- Prior internship or practical experience in building design consulting.
- EIT certification (if not already held).
Physical Requirements
- Regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk, see, hear, and lift up to 25 pounds.
- Occasionally required to drive, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, reach with hands/arms, grasp or pull.
- May have limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions and loud noises.
About the Team
- Project mix focuses on higher education and public-sector work, supporting campus renovations, labs, data-center spaces, athletic facilities, utility or infrastructure upgrades, and other technical spaces.
- Team work frequently spans full MEP scopes, often collaborating with electrical leads and other disciplines.
- Recent project examples include renovation and infrastructure support for university and public-sector clients.
Why Confidential Client
- Structured development program to build consulting and technical foundations from day one.
- Assigned mentor to guide professional growth.
- Innovation programs and internal tools (including AI-assisted resources) to streamline workflows and support technical work.
- Employee ownership and profit-sharing opportunities.
- Support for licensure progression (EIT → PE) and exam prep.
- Flexible dress and generous time-off policies.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning day one, plus wellness benefits.
Location & Compensation
- Work location: Fairfax, VA — full-time hybrid schedule.
- Travel: up to 5%.
- Sponsorship: Not available.
- State of Virginia salary range (base pay): $70,000 – $74,500 per year. Final pay will be determined based on experience, education, skills, and certifications. Additional rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.
To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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