Senior / Lead Mechanical Engineer (Life Sciences)

Company: Westbrook Project Solutions (on behalf of our client)
Location: Medford, MA or Conshohocken, PA
Terms: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Reports To: Project Leadership / Regional Engineering Leadership
Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Compensation: $160,000 - $ 210,000 annually
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement, and professional development

Westbrook Project Solutions (WPS) is a construction and engineering talent solutions firm serving clients across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. We specialize in placing senior-level engineering and technical leaders who drive complex, mission-critical projects across regulated industries.

We are partnering with a leading AEC firm supporting life sciences manufacturing environments, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities, to identify a Senior / Lead Mechanical Engineer who will provide technical leadership, project oversight, and strategic direction across high-complexity projects.

The Senior / Lead Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical and people leader responsible for overseeing mechanical engineering scope across projects, offices, and regions. This role leads the design and execution of HVAC, mechanical utilities, and piping systems for advanced life sciences manufacturing facilities while managing discipline budgets, schedules, and performance.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environments, strong leadership capability, and the ability to guide teams through all phases of design and construction while maintaining compliance with GMP, FDA, and industry standards.

• Lead mechanical system design for advanced life sciences manufacturing projects, including HVAC, utilities, and process support systems

• Oversee mechanical scope, budgets, and execution across all project phases from planning through construction administration

• Perform and review advanced engineering calculations, load analyses, energy modeling, and system sizing

• Direct development of design documents, including reports, P&IDs, drawings, specifications, and schedules

• Identify and resolve complex existing-condition challenges during site walks and field surveys

• Direct and manage workflows of mechanical engineers and designers (entry-level through senior)

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical development to engineering staff

• Conduct technical and leadership interviews and support team growth initiatives

• Develop internal training materials and advanced mechanical engineering presentations

• Partner with Project Managers on proposals, staffing plans, scheduling, and man-hour forecasting

• Coordinate with internal disciplines and external stakeholders, including vendors, manufacturers, and trade partners

• Lead master planning, system programming, and advanced design initiatives with minimal oversight

• Support construction activities, including RFIs, submittal reviews, punch lists, and field reporting

• Conduct quality control reviews of complex engineering documents and calculations

• Drive consistency, technical excellence, and compliance across projects and offices

• Provide technical leadership to support business development, technical advancement, and vertical market growth

• Offer an industry-level perspective to inform long-term engineering and business strategy

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Architectural Engineering (mechanical focus)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required

• Minimum 15+ years of experience for Senior Lead level

• Extensive experience designing HVAC and mechanical utility systems for life sciences manufacturing (pharma or biotech required)

• Advanced knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, fire, and building codes

• Strong familiarity with ASHRAE, SMACNA, ISPE, FDA, ISO, NFPA, OSHA, and GMP environments

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Advanced field experience supporting construction and commissioning activities

• Microsoft Excel

• Bluebeam

• Trane TRACE

• HAP (Hourly Analysis Program)

• Proficiency in Revit

• Experience supporting cGMP-regulated manufacturing environments

• Background in biotech, pharmaceutical, laboratory, or food & beverage facilities

• LEED, WELL, or sustainable design credentials

• Advanced experience in troubleshooting complex mechanical systems

• Strong coordination experience with contractors, vendors, and manufacturers

Westbrook Project Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity, inclusion, and equal access to opportunity. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.