Senior Mechanical Engineer

Pay: $55.96 - $81.75 per hour DOE

Location: Hybrid - Cary, NC (minimum 2 days onsite)
Employment Type: Direct Hire

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead energy and power consulting and design efforts from our Cary, NC office. This senior-level role focuses on client engagement, technical leadership, business development, and delivery of complex energy solutions across a wide range of market sectors.

The successful candidate will work directly with clients to evaluate energy needs, develop concept-level and detailed engineering solutions, and lead projects through execution. This role also includes people management, mentoring junior staff, and supporting growth initiatives within the energy and power consulting practice.

This position offers end-to-end project lifecycle involvement, from early planning and strategy through detailed design and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering teams delivering energy and power consulting and design services
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, building strong relationships and supporting business development efforts
• Evaluate client energy needs and develop innovative solutions, including central utility plants and decarbonization strategies
• Lead proposal development, scope definition, and engineering manhour estimates
• Provide technical oversight for thermal utility systems, cogeneration, and power generation solutions
• Mentor and manage 3-10 direct reports
• Collaborate with account managers and sales teams on strategic pursuits
• Support energy transition initiatives across aviation, education, healthcare, airports, and federal markets
• Travel approximately 25%, depending on project needs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license - REQUIRED (any U.S. state)
• 10+ years of engineering design and consulting experience
• Proven consulting background in energy and utility plant design
• Experience managing engineering staff and leading teams
• Strong client engagement, communication, and technical writing skills
• Experience with proposal development and project execution planning
• Ability to work onsite in Cary, NC at least 2 days per week
• Willingness to travel ( 25%)
• U.S. citizenship required (federal project eligibility)

Required Technical Experience

• Thermal utility plants and distribution systems (steam, hot water, chilled water, condensate)
• Central utility plant and energy consulting
• Cogeneration / Combined Heat & Power (CHP)
• Natural gas-fueled prime power systems
• Heat pumps and heat recovery chillers
• Thermal energy networks and geothermal systems
• Utility master planning and decarbonization / climate response planning

Additional Information

HKA is an EEO Employer who participates in the US Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify Program.