Principal Engineer

PowerSecure, Inc. • Durham, NC

7d • Remote

About The Position

The Principal Mechanical Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for mechanical systems across PowerSecure. This position provides advanced engineering leadership, mentorship, and oversight on complex mechanical system designs, including chilled water plants, hydronic systems, HVAC distribution, and thermal energy systems, integrating with distributed energy resources and balance of plant systems. The Principal Engineer leads engineering work to develop and implement energy efficiency and energy production projects for customer facilities, including upgrades, renewable energy systems, and distributed energy installations. Responsibilities include managing and conducting engineering studies, analyses, and project development, as well as managing mechanical and electrical construction projects from pre-contract through final implementation and customer turnover.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or another qualified technical field.
• 15+ years of experience with similar project work.
• Advanced proficiency in mechanical system modeling, optimization, and performance analysis for complex building and industrial systems.
• Experience developing engineering standards, best practices, and technical procedures for organizational adoption.
• Experience with energy engineering, including conducting engineering studies, analyzing energy consuming systems, and writing technical reports.
• Experience with development and implementation of facility infrastructure projects.
• Strong capability to mentor, coach, and technically develop junior and mid-level engineers.
• Expert-level knowledge of advanced mechanical system design including chilled water plants, hydronic systems, complex HVAC architectures, and thermal energy systems.
• Extensive knowledge of utility billing for electric, natural gas, water, and other infrastructure systems.
• Extensive knowledge of facility electrical systems and equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of engineering analysis methods for analyzing energy consumption of mechanical and electrical systems in buildings.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry codes, and standards (ASHRAE, NFPA, building codes) relevant to mechanical system design and construction.
• Ability to develop, implement, and refine engineering standards, specifications, and best-practice guidelines for organizational use.
• Knowledge of methods for measurement and verification (M&V) for energy efficiency projects.
• Proficient in the Microsoft 365 suite—including Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Proficient with business software tools such as AutoCAD, SharePoint, Power BI, and Bluebeam Revu.
• Excellent organizational skills and experience with managing and coordinating projects.
• High-level ability to engage with executives, customers, and stakeholders, conveying complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Able to travel to customer facilities to conduct building surveys.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement mechanical and electrical system projects in customer facilities, including site investigations, energy use analysis, savings calculations, cost estimates, and written reports.
• Manage engineering and design for implementation of design-build projects.
• Provide senior-level technical leadership and oversight as a subject matter expert in mechanical system design, optimization, and integration.
• Conduct high-level technical reviews, establish engineering standards, and mentor junior staff.
• Guide large-scale or technically complex projects and advise stakeholders.
• Provide senior level technical oversight, review, and approval of mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Represent engineering leadership in customer meetings, cross-functional coordination sessions, and executive level discussions.
• Coordinate mechanical engineering integration with electrical, controls, and construction teams.
• Serve as the senior technical point of contact for high priority or complex customer engagements.
• Provide oversight and direction during project scoping, feasibility assessments, and early stage conceptual engineering.
• Support quality assurance processes for mechanical engineering output.
• Support the sales team with customer interactions.
• Lead and oversee the design engineering process for new project development and construction projects.
• Prepare and finalize reports and other documentation.
• Comply with safety requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior