Principal Mechanical Engineering Specialist

About Burns 

Burns is a nationally respected provider of specialized engineering services, bringing highly-technical, sought-after engineering expertise to complex transportation and critical infrastructure projects.

Facilities & Infrastructure Team

For more than 50 years, we have built our reputation on outstanding client service.  Ranked a Top Workplace and ENR Top 500 Design Firm, we are personally invested in helping our clients achieve their goals, sharing in their passions, and successfully guiding them through the challenges of complex projects using our no surprises Burns Unique Client Experience.

We are currently seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join our Power & Utilities team in Austin, TX.

Position Summary:

The Principal Engineering Specialist is responsible for performing highly complex technical engineering tasks while applying advanced techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices of the field.  The Principal Engineering Specialist will focus on developing technical expertise and mentoring early and mid-career engineering and design staff.   

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop specific engineering systems, designs, approaches, and solutions for highly complex, large projects. Consult Principals Engineers and Chief Engineers when needed.    


• Sign and seal engineering drawings.   


• Set technical direction for specific discipline on projects, determine discipline work tasks and flow, delegate design elements to Engineers and Designers while retaining most complex, high value tasks for self.  


• Mentor early and mid-career work through on-the-job training.  When requested, partner with Learning & Development Lead to create and deliver training content.  


• Perform specific engineering studies and design analyses and assist the Project Manager in establishing budgets, cost estimates, and project schedules.   


• Develop innovative technical solutions and engineering methods to enhance efficiency, quality, and production.  


• Provide guidance on a project’s overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters.   


• Ensure Burns (and, when applicable, a client’s) technical policies and procedures are practiced during the execution of projects for clients.   


• Assists Project Managers in the coordination of project designs with other disciplines including attendance at project meetings.  


• Review drawings, RFIs, and record changes and communicate directly with suppliers, contractors and client representatives as required.  


• Performs on-site inspections during construction and coordinates design requirements with contractors and equipment suppliers.  


• Oversee the scoping, implementation and design of plans by maintaining the team’s schedule of project deliverable milestones, billing objectives, and activity codes.  


• Assists in proposal writing and client presentations for future work.  


• Act as an expert technical resource with clients and external partners.  


• Actively participates in professional organizations and/or client groups where the technical reputation and image of the firm may be enhanced.  


• Research, apply and retain design analyses, calculations, engineering methodology and codes, and equipment selection criteria of high complexity.  


• Perform all tasks in compliance with Burns (and, when applicable, a client’s) standards, policies, procedures, and engineering codes.   


• Complete special duties as assigned.  


• Perform all tasks efficiently, accurately, within the allotted project hours, and complete tasks on or before the due date.    

Key Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's (B.S.) Engineering degree and at least 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Progressive engineering experience working on tasks of high complexity on large-scale projects.  


• Proficient knowledge in the use of industry standard engineering software and tools such as AutoCAD or Revit and other specialized design software as required.  


• Deep knowledge in a specific engineering discipline is essential.   


• A broad understanding of other engineering disciplines is essential.   


• Ability to research and interpret engineering discipline codes and standards for non-routine, complex engineering tasks.  


• Proficient knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to a specific engineering discipline.  


• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to interface with clients and team members.  


• Demonstrated leadership skills with a strong ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with both internal teams, cross-disciplinary teams, and external partners  


• Understanding of managing project budget, scheduling, and resource allocation.  


• Experience working directly with clients to define project scopes, provide updates, and present results.  


• Ability to develop and maintain client relationships.  


• Proposal writing experience.   


• Experience providing technical guidance, training, and feedback to early career employees.   


• Strong knowledge in the use of engineering design software such as AutoCAD or Revit and other specialized design software as required.  


• Strong critical thinking skills with a proven ability to independently solve moderately complex problems with minimal supervision  


• Proficiency in performing technical calculations is important.  


• Previous experience in consulting is highly preferred.  

Why Join The Burns Team

Recently voted a Top Workplace by philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team.  Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm and has been named a MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig.  We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients’ successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world.  We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to “write their own story” with us.

Applying To Burns

As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package. Interested, qualified candidates must apply on the Burns’ career site at www.burns-group.com to be considered for a specific opportunity.  Individuals needing assistance to apply for an open opportunity should contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected].  

At Burns Engineering, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Burns believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success