Mehanical Department Leader

Location: Washington, DC / Baltimore, MD Area (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $132,000 – $207,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Department Leader to provide technical leadership and operational oversight for a growing engineering team. This role is responsible for managing team performance, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables, and supporting project execution across a variety of building systems projects. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in mechanical engineering within the AEC consulting environment, along with proven leadership experience and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities: Department Leadership Lead and manage the mechanical engineering department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture Oversee staffing, workload distribution, and team development Mentor and coach team members, including senior engineers and team leads Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth initiatives Coordinate with leadership on hiring needs and resource planning Technical Oversight Provide subject matter expertise in mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems Establish and maintain design standards, technical resources, and best practices Review engineering deliverables for accuracy, quality, and compliance Stay current with applicable codes, regulations, and industry trends Project Support Support project teams to ensure successful delivery related to scope, schedule, budget, and quality Participate in early-phase design and complex project discussions as the mechanical expert Guide project managers and team leads in resolving technical challenges Quality Assurance / Quality Control Serve as the final authority on QA/QC for all mechanical deliverables Develop and improve internal quality control processes Ensure coordination across disciplines and adherence to client and regulatory requirements Operational and Organizational Development Contribute to strategic planning and departmental process improvements Support training programs, onboarding, and knowledge sharing initiatives Participate in recruiting and interviewing efforts Represent the organization in client meetings, presentations, and industry events

Qualifications: Required Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)Minimum 14 years of experience in AEC consulting or MEP engineering Advanced proficiency in Revit and design documentation Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams Preferred Experience managing multiple teams or department-level operations Background in large-scale or complex commercial projects Experience developing internal standards and technical processes Skills and

Competencies: Strong leadership and team development capabilities Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Advanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities Strong organizational and time management skills High attention to detail and commitment to quality Work Environment and

Requirements: Hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week in-office Occasional travel to project sites and client locations Ability to perform site visits, including navigating active construction environments Prolonged periods of computer-based work

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) plan Paid parental leave Competitive paid time off and professional development support