Department Manager - Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Department Manager

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Department Manager to lead and grow our Mechanical Engineering Department across municipal infrastructure, water and wastewater, building systems, industrial process facilities, utility and power infrastructure, and life sciences markets.

This leadership role is ideal for a technically accomplished engineer who is passionate about developing people, advancing technical excellence, strengthening client relationships, and delivering innovative engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects.

The Mechanical Engineering Department Manager is responsible for the overall leadership of the mechanical engineering discipline, including mechanical system design, process mechanical engineering, piping engineering, pipe stress analysis, equipment engineering, and building mechanical systems. The successful candidate will establish technical standards, mentor engineering staff, support project delivery, assist in business development efforts, and help expand Valdes' mechanical engineering capabilities into new markets while maintaining excellence in our established industrial and process engineering services.

This position works closely with clients, project managers, discipline leaders, architects, civil, structural, electrical, instrumentation, and process engineers to successfully deliver multidisciplinary projects from planning through construction.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Lead and manage the Mechanical Engineering Department, including mechanical design, piping engineering, pipe stress analysis, and equipment engineering
• Develop department standards, specifications, design procedures, and quality assurance practices
• Mentor engineers and designers through technical guidance, career development, and performance management
• Recruit, retain, and develop high-performing engineering talent
• Balance department workload, staffing, and utilization across multiple business sectors
• Promote collaboration across engineering disciplines while strengthening technical consistency throughout the department
• Evaluate emerging technologies and continuously improve engineering tools, design practices, and department capabilities

Technical Leadership

Provide technical leadership for the planning, design, and review of mechanical systems supporting:

• Municipal infrastructure
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Pump stations
• Public buildings
• Transportation and transit facilities
• Utility infrastructure
• Industrial process facilities
• Pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities
• Power generation and energy facilities

Oversee engineering associated with:

• Building Mechanical Systems
• Process Mechanical Systems
• Mechanical Equipment
• Piping Engineering

Ensure all designs comply with applicable codes, client standards, and engineering best practices, including ASME, ASHRAE, AWWA, NFPA, API, IMC, IPC, EPA, applicable building codes, and state and local regulations.

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Partner with Project Managers and Discipline Leads to successfully deliver multidisciplinary engineering projects
• Support projects from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning
• Participate in field investigations, design reviews, construction meetings, startup activities, and client presentations
• Coordinate engineering interfaces among mechanical, piping, structural, electrical, instrumentation, civil, and architectural disciplines
• Promote practical, maintainable, and cost-effective engineering solutions

Business Development

• Support proposal development and project pursuits
• Develop and strengthen relationships with municipal, industrial, utility, pharmaceutical, and commercial clients
• Identify opportunities to expand mechanical engineering services into new markets
• Support strategic planning and long-term department growth
• Represent Valdes through industry organizations, conferences, and technical presentations

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• 12+ years of progressively…