Department Manager - Mechanical Engineering

Lombard, ILMechanical Engineering – Department Manager /Full Time /Hybrid 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 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 Responsibilites 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

Display a general knowledge of the Civil Engineering discipline

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 SystemsHVAC systems

Plumbing systems

Fire protection systems

Building utility systems

Process Mechanical Systems Process piping

Utility piping

Mechanical process equipment

Pumping systems

Chemical feed systems

Compressed air systems

Fuel systems

Equipment layouts

Equipment specifications

Mechanical Equipment Pumps Blowers Compressors Heat  exchangers

Pressure vessels

Packaged process equipment

Rotating equipment

Piping Engineering Piping layouts

Pipe stress analysis

Pipe support design

Flexible piping systems

Mechanical equipment interface

Constructability reviews

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

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