Director of Design Engineering

Location: New York

Willdan Performance Engineering, a division of Willdan Group is seeking a highly accomplished Director of Design Engineering to lead the planning, design, and technical execution of complex mechanical infrastructure projects across commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, and mission-critical facilities. This role is ideal for a senior engineering leader with 20+ years of experience in mechanical and energy systems design, including deep expertise in:

Central utility plants

District energy systems

Steam generation and distribution

Chilled water plants

Hot water and hydronic systems

Combined heat and power (CHP)
Heat recovery systems

Building decarbonization and electrification

Energy master planning

The Director of Design Engineering will oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensure technical excellence, mentor staff, and support strategic business growth. The successful candidate will be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with a proven history of delivering high-profile projects in the New York City market and beyond.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Technical Leadership Serve as the senior technical authority for mechanical and central plant design projects.

Lead conceptual design, feasibility studies, and detailed engineering for:

Steam boiler plants

Chilled water systems

Condensed water systems

Hearing hot water plants

Thermal energy storageCHP and microgrid integration Direct HVAC system design for large and complex facilities.

Establish engineering standards, design guidelines, and QA/QC procedures. Conduct peer reviews and approve design deliverables.

Project Leadership Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ranging from system studies to major capital programs.

Coordinate with architects, owners, utilities, and contractors.

Oversee budgets, schedules, staffing, and deliverable quality.

Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup.

Team Management Lead and mentor mechanical engineers, designers, and project managers.

Conduct performance reviews and create development plans.

Recruit and retain top engineering talent.

Client Development Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders.

Support business development activities, proposals, and interviews.

Identify opportunities for repeat business and strategic partnerships.

Strategic Initiatives Guide decarbonization, electrification and sustainability strategies.

Evaluate emerging technologies and develop engineering innovation initiatives.

Job Requirements / Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in in Mechanical Engineering.

New York State Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
20+ years of MEP engineering experience.
10+ years in leadership roles managing engineering teams.

Experience in healthcare, university and institutional projects.

Moderate travel required; overnight travel about 20%
Benefits Unlimited time off for vacation, personal matters, volunteer work, etc.

Employee discounted stock purchase plan.
401k match

Health, dental, vision, life and wellness coverageEEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement Willdan is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Willdan Energy Solutions participates in E-Verify.