Lead Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Professional Senior

Location: Cary, NC

Job Summary

We are seeking a senior-level Mechanical Engineer to lead and grow our Energy & Power consulting practice in our Cary, NC office, providing end-to-end advisory and engineering design services for complex energy and utility projects. This role combines technical leadership, client engagement, business development, and people management, with responsibility for mentoring and managing a team of 3–10 engineers while partnering closely with clients to plan, design, and deliver innovative, sustainable energy solutions.

The ideal candidate brings deep consulting experience in central utility plants, thermal and power systems, and energy transition strategies, along with a proven track record of winning work, shaping strategy, and delivering high-value solutions across sectors such as aviation, healthcare, education, and federal projects.

We are seeking a senior level mechanical engineer for a leading role in our Cary, NC office. This position will provide an opportunity to mentor and/or manage junior and mid-level mechanical engineering staff members while also working closely with our clients to deliver exceptional services in the energy sector.

Other responsibilities will include strategy formation, business development and sales as we expand our energy transition portfolio.

Demonstrated abilities include a broad understanding of mechanical and process engineering disciplines. Experience in consulting, design, design management and project management are required, as well as experience with Owner’s Engineer roles or contract management, advisory (technical advisor/due diligence) roles, and strategic project development experience.

The primary responsibilities will focus upon leading a mechanical engineering team to provide advisory services and engineering design solutions as they relate to energy and power for clients across all market sectors (aviation, education, hospitals, airports, federal projects). Example:
An airport – this group would consult with the client and design a central utility plant that would provide heating/cooling for the terminal or design a backup power solution.

This position will also collaborate with our Client Account Managers and sales professionals on pursuits of strategic importance to the firm.

The candidate will be expected to possess highly collaborative and sophisticated communication and problem-solving skills. Successful candidates will have demonstrated the ability to anticipate challenges and manage “up and out” while supporting large teams responsible for the daily details of project delivery.

This is a hybrid work-from-home position. This role will require the candidate to regularly work out of our Cary, NC office location, at least 2 days per week on average. Fully remote is not acceptable.

• Bachelor's or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering discipline
• At least 10 years of engineering design and consulting experience.
• Professional Engineering licensure-REQUIRED (any US state)-EITs are not eligible
• Proven ability to engage with clients, develop relationships and win work, then deliver innovative solutions providing value to both the client and provider.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in business growth strategy, including exploration and development of new project opportunities, including knowledge and application of new and emerging technologies.
• Experience with proposal development and project execution planning, including scope development and manhour estimates for engineering services.
• Passion for mentoring and development of junior technical staff.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills
• Availability to travel as required to support project needs (varies by project but typically around 25%)
• Availability to work at least 2 days per week in the Cary, NC office when not travelling
• Candidate must have a consistent work history with minimal employer changes
• Relocation assistance considered for the right candidate
• MUST have prior experience with:
• -Thermal utility plants and distribution systems…