Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering RDH Building Science
• Seattle, WA, United States

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering

Seattle, WA

This is a strategic leadership role central to RDH's growth in the Pacific Northwest. The Senior Specialist, Mechanical will be responsible for establishing and leading a high‑performing mechanical engineering practice in the Seattle office, integrating with RDH's building science expertise to deliver innovative solutions for new and existing buildings. This role will guide services across mechanical system design, retrofit strategy, energy and carbon reduction, and forensics‑critical to advancing RDH's mission of making buildings better while addressing climate change.

This position is ideal for a technically accomplished, entrepreneurial leader with a passion for mentorship, business development, and collaborative problem‑solving. You will work closely with colleagues across RDH's West Coast offices and leverage cross‑office expertise to develop the Seattle‑based mechanical practice.

• Establish and grow RDH's mechanical engineering capabilities in the Seattle office, supported by regional and national colleagues.
• Serve as Project Principal, overseeing the delivery of technical work in alignment with RDH's standards and client expectations.
• Lead the recruitment, development, and mentorship of a mechanical engineering team.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high‑performance team culture consistent with RDH's values.

• Provide expert guidance in the design, assessment, and rehabilitation of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and ventilation systems.
• Lead mechanical system assessments, forensic investigations, warranty reviews, and energy/carbon reduction studies.
• Oversee the design and implementation of retrofit and new construction solutions, ensuring integration with enclosure and building performance goals.
• Maintain and contribute to RDH's technical standards, quality policies, and thought leadership in the mechanical field.

• Manage scope, budget, schedule, and quality across a diverse portfolio of mechanical projects.
• Interface with clients including architects, developers, owners, contractors, and institutions.
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, reports, and submittals; evaluate contractor performance.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary RDH teams and external partners.

• Secure strategic, high‑value projects in mechanical design, retrofit, and performance consulting.
• Build and maintain lasting client relationships with architects, developers, institutions, and public agencies.
• Represent RDH at technical and industry events; contribute to publications and thought leadership.
• Support marketing initiatives and proposal preparation to grow RDH's mechanical offerings.

• Collaborate with leadership to shape RDH's strategic direction for mechanical engineering.
• Leverage flexible operational approaches in the start‑up phase, evolving to a fully established practice.
• Contribute to internal training, mentorship, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Science (required).
• Master's degree in Building Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred).
• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in mechanical system design, retrofit, and consulting, with significant experience in both new construction and existing building rehabilitation.
• Proven leadership in building and managing high‑performing technical teams.
• Strong track record of business development and client engagement.
• Experience collaborating with design‑focused architects and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng.) required.

• Superior technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and mechanical system integration with building enclosures.
• Strong investigative and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to diagnose performance issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written…