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Mechanical Design Team Leader
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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The Mechanical Team Leader is responsible for managing and delivering projects by coordinating with clients, design teams, and external partners while ensuring high-quality solutions. The Mechanical Team Leader will lead technical efforts, oversee project scope and production, and provide effective staff leadership and mentorship to drive project success and organizational growth. The Mechanical Team Leader will ideally manage projects of smaller size and scope with a team of 2-3 direct reports. This position will report to the office two days per week minimum. Additional in-office days may be required to facilitate internal and external meetings, site visits, events, or other business needs. Travel between offices may also be required in the performance of job duties.


Key Accountabilities 


Team Leadership & Mentorship – 25% 


  • Lead a team of direct reports, promoting a culture of collaboration, trust, and professional growth
  • Plan and manage staffing assignments based on skills, availability, and performance
  • Mentor and coach team members, utilizing strengths and addressing areas for development
  • Identify and recommend internal and external training opportunities
  • Proactively address performance issues and lead performance review process for direct reports
  • Lead the technical onboarding and training of immediate team members
  • Maintain knowledge of firm policies and manage approvals for PTO, remote work, timesheets, expenses, professional development, and other leave requests for all direct reports


Technical Leadership – 25%


  • Direct, review, and guide technical work of team
  • Offer subject matter expertise in technical mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering
  • Collaborate to solve challenging engineering problems
  • Build and maintain relationships with vendors and partners
  • Stay current with industry trends, code changes, and emerging technologies
  • Develop progressively higher levels of technical proficiency in mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems
  • Research and understand mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection codes, industry best practices, and permit requirements


Technical Leadership – 20%


  • Provide subject matter expertise across AV, ICT, and security systems design 
  • Guide and review the technical work of the team to ensure quality, accuracy, and innovation 
  • Stay current with technology trends, codes, and best practices, and apply them to real-world design challenges 
  • Build and maintain relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and technology partners. 
  • Contribute to firm-wide standards, tools, and processes that enhance quality and efficiency 


Project / Client Leadership – 25


  • Lead projects from conception to completion
  • Achieve project success through schedule, quality, and overall employee and client satisfaction
  • Cultivate positive relationships with client counterparts
  • Coordinate project goals, scope, schedules, and deliverables with clients and design team
  • Maintain a current work plan task lists for each project
  • Delegate and track project tasks across the team
  • Attend meetings and prepare deliverables requiring high-level mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection expertise
  • Maintain organized project files, meeting minutes, and field notes
  • Address project issues and client concerns as they arise
  • Respond promptly and appropriately to requests
  • Manage project scope, including identification and development of scope and fee for add services
  • Coordinate and oversee subconsultants’ scope, schedule, and deliverables
  • Support monthly invoicing, review subconsultant payables, and help reduce accounts receivable through proactive follow-up and coordination.


Quality and Organizational Management – 10% 


  • Provide QA/QC review of project drawings and specifications for coordination issues, constructability, budgetary compliance, and code compliance
  • Act as the final stamp of approval for technical documentation and completeness for projects
  • Ensure deliverables meet company standards and client expectations


Production – 10% 


  • Conduct engineering, feasibility, and economic studies
  • Produce deliverables requiring higher level engineering expertise, such as technical reports, schematic design deliverables, specifications and controls 
  • During staff leave or times of heavy workload, assist in production of design documentation to meet deliverables


Professional & Organizational Development – 5% 


  • Participate in organizational training and development programs
  • Lead technical onboarding for new team members
  • Support the ongoing development of junior staff through mentorship and knowledge sharing
  • Give and receive feedback to support learning, performance, and growth
  • Assist in developing resources, standards, and tools to increase team efficiency and technical ability
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness
  • Support firm marketing efforts through client presentations, publications, networking events, etc.
  • Attend team and client events
  • Participate in the interview process to evaluate prospective candidates and recommend hiring decisions
  • Submit timesheets, expense reports, and other administrative documentation accurately and on time


Minimum Qualifications 


  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
  • 10+ years of AEC industry experience preferred
  • Licensed Professional Engineer strongly preferred
  • Advanced proficiency in Revit
  • Advanced proficiency in design and documentation
  • Advanced knowledge of the principles, practices, and trends of mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering
  • Excellent project, people, and time management skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Proficient leadership skills
  • Strong attention to detail
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