Department Manager - Mechanical Engineering

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 in 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

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 Systems

Process Mechanical Systems

Mechanical Equipment

Piping Engineering

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

Represent Valdes through industry organizations, conferences, and technical presentations

Qualifications Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution

Professional Engineer (PE) license

12+ years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering design and project delivery

Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical disciplines

Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles applicable to municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, building systems, water and wastewater facilities, utility infrastructure, or related markets

Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects from planning through construction

Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills

Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred

Experience with one or more of the following:

Municipal Infrastructure

Water treatment facilities

Wastewater treatment facilities

Pump stations

Public works facilities

Utility infrastructure

Building Systems

HVAC

Plumbing

Fire protection

Building mechanical systems

Industrial Process Facilities

Process piping

Mechanical process equipment

Chemical processing

Manufacturing facilities

Pipe stress analysis

Utility and Energy

Power generation

Industrial utility systems

District energy systems

Fuel systems

Life Sciences

Pharmaceutical facilities

Laboratory facilities

Clean utility systems

Experience working with municipalities, utility owners, industrial clients, transportation agencies, public sector clients, or regulated industries is preferred.

Why Valdes? At Valdes, you'll have the opportunity to lead a growing Mechanical Engineering Department supporting a diverse portfolio of municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, water and wastewater systems, utility projects, building systems, pharmaceutical facilities, and energy infrastructure.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our mechanical engineering practice by developing talented engineers, establishing technical excellence, expanding into emerging markets, and strengthening our long-standing expertise in industrial process engineering.

Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you'll influence department strategy, mentor future engineering leaders, build lasting client relationships, and help deliver infrastructure and industrial projects that improve communities while supporting critical industries throughout the region.