Department Manager - Mechanical Engineering

Lombard, ILMechanical Engineering – Department Manager /Full Time /HybridValdes 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 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 ResponsibilitesDepartment LeadershipLead and manage the Mechanical Engineering Department, including mechanical design, piping engineering, pipe stress analysis, and equipment engineeringDevelop department standards, specifications, design procedures, and quality assurance practicesMentor engineers and designers through technical guidance, career development, and performance managementRecruit, retain, and develop high-performing engineering talentBalance department workload, staffing, and utilization across multiple business sectorsPromote collaboration across engineering disciplines while strengthening technical consistency throughout the departmentEvaluate emerging technologies and continuously improve engineering tools, design practices, and department capabilitiesDisplay a general knowledge of the Civil Engineering disciplineTechnical LeadershipProvide technical leadership for the planning, design, and review of mechanical systems supporting:Municipal infrastructureWater and wastewater treatment facilitiesPump stationsPublic buildingsTransportation and transit facilitiesUtility infrastructureIndustrial process facilitiesPharmaceutical and life sciences facilitiesPower generation and energy facilitiesOversee engineering associated with:Building Mechanical SystemsHVAC systemsPlumbing systemsFire protection systemsBuilding utility systemsProcess Mechanical SystemsProcess pipingUtility pipingMechanical process equipmentPumping systemsChemical feed systemsCompressed air systemsFuel systemsEquipment layoutsEquipment specificationsMechanical EquipmentPumpsBlowersCompressorsHeat exchangersPressure vesselsPackaged process equipmentRotating equipmentPiping EngineeringPiping layoutsPipe stress analysisPipe support designFlexible piping systemsMechanical equipment interfaceConstructability reviewsEnsure 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 & DeliveryPartner with Project Managers and Discipline Leads to successfully deliver multidisciplinary engineering projectsSupport projects from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioningParticipate in field investigations, design reviews, construction meetings, startup activities, and client presentationsCoordinate engineering interfaces among mechanical, piping, structural, electrical, instrumentation, civil, and architectural disciplinesPromote practical, maintainable, and cost-effective engineering solutionsBusiness DevelopmentSupport proposal development and project pursuitsDevelop and strengthen relationships with municipal, industrial, utility, pharmaceutical, and commercial clientsIdentify opportunities to expand mechanical engineering services into new marketsSupport strategic planning and long-term department growthRepresent Valdes through industry organizations, conferences, and technical presentationsQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institutionProfessional Engineer (PE) license12+ years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering design and project deliveryDemonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical disciplinesStrong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles applicable to municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, building systems, water and wastewater facilities, utility infrastructure, or related marketsExperience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects from planning through constructionMust possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skillsMust be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the futurePreferredExperience with one or more of the following:Municipal InfrastructureWater treatment facilitiesWastewater treatment facilitiesPump stationsPublic works facilitiesUtility infrastructureBuilding SystemsHVACPlumbingFire protectionBuilding mechanical systemsIndustrial Process FacilitiesProcess pipingMechanical process equipmentChemical processingManufacturing facilitiesPipe stress analysisUtility and EnergyPower generationIndustrial utility systemsDistrict energy systemsFuel systemsLife SciencesPharmaceutical facilitiesLaboratory facilitiesClean utility systemsExperience 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.$170,000 - $225,000 a yearSalaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.