Senior Mechanical Engineer

The Opportunity

PAE is looking for an experienced and highly capable Senior Lead Mechanical Engineer in our Reno, NV office to provide advanced technical leadership and guide project teams through all phases of design. In this key role, you will oversee mechanical engineering project delivery, ensuring work is completed on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with quality and industry standards.

The Senior Lead Mechanical Engineer will lead the preparation of engineering deliverables including calculations, narratives, drawings, and specifications, while driving coordination efforts between internal teams, external partners, and clients. With expertise in mechanical systems, you will apply sound engineering judgment to carry projects from conceptual design through construction administration.

This role is responsible for assembling and managing effective project teams, developing detailed workplans, overseeing equipment selection and engineering calculations, and performing site visits and reporting. You will serve as a technical resource and mentor for staff, providing training, guidance, and contributing to continuous improvement through updates to standards, specifications, and processes.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, communication, and delegation skills, along with the ability to cultivate client relationships and uphold the project quality management plan (QMP). This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned mechanical engineer who thrives in a leadership role and is committed to delivering high‑performance, well‑coordinated engineering solutions.

Who We Are

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project’s lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long‑term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

What You’ll Do

• Project team leadership and discipline management, responsible for completing the project on time and within budget
• Preparation of deliverable documents including narratives, calculations, drawings, and specifications
• Attend client meetings and lead coordination between external and internal project teams
• Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
• Proficiency in mechanical system design, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and energy modeling
• Assemble effective project teams
• Develop project workplans, tasks, and assignments for the team
• Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
• Advanced understanding of the application of building codes and mechanical industry standards
• Oversee engineering calculations and equipment selection
• Perform site visits and issue reports
• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship for staff
• Update master specifications and standards, and improve company processes
• Develop client relationships
• Oversee the application of the project quality management plan (QMP)
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
• Relevant professional credential (e.g., PE)
• Minimum 2‑4 years of mechanical experience or 5‑10 years of related work experience
• Experience in a leadership role
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff
• Serve as a technical resource for the company
• Advanced understanding of mechanical engineering concepts and effective communication of design options
• Able to assemble and run a team
• Strong delegation skills
• Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Revit/AutoCAD proficiency

What We Offer

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $98,100–$121,200 annually (eligible for time and a half overtime pay)
• Employer‑paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Annual 401(k) profit sharing based on company profit and account contribution
• Professional development reimbursements, including state registration and professional association dues
• Employer‑paid commuter/parking stipend
• Cell phone stipend
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9 paid holidays plus an additional employee‑selected day
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays, and vacation

Our Commitment to Pay Equity

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislative wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification.

Fine Print

Please note that resumes received from third‑party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation, financial or otherwise, to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.