Mechanical Department Lead (Mission Critical/Data Center)

Job-ID: 92562Category: EngineeringLocation: Herndon, VA, United StatesPosted: 2026-08-05Great people. Great places. Great projects. kW Mission Critical Engineering, a WSP company, is a high-performance, fast-paced consulting engineering firm designing data centers and mission critical environments across the globe. We hire smart, responsive, team players to work in collaborative and mentoring office settings. Our mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, controls, telecommunications, and security building system designs keep many of the world’s top Fortune 100 financial, technology, enterprise, hyperscale, and colocation companies up and running 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We work on innovative, award-winning, large-scale projects. We travel to construction sites to see our designs being built. As part of WSP, we are able to offer our employees increased professional development and career opportunities in addition to kW MCE’s office culture which is consistently recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work.” Join our great people at our great places designing great projects. This OpportunitykW Mission Critical Engineering, a member of WSP USA, is currently initiating a search for a Mechanical Department Lead for our Herndon, VA. As a Mechanical Department Lead with us, you will design complex cooling and HVAC systems including air distribution systems, chiller plants, and alternative energy solutions while leading projects and a team of mechanical engineers. Your ImpactProduce high quality technical and professional deliverables for projects and proposals Design complex and large air distribution (supply, return, exhaust) and hydronic systems (chilled water, heating water, etc.) Design Automatic building automation controls systems and specification for large air distribution and heat rejection systems Work within multi-discipline project teams to develop drawing and specification documents for issuance to architects, contractors and building ownersAttend client meetings and lead discussionsCommunicate complex mechanical engineering concepts and decisions to clients and stakeholdersDirecting complex mechanical engineering requirements and integrate into facility designsCollaborate and coordinate with internal project discipline team members and external equipment vendors and manufacturers Act as the lead mechanical engineer on projects and direct the project teamLead and mentor a team of engineersPerform project management activities including writing proposals, establishing budgets, and managing client interactionsCoordinate activities concerned with technical development, scheduling, and resolving engineering design issuesSurvey and evaluate existing conditions Perform construction administration Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.Who You AreThe ideal candidate is a technically sound mechanical engineer with the ability to lead and develop complex projects and foster the growth of junior engineers. Candidate has strong communication skills, and an interest in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external design, client, and construction team members. Candidate is willing to travel to client sites. Required QualificationsProven history of Mechanical or Architectural Engineering with mechanical building systems emphasis12+ years of experience in designing mechanical systems for the high performing, commercial, industrial or mission critical/data center buildingsRegistered Professional Engineer (PE)Experience mentoring and training others in fieldStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to interact well with others as well as develop and contribute to high quality technical and professional deliverables on projects and proposalsStrong working knowledge of mechanical systems and codesProven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policiesMust be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environmentOccasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements Preferred QualificationsExperience with the analysis of interior and exterior Computational Fluid Dynamics of airflowMission Critical/Data Center experience Experience with international projects and knowledge of international codes and standards WSP Benefits: WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. Compensation:Expected Salary (all locations): $212,000 - $259,000WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.#LI-TB1About the companyAbout WSPWSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.