Department Manager, Engineering

Engineering Department Manager

FFE is seeking an Engineering Department Manager to support our growing Cincinnati-based team. As Engineering Department Manager, you will lead and mentor a talented group of engineers, drive design innovation, and manage complex projects from conception to completion.

This is a leadership role focused on collaboration, execution, and excellence—requiring both technical expertise and the ability to inspire a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to self-learning and continuous professional development.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Department Leadership: Set direction, delegate responsibilities, and provide day-to-day guidance to a team of engineers across multiple disciplines. Recruit, develop, and retain engineering talent while helping shape the future structure and capabilities of the department.
• Project Execution: Oversee engineering projects from concept through completion—ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with architects, project managers, quality control, and marketing teams to deliver integrated design solutions and win new work.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships through regular communication, problem-solving, and project updates. Ensure client expectations are met or exceeded.
• Technical Oversight: Review and approve technical deliverables including drawings, specifications, and engineering reports. Provide recommendations and resolve complex design challenges.
• Quality Assurance: In partnership with the QC Manager, enforce engineering standards, ensure compliance with codes and regulations, and promote continuous improvement.
• Mentorship & Performance Management: Support professional development, conduct performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and refine engineering workflows, documentation standards, and team structures to improve efficiency and output. Monitor department workload, utilization, and staffing needs to support sustainable growth and successful project delivery.
• Strategic Contribution: Align departmental goals with company-wide initiatives. Identify opportunities for innovation, sustainable design, and thought leadership.
• Industry Presence: Represent FFE at conferences, networking events, and client interviews. Contribute to presentations, proposals, and marketing content as needed.

What we'll love about you:

• You are a proactive, life-long learner who thrives on challenges and continually seeks to improve yourself and those around you.
• You demonstrate strategic thinking and can align departmental goals with broader organizational objectives.
• You are a natural mentor and team builder, providing thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and feedback to help others grow.
• You bring a solution-oriented mindset and stay calm and focused in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• You have a strong sense of ownership and accountability—you take initiative, follow through, and raise the bar for what's possible.
• You're a clear communicator, capable of articulating complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences alike.
• You are passionate about healthcare design and understand the profound impact your work has on patient outcomes and care environments.
• You're collaborative, open-minded, and eager to build strong partnerships both inside and outside of the firm.
• You embrace innovation, stay current with industry trends, and are excited to champion new ideas and tools that drive excellence.

Here's What You'll Need (Basic Qualifications):

• 10+ years' experience in engineering
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university
• PE license required
• Experience leading, developing, and growing engineering teams.
• Healthcare project experience preferred
• Experience with preparing contract documents (Drawings and Specs)
• Experience in leadership and management in an A/E firm or similar environment
• Experience delivering projects of varying scale and complexity.
• Strong understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and construction practices.
• Experience with project management and accounting software (Ajera preferred).
• Experience with engineering design software, including Revit

What you'll love about us:

• We are an innovative, engaging, diverse, and collaborative team.
• We take our responsibility to support team members seriously and strive to create an environment in which you are motivated and fulfilled. We do this through challenging projects, professional development, training, and other forms of support.
• We award bonuses for certifications and licensure, provide study time during work hours, and pay for training materials.
• We offer competitive compensation with a year-end performance bonus.
• We provide 100% medical and dental insurance premiums for employees.
• We also pay for short-term and long-term disability and life insurance premiums for employees.
• We provide a 401k with match, student loan repayment, and paid parental leave.
• We offer generous PTO and observe all federal holidays.
• We value fun. This is why we celebrate milestones and host office lunches, off-site team outings, and company events.
• We believe in giving back to the community and helping those in need, so we regularly volunteer as a team and offer an annual charitable giving program.
• We believe a healthy body supports a healthy mind. FFE Inc. provides an annual wellness program reimbursement, access to an on-premises gym, and a licensed physical therapist at no cost to employees.

Each component of the FFE total rewards package, including benefits and pay, aims to create an environment where team members have the resources to manage their lives and are enabled to focus on doing their best work.

FFE is committed to delivering competitive and equitable pay for our employees.

This position's salary range is expected to be between $160,000 and $190,000/year, depending on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, market factors, and business needs.

If hired, the position is "at-will." The company reserves the right to modify any component, plan, or program of the total rewards package at any time for any reason.

Work Environment:

This position is performed in an office environment and potentially at a home office (with prior authorization from the supervisor); however, the individual is also required to travel to other locations for client meetings, project site visits, conferences, training, and other business-related events, and to the project site as needed.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; operate a vehicle; and talk and hear. Must be capable of lifting and moving up to 20 lbs.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.