Director of Engineering Plumbing/HVAC (Arlington)

About the Opportunity

Top Level International is conducting a search for an experienced Director of

Engineering to join an industry-leading organization specializing in large-scale mechanical and plumbing infrastructure solutions for occupied multifamily communities across the United States.

This executive leadership position is ideal for an experienced Professional Engineer who thrives at the intersection of technical expertise, client engagement, operational excellence, and strategic

project delivery. This is a highly visible role that partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, high-quality design-build solutions. This is a hybrid leadership opportunity based in the Alexandria, Virginia area with occasional travel throughout the United States.

What You'll Do

As the Director of Technical Services & Preconstruction, you will provide technical leadership from

project pursuit through execution while serving as a trusted advisor to clients, internal teams, and external partners.

Primary responsibilities include:

Design-Build Leadership

• Lead technical strategy for complex mechanical and plumbing infrastructure projects.

• Oversee design-build project execution from concept through construction documentation.

• Coordinate internal teams and external engineering partners to ensure quality, schedule,

and scope alignment.

• Develop conceptual designs, project approaches, and technical documentation.

• Review construction drawings and engineering deliverables for quality and constructability.

Technical Operations

• Partner closely with Preconstruction, Estimating, Operations, and Project Management

teams.

• Provide technical expertise during planning, permitting, and project execution.

• Support field teams by resolving technical issues and providing engineering guidance.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, and project

delivery.

• Maintain technical standards and best practices across the organization.

Client & Business Development

• Build trusted relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and strategic partners.

• Participate in project pursuits, site assessments, and technical presentations.

• Support proposal development, estimating efforts, and solution design.

• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop technical content and educational materials.

• Serve as a technical resource throughout the sales and project lifecycle.

Strategic Leadership

• Manage engineering budgets and outside consulting resources.

• Evaluate project performance, operational metrics, and financial results.

• Identify opportunities to improve processes, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

• Provide executive leadership with project updates, risk assessments, and strategic

recommendations.

• Help shape the future growth and technical direction of the organization.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a collaborative leader who combines strong engineering expertise with exceptional

communication, leadership, and business acumen.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.

• Minimum five years of experience designing mechanical and plumbing building systems.

• Minimum five years supporting or working with mechanical or plumbing contractors.

• Strong understanding of U.S. building codes, permitting processes, and industry standards.

• Proven experience leading complex design-build projects.

• Demonstrated success managing client relationships and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong financial, operational, and strategic business knowledge.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to travel as needed throughout the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Construction Management or advanced engineering education.

• Prior field or trade experience.

• Military or public sector engineering experience.

• Experience supporting occupied multifamily renovation projects.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a respected and growing organization where your technical expertise will directly influence project success, operational strategy, and long-term growth. You'll work

alongside experienced industry professionals while leading innovative mechanical and plumbing

infrastructure projects that make a lasting impact.

Compensation

• Competitive base salary: $165,000-$190,000

• Performance bonus opportunity (15-25%)

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Hybrid work environment

• Executive leadership visibility

• Long-term career growth