Associate Mechanical Engineering Lead

North Star Talent Group; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 141,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

North Star Talent Group is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineering Lead – Healthcare for a confidential client in Houston. This role leads multidisciplinary design efforts, oversees mechanical systems strategy, mentors staff, and guides project delivery across healthcare facilities.

The ideal candidate has 12+ years in healthcare design, a U.S. PE license, and a strong track record in client management and business growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
• Active U.S. Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• At least 12 years of experience designing building mechanical and HVAC systems.
• Significant healthcare-project experience, particularly with inpatient or critical-care facilities.
• Strong knowledge of airside systems, hydronic systems, central plants, and specialty exhaust systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design projects and managing complex client relationships.
• Strong understanding of codes and standards including ASHRAE and NFPA.
• Experience with energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable building practices.
• Demonstrated success in project delivery, client management, and commercial decision-making.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and team-development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary healthcare design projects as Project Manager and Mechanical Lead.
• Oversee HVAC system design, including airside systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, and specialty exhaust systems.
• Ensure project quality, schedule, commercial performance, and client expectations are met.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines, construction teams, clients, and code officials.
• Prepare and review drawings, specifications, technical reports, and presentation materials.
• Integrate sustainability, resiliency, and decarbonization goals into building-system design.
• Maintain strong client relationships and support repeat business.
• Lead proposals, bid submissions, scope development, and contract discussions.
• Support business development efforts and identify future project opportunities.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior and senior engineering staff.
• Support team growth and hiring as needed.
• Participate in professional associations and represent the organization in the local market.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Location: Houston, Texas
Work Arrangement: Hybrid — 3 days per week in the office / 2 days remote
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level
Required Experience: 12+ years
Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Function: Engineering
Industry: Mechanical / Industrial Engineering
Compensation: $141,000–$160,000 annually
Number of Openings: 1
Relocation Assistance: Not available

Position Overview

At North Star Talent Group, we connect exceptional talent with exceptional organizations. One of our valued clients is currently seeking a highly qualified Associate Mechanical Engineering Lead – Healthcare to join their growing team.

This confidential opportunity is ideal for an experienced mechanical engineer with a strong background in healthcare design who is ready to take on broader responsibility across project delivery, client relationships, team leadership, and business growth.

The selected candidate will lead multidisciplinary design efforts, oversee mechanical systems strategy, mentor engineering professionals, and help deliver high-performing, sustainable healthcare environments.

What You'll Do

• Lead multidisciplinary healthcare design projects as Project Manager and Mechanical Lead.
• Oversee HVAC system design, including airside systems, hydronic heating and cooling systems, and specialty exhaust systems.
• Ensure project quality, schedule, commercial performance, and client expectations are met.
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines, construction teams, clients, and code officials.
• Prepare and review drawings, specifications, technical reports, and presentation materials.
• Integrate sustainability, resiliency, and decarbonization goals into building-system design.
• Maintain strong client relationships and support repeat business.
• Lead proposals, bid submissions, scope development, and contract discussions.
• Support business development efforts and identify future project opportunities.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior and senior engineering staff.
• Support team growth and hiring as needed.
• Participate in professional associations and represent the organization in the local market.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
• Active U.S. Professional Engineer, or P.E., license.
• At least 12 years of professional experience designing building mechanical and HVAC systems.
• Significant healthcare-project experience, particularly with inpatient or critical-care facilities.
• Strong knowledge of airside systems, hydronic systems, central plants, and specialty exhaust systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design projects and managing complex client relationships.
• Strong understanding of applicable codes and standards, including ASHRAE and NFPA.
• Experience with energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable building practices.
• Demonstrated success in project delivery, client management, and commercial decision-making.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and team-development skills.

What Sets You Apart

• Experience with academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, or community inpatient facilities.
• LEED Accreditation or WELL Certification.
• Experience with whole-building energy analysis, façade thermal analysis, or airflow modeling.
• Proven success winning new work and expanding client relationships.
• Experience leading or building engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare design requirements and high-performance building systems.

Compensation

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $141,000–$160,000.

Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, education, licensure, technical expertise, leadership background, location, and overall alignment with the role.

Additional Information

This is a hybrid position based in Houston, Texas, requiring three days per week in the office and two days working remotely. Candidates should also be comfortable supporting occasional client or project-site needs as required.

The hiring organization will remain confidential during the initial recruitment process. Qualified candidates will receive additional information as they advance through the selection process.

Relocation assistance is not available.

North Star Talent Group is committed to connecting qualified professionals with opportunities where they can contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.