Associate Principal Mechanical Engineer

McKinstry; Denver, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Parental leave

Job summary

McKinstry in Denver, CO seeks an Associate Mechanical Principal to lead the Engineering & Design team, driving high‑performance building solutions through the DBOM framework. You will engage deeply with clients, shape long‑term plans, and advocate for McKinstry’s design excellence.

The role requires 16+ years’ industry experience with strong leadership and project management, PE licensure or reciprocity within 90 days, and proven public speaking with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 16 years’ experience in the industry with proven team leadership and project management experience.
• Professional Engineering License or reciprocity within 90 days of hire, preferably in Colorado or Utah.
• Demonstrated public speaking experience with the ability to communicate complex ideas internally and externally.
• Experience building credibility and positively influencing senior stakeholders while representing the organization.
• 7-10 years' team leadership experience.
• 7-10 years' project management experience.
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of complex projects for specific offerings/verticals/clients.
• Lead development with internal and external partners of best‑in‑class design delivery.
• Act as a thought-leader and subject matter expert internally and represent McKinstry as a respected name in the industry.
• Lead strategic Engineering & Design group initiatives.
• Engage in all aspects of business development and sales.
• Develop and build strong customer relationships.
• Build and execute on appropriate sales and proposal strategies.
• Support recruiting by organizing and leading interviews for mid-level positions.
• 40%: project delivery for large or complex projects
• 10%: Coaching and development of direct reports
• 10%: Industry Engagement

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Client engagement

Stakeholder influence

Education

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are currently seeking an Associate Mechanical Principalto join our Engineering and Design team in Denver, CO. The role will be a key member of the leadership team representing the Engineering and Design department professionally by engaging deeply with customers to understand their long-term needs and plans and make a compelling case for selecting the McKinstry team.

Engineers at McKinstry are unsurpassed in their ability to combine innovative problem solving with common sense design applications. Because of our design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) process, McKinstry engineers concern themselves not just with the construction of a building, but how it will operate over its entire lifetime. Every design choice is made toward one goal – delivering high-performance buildings that ensure occupant comfort and safety, keep energy/operating costs low, maximize client profitability, and protect the environment.

Responsibilities:

Lead delivery of complex projects for specific offerings/verticals/clients.

Lead development, with internal and external partners, of best-in-class design delivery.

Act as a thought-leader and subject matter expert internally and represent McKinstry as a respected name in the industry.

Lead strategic Engineering & Design group initiatives.

Engage in all aspects of business development and sales.

Develop and build strong customer relationships.

Build and execute on appropriate sales and proposal strategies.

Support recruiting by organizing and leading interviews for mid-level positions.

Breakdown of Responsibilities:

40%: project delivery for large or complex projects

10%: Coaching and development of direct reports

10%: Industry Engagement

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Sixteen (16) years’ experience in the industry with proven team leadership and project management experience.
• Professional Engineering License or the ability to achieve reciprocity within 90 days of hire, preferably in Colorado or Utah.
• Demonstrated public speaking experience, with the ability to communicate complex ideas and thoughts internally and externally.
• Experience building credibility and positively influencing senior stakeholders while representing the organization with high level engagements.
• 7-10 years' team leadership experience.
• 7-10 years' project management experience.
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills.

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• “Building Good” paid community service time.
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $130,320 - $224,400 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.