Department Manager – Mechanical Engineering

Valdes Architecture & Engineering; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an accomplished Mechanical Engineering Department Manager to lead the Mechanical Engineering, Piping Design, and Pipe Stress teams. This is a strategic leadership role focused on mentoring staff, elevating technical standards, and delivering high-quality solutions for industrial clients.

You'll drive department growth, implement best practices, manage staffing and budgets, and partner with project managers and clients to ensure successful project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 12+ years of mechanical engineering experience in industrial sectors.
• 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and piping systems and pipe stress.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary projects and teams.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• PE license required or equivalent professional credentials.
• Ability to balance technical leadership with people management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers, Piping Designers, and Pipe Stress staff.
• Set departmental goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Conduct performance reviews and career development discussions.
• Foster an accountable, high-performing team culture and staffing plans.
• Provide technical oversight for mechanical, piping, and pipe-stress work.
• Review calculations, designs, reports, and construction packages for quality.
• Support project delivery with project managers and discipline leads.
• Identify risks, manage budgets and resource utilization.
• Drive proposals, scope definition, and project planning activities.
• Engage with clients and lead technical interviews when needed.
• Develop departmental procedures, track KPIs, and collaborate with leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical Systems

Piping Systems

Project Management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) License

Job description

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an accomplished Mechanical Engineering Department Manager to lead and grow our Mechanical Engineering Department, including oversight of the Mechanical Engineering, Piping Design, and Pipe Stress teams.

This is a key leadership opportunity for a technically strong, people-focused engineering professional who is motivated by building teams, developing talent, elevating technical standards, and driving successful project execution across a diverse portfolio of industrial clients.

In this role, the Mechanical Engineering Department Manager will provide strategic direction, mentor and support engineering staff, champion quality and consistency, and partner closely with clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. This individual will also play an important role in supporting business growth, strengthening department processes, and shaping the long-term success of the mechanical engineering function at Valdes.

The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, client service mindset, and operational discipline, with the ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within a growing engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Mechanical Engineers, Piping Designers, and Pipe Stress Engineers/Designers
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and development plans for team members
• Conduct performance reviews, career development discussions, and succession planning initiatives
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture
• Manage staffing levels, resource planning, and workload balancing across projects
• Support recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding efforts to attract top engineering talent

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical oversight and guidance for mechanical, piping, and pipe stress engineering activities
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet Valdes quality standards, industry codes, client requirements, and project objectives
• Review and approve engineering calculations, designs, specifications, reports, and construction packages as required
• Promote the implementation of best practices, lessons learned, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support the resolution of complex technical challenges throughout project execution

Project Support & Execution

• Partner with Project Managers and Discipline Leads to ensure successful project delivery
• Monitor project performance, schedules, budgets, and resource utilization
• Identify and mitigate technical and staffing risks that could impact project success
• Support proposal development, scope definition, man-hour estimates, and project planning activities
• Participate in project reviews and client meetings as needed

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients
• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities for new work and expanded services
• Participate in proposal preparation, presentations, and technical interviews
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and professionally represent Valdes

Department Operations

• Develop and maintain departmental procedures, standards, and workflows
• Track key performance indicators related to utilization, project execution, quality, and employee development
• Support strategic planning initiatives and department growth objectives
• Collaborate with company leadership to align departmental goals with organizational priorities

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
• 12+ years of mechanical engineering experience within industrial, manufacturing, chemical, energy, life sciences, or related industries
• 5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience managing engineering teams
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, piping systems, and pipe stress analysis principles
• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering projects and teams
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to balance technical leadership with people management responsibilities
• Professional Engineering (PE) License

Preferred

• Experience leading both mechanical engineering and piping design organizations
• Experience with industrial facility design, plant modifications, and capital projects
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards, including ASME, ANSI, API, and related design standards
• Experience with resource planning, budgeting, forecasting, and department operations
• Proven success in business development and client relationship management

Why Valdes?

At Valdes, you'll do more than lead projects—you'll help shape the future of industrial engineering. Join a collaborative team of talented engineers, designers, and industry experts who are passionate about delivering innovative solutions for some of the nation's most complex industrial facilities. You'll have the opportunity to mentor and develop high-performing teams, influence technical strategy, and make a lasting impact across diverse markets including energy, chemicals, life sciences, manufacturing, and infrastructure. With a culture that values innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and continuous professional growth, Valdes empowers you to build a rewarding career while delivering projects that matter.

$170,000 - $225,000 a year

Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.