Lead Mechanical Engineer

Stratus®; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Flexible work environment

Mentorship and training resources

Job summary

A multidisciplinary engineering firm is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Department Head to oversee the operations of the engineering department. This role requires providing technical leadership, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring successful project delivery. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in mechanical engineering along with strong communication and leadership skills. The firm offers a team-oriented environment and opportunities for growth, supporting hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of industrial steam, refrigeration, compressed air, and HVAC systems.
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering team, oversee project timelines and budgets.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship, evaluate energy efficiency opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate project status.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

About Stratus

Stratus is a multidisciplinary firm specializing in engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting. Built on the union of deeply rooted firms and recognized industry leaders, we bring together broad expertise and a robust talent pool to deliver comprehensive end‑to‑end solutions. Serving public and private clients across Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, and Government sectors, we approach every project—whether a targeted renovation or large‑scale infrastructure—with precision, insight, and purpose. Stratus designs spaces that work, last, and make an impact.

Job Summary

Our Mechanical Engineering Department Head (PE) is responsible for overseeing the operations of the engineering department, ensuring the successful delivery of engineering projects while managing department resources, budgets, and staff. This role involves providing technical leadership, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to business development efforts to grow the department and its service offerings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical engineering team including hiring, establishing development and performance criteria and ensuring the team and team players meet performance criteria.
• Provide technical leadership by establishing and maintaining engineering standards and procedures to enable effective and efficient engineering design, documentation, and construction oversight.
• Actively participate in engineering design activities as part of the interdisciplinary design team.
• Participate in business development activities.
• Work with clients, their engineering teams, and their process vendors to establish design criteria for mechanical, refrigeration, and HVAC systems.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure successful completion.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to the engineering team in steam and condensate, refrigeration, hot and chilled media, compressed air, nitrogen, water supply treatment, and HVAC systems.
• Lead the design and documentation of the systems above.
• Lead and conduct quality assurance reviews.
• Develop life‑cycle costs and feasibility for design options.
• Evaluate existing systems for operational improvements or available capacity for expansion.
• Determine loads, load diversity, and capacity for future growth.
• Review alternatives for equipment and system configuration for client and project fit. Present pros and cons for each approach.
• Evaluate energy efficiency and energy recovery opportunities.
• Have thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable codes and standards.
• Participate in contractor bid review and evaluation.
• Travel to construction sites to confirm conformance to the design intent.
• Provide project support during start‑up/commissioning.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including architectural, structural and electrical engineering disciplines, as well as clients and outside engineering consulting firms.
• Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers as needed.
• Communicate project status, challenges, and solutions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with construction trades for constructability and value engineering opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of industrial steam, refrigeration, compressed air, and HVAC systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Why Stratus

• Room to Grow: We’re expanding and that means meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize.
• Strong Culture: A team‑oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success.
• Flexible Work Environment: We support hybrid work and balance because your well‑being matters.
• Support for Your Future: From mentorship and licensing support to training and development resources, we’re here for your professional journey.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy‑related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.