Mechanical Engineering Department Leader

Beardsley Architects + Engineers; City of Syracuse (NY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Professional development

Licensure reimbursement

Stock ownership

Job summary

Beardsley Architects + Engineers in Syracuse, NY, seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer to lead our Mechanical Systems group and advance to department leadership. This is an in-person or hybrid role with opportunities to mentor staff and grow client relationships.

The position emphasizes technical excellence, strategic growth, and long-term leadership within an established, 128-year-old firm. You will influence project delivery and firm-wide planning.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering required.
• 8+ years of building systems design experience in the A/E industry.
• EIT with active pursuit of PE license or PE registered.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes and standards.
• U.S. citizenship required due to potential access to information.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and delivery of building systems for diverse projects.
• Provide oversight and quality control for mechanical deliverables.
• Guide owners and project teams through design development through construction.
• Ensure compliance with codes, standards, and best practices.
• Mentor staff and grow the Building Systems Engineering Department.
• Support recruitment and staff development.
• Shaping strategic growth and client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Code compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Department Leader

In Person or Hybrid Preferred, Remote candidates considered.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $150,000 Based on Experience

Shape the Future of Mechanical Engineering at Beardsley

Beardsley Architects + Engineers is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer who is ready to take the next step in their career and grow into a key leadership position within our firm.

This is more than a traditional mechanical design role; we are looking for a motivated engineer who can help lead and expand our mechanical engineering practice, mentor staff, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to the long-term strategic growth of the firm. For the right candidate, this position offers department leadership and a defined pathway toward firm management and leadership responsibilities within an established 128-year-old employee-focused engineering and architecture firm.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

• At Beardsley, technical excellence is only one part of the equation. We are seeking leaders who want to:
• Build and grow high-performing engineering teams.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships across all of our specialties.
• Influence the direction and growth of the mechanical engineering practice.
• Develop meaningful client relationships and become trusted advisors.
• Mentor the next generation of engineers.
• Contribute to strategic planning and business development efforts.
• Participate in firm ownership, leadership, and long-term succession planning.
• Help shape the future of a respected regional A/E firm.

What You'll Do

Technical Leadership

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of building systems for a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Provide oversight and quality control for mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Assist in project inception and guide owners and project teams through design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and best practices.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and sustainable design strategies.
• Assist in managing and growing the Building Systems Engineering Department.
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, and staff development efforts.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineering staff.
• Establish standards, workflows, and best practices for project delivery.
• Support department workload planning and resource management.

Client & Business Development

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with public and private sector clients.
• Participate in project pursuits, interviews, and proposal development.
• Identify opportunities for expanded services and market growth.
• Represent Beardsley at industry organizations, conferences, and community events.

Strategic Growth

• Collaborate with firm leadership on long-range planning and departmental goals.
• Contribute to financial performance, operational efficiency, and business strategy.
• Help position the mechanical engineering group for sustainable growth and future market opportunities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 8+ years of experience in building systems design within the A/E industry.
• EIT certification with active pursuit of Professional Engineer licensure, or current PE registration.
• Strong communication, client interaction, and leadership skills.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes and industry standards.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to potential access to classified information.

Preferred

• New York State Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience managing engineering staff and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience serving as Project Manager, Technical Lead, or Department Manager.
• Demonstrated business development and client relationship experience.
• Interest in growing into a department leadership or executive leadership role.

This position is designed for engineers with leadership ambitions and opportunities are available for Associate Principal or Principal Roles for the right candidate. Successful candidates will have opportunities to:

• Lead major projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Participate in strategic business planning.
• Shape departmental operations, staffing models, and workload scheduling.
• Develop client portfolios and market leadership.
• Participate in firm stock ownership and succession planning initiatives.

About Beardsley

Founded in 1898, Beardsley Architects + Engineers is a full-service design firm serving public and private sector clients throughout the Northeast. We provide architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and planning services across a broad range of markets including government, higher education, recreation, housing, commercial, and infrastructure. Our employee-focused culture emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, leadership development, and a healthy and fun work environment.

• Competitive salary and performance-based advancement opportunities
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Professional licensure reimbursement
• Stock ownership program and long-term wealth-building opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled