Mechanical Engineering Manager

The Buffkin Group; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Buffkin/Baker represents a premier engineering firm serving industrial and manufacturing sectors, seeking a Mechanical Engineering Leader to own the Industrial Ventilation department and drive both strategic and hands‑on leadership.

You will mentor engineers and designers, set department standards, oversee safety and regulatory compliance, and partner with project managers to deliver complex, multi‑discipline projects with strong client impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• Demonstrated leadership or department management experience.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial ventilation standards (ACGIH, NFPA, ASHRAE).
• Background in industrial project environments (chemical, manufacturing, pulp & paper, or similar).
• Proficiency in relevant design and simulation software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Mechanical/Industrial Ventilation department.
• Serve as the technical authority on mechanical engineering deliverables.
• Partner with project managers and discipline leads on multi-discipline projects.
• Mentor and develop talent within the team.
• Own department standards, tools and best practices.
• Contribute to client relationships, proposals and estimating.
• Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Industrial ventilation standards

Design & simulation software

Communication

Organizational leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Design and simulation software

Job description

About Buffkin/Baker Buffkin/Baker is a premier executive search firm recognized for placing transformative leaders across high-growth industries. We partner with clients to identify and recruit senior talent who drive organizational performance and long-term value.

Position Overview Our client, a full-service engineering firm serving industrial and manufacturing sectors, is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Leader with deep expertise in industrial ventilation systems. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a technically strong engineer ready to own both the strategic and hands-on dimensions of a specialized, high-performing department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Mechanical/Industrial Ventilation department, including engineers, designers, and support staff
• Serve as the technical authority on mechanical engineering deliverables, ensuring quality and consistency
• Partner with project managers and discipline leads to execute complex, multi-discipline projects
• Mentor and develop talent across the team, driving both technical and professional growth
• Own department standards, tools, and best practices — and continuously raise the bar
• Contribute to client relationships and business development, including proposals and estimating
• Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory, and environmental compliance standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Demonstrated leadership or department management experience
• Strong working knowledge of industrial ventilation standards — ACGIH, NFPA, ASHRAE
• Background in industrial project environments — chemical, manufacturing, pulp & paper, or similar
• Proficiency in relevant design and simulation software
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills

Why This Role

• Step into a visible leadership seat with real influence over department direction and growth
• Work on technically complex, specialized projects with an established and respected team
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and long-term upside