Principal

DBR; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

DBR in Houston seeks a Principal to lead healthcare project delivery, client relations, and business development, ensuring profitable execution of complex MEP healthcare programs.

You will manage a high-performing team of engineers, oversee RFPs and proposals, and ensure compliance with healthcare codes and budgets while growing DBR's regional healthcare portfolio.

Qualifications

• Progressive healthcare facility project experience is essential.
• Senior project management experience in healthcare facilities is required.
• Licensed PE in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering in Texas or ability to licensure.

Responsibilities

• Assess market potential with Partners and PMs and select target clients per plan and budget.
• Lead business development to expand DBR’s healthcare portfolio in target regions.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with clients, architects, contractors, and health system stakeholders.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new opportunities through proposals and presentations.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high‑performing MEP production team for healthcare.
• Provide strategic direction to the Healthcare Practice and oversee RFPs, SOQs, and proposals.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to highest quality standards.
• Oversee invoicing and ensure proper project financial management.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Business development

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or architectural engineering

20+ years healthcare project experience without a degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

HIRING A PRINCIPAL IN HOUSTON

ACCOUNTABILITY

Responsible for the profitability and successful execution of healthcare projects including the quality of work performed, client service, business development, utilization of staff, reputation of the firm, contract management, billing and project profitability. Must maintain a satisfactory client relationship and must be able to relate to clients and staff in a mature, thoughtful, professional and pleasant manner.

Essential Characteristics

• Maintain an Open-Door Policy
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate and train designers in a mature, thoughtful, professional and pleasant manner.
• Ability to aide in the development of technical skills of subordinates.
• Demonstrate empathy, patience, understanding and a genuine interest in others.

Essential Functions

• Work with the Partners and Senior Project Managers and Project Managers to assess targeted market potential, and select target clients that fulfill the marketing plan and budget.
• Actively support and lead business development efforts to expand DBR's healthcare portfolio in target regions.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, architects, contractors, and healthcare system stakeholders.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities through networking, proposals, and presentations.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing MEP production team dedicated to the healthcare sector.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to the team, ensuring alignment with the goals of the Healthcare Practice.
• Assist in providing oversight of client/proposal tracking activities; management and review of Requests For Proposal’s (RFP’s), Statements of Qualifications (SOQ’s) and proposals.
• Works with all involved disciplines, prepares estimated labor requirements, schedules and other pertinent data; prepares fee proposals, conducting fee negotiations, preparing contractual agreement; and is sufficiently familiar with all agreements between firm and client to effectively manage the project in a professional and economic manner.
• Reviews the documents prior to timely submission of documents to the client for in-house and client "milestone" progress reviews to ensure all documents are in place and submitted to the client.
• Serve as the principal-in-charge or lead engineer on key healthcare projects on an as-needed basis.
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the scope, schedule, and budget for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems in healthcare facilities.
• Provide expert oversight and guidance on all technical aspects of project design and execution.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of all relevant healthcare codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., TDSHS, FGI Guidelines, NFPA, ASHRAE 170).
• Ensure all project designs are compliant with local, state, and federal requirements specific to healthcare facilities.
• Leverage a reputable and verifiable history of successful project delivery within the healthcare MEP industry.
• Work closely with the Healthcare Practice Lead to align regional efforts with the firm's national strategy.
• Be available to support other DBR healthcare offices and projects as needed, contributing to the overall success of the practice.
• Ensures that the project, from original authorization through studies and reports, design, construction and post-construction, meets all requirements of the client and approving agencies and standards of quality of the firm; and that all services provided are accurate and appropriate and that charges against projects are reasonable.
• Maintain adequate records, memos of conversations, and similar documentation in the file.
• Take necessary administrative action in coordination with the Project Manager to assure proper invoicing for services performed.
• Point of contact for collection of past due accounts.
• Assists Project Manager in the Evaluation process of team members.
• May coordinate, manage and provide oversight of other project managers and teams on various healthcare projects due to project size and current workloads from major clients.
• Assist in the mentorship and training of project managers.
• Maintain neat and organized work area, which allows efficient access to information required by other team members.
• Continue learning process by attending seminars and continuing education opportunities.
• Perform additional assignments as requested/needed.

Education And Experience

• 15 years of progressive experience working on healthcare facility projects, including 4 years in a senior project management capacity for healthcare facilities, with a college degree in mechanical, electrical, or architectural engineering with an emphasis in HVAC, building electrical, or plumbing or
• A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience working on healthcare facility projects, including at least 6 years in a senior project management capacity, without a degree.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering in the state of Texas or have the ability to obtain licensure, or equivalent relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Expert-level knowledge of MEP systems design, construction, and operation in complex healthcare environments, including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and clinics.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage client relationships, lead business development initiatives, and secure new work.
• Proven experience in building and leading successful technical teams.
• Thorough understanding of healthcare-specific codes and standards is mandatory.
• A strong, positive reputation within the Houston healthcare design and construction community is highly desirable.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word) or related software.
• Proficient in using office equipment (e.g., computer, copier, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain flexibility with workload and project schedules.
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines.
• Ability to interact well with clients and co-workers, in the field and the office.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.