Principal Mechanical Engineer

Stratus®; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid work

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with employer match

Paid holidays & PTO

Job summary

Stratus® is seeking a veteran engineer to lead the design and development of complex projects, providing expert technical guidance to project teams across multiple disciplines.

You will mentor junior engineers, oversee drawings, calculations, and reports, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes collaboration with architects, contractors, and clients to deliver innovative, buildable solutions.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 10-15 years of experience in engineering design and project management.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills for guiding junior engineers and project teams.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive MEP engineering experience with a focus on building systems design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex engineering projects, providing expert technical guidance to project teams.
• Provide leadership and oversight for a multidisciplinary team of MEP engineers.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, calculations, and technical reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client expectations.
• Serve as the primary technical expert on projects, resolving complex design challenges and ensuring that engineering solutions are innovative and technically sound.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring technical excellence across the team.
• Conduct quality control reviews at key project milestones to ensure accuracy, technical precision, and adherence to project goals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, contractors, and consultants, to ensure the seamless integration of engineering systems into overall project designs.
• Oversee construction administration tasks, including reviewing submittals, conducting site visits, and addressing technical issues during construction.
• Participate in client meetings and presentations, offering technical expertise and ensuring that client needs are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay current with industry advancements, emerging technologies, and innovative materials, incorporating new solutions into the firm’s engineering designs.
• Provide strategic input on business development efforts, assisting with proposals and client presentations to secure new projects.

Skills

PE license

Leadership

MEP design

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

Stratus® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm. Consistently ranking among the Top 500 Design Firms in Engineering News-Record, the firm offers a deep bench of industry experts through a highly collaborative approach, delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle. Operating coast to coast, Stratus® serves clients nationwide while maintaining a strategic commitment to supporting high-growth economies and building vibrant communities that foster the professional growth of its team. Serving public- and private-sector clients, the firm is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality service wherever projects take shape. Across the Civic, Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Water Resources, and Government sectors, we bring precision, insight, and purpose to every project, from targeted renovations to large-scale infrastructure. Stratus® designs spaces, systems, and solutions that perform, endure, and make an impact, delivering on our promise of Better Plans. Better Places.

The Role

• Lead the design and development of complex engineering projects, providing expert technical guidance to project teams.
• Provide leadership and oversight for a multidisciplinary team of MEP engineers.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, calculations, and technical reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and client expectations.
• Serve as the primary technical expert on projects, resolving complex design challenges and ensuring that engineering solutions are innovative and technically sound.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring technical excellence across the team.
• Conduct quality control reviews at key project milestones to ensure accuracy, technical precision, and adherence to project goals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, contractors, and consultants, to ensure the seamless integration of engineering systems into overall project designs.
• Oversee construction administration tasks, including reviewing submittals, conducting site visits, and addressing technical issues during construction.
• Participate in client meetings and presentations, offering technical expertise and ensuring that client needs are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Stay current with industry advancements, emerging technologies, and innovative materials, incorporating new solutions into the firm’s engineering designs.
• Provide strategic input on business development efforts, assisting with proposals and client presentations to secure new projects.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering from ABET-accredited university.
• 10-15 years of experience in engineering design and project management.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills for guiding junior engineers and project teams.
• Ability to lead large-scale engineering projects and provide expert-level technical guidance.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholder.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive MEP engineering experience with a focus on building systems design.

Preferred

• Experience leading large, complex engineering projects.

Why you'll love Stratus

• A team-oriented environment that values transparency, creativity, and shared success
• Meaningful career paths, leadership opportunities, and space to specialize
• Learning & Development - Education and Professional Licensing
• We believe flexible, hybrid work supports the balance and well-being our team deserves
• Excellent Health Care Programs - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance options for employees, spouses, and dependents
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match
• Paid Holidays & Competitive PTO plans

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.