Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering

RDH Building Science; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K contributions

Health and Dental coverage

Learning fund of $1,000 per year

Job summary

A leading consulting firm based in Seattle is seeking a Senior Specialist in Mechanical Engineering to establish a high-performing practice. This role involves overseeing technical work, providing expert guidance for HVAC and plumbing systems, and engaging in business development. With a strong emphasis on leadership and project management, the ideal candidate should have substantial experience in both new construction and existing building rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• 15-20 years of experience in mechanical system design, retrofit, and consulting.
• Proven leadership in managing technical teams.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng.) required.

Responsibilities

• Establish RDH’s mechanical engineering practice in Seattle.
• Oversee technical work delivery per client expectations.
• Manage diverse mechanical projects while maintaining quality.

Skills

HVAC knowledge

Leadership abilities

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Science

Master's degree in Building Science or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering – Seattle, WA. This is a strategic leadership role central to RDH’s growth in the Pacific Northwest. The Senior Specialist will establish and lead a high‑performing mechanical engineering practice in the Seattle office, integrating with RDH’s building science expertise to deliver innovative solutions for new and existing buildings. The role guides services across mechanical system design, retrofit strategy, energy and carbon reduction, and forensics—critical to advancing RDH’s mission of making buildings better while addressing climate change.

This position is ideal for a technically accomplished, entrepreneurial leader with a passion for mentorship, business development, and collaborative problem‑solving. You will work closely with colleagues across RDH’s West Coast offices and leverage cross‑office expertise to develop the Seattle‑based mechanical practice.

Responsibilities

• Practice and Team Leadership: Establish and grow RDH’s mechanical engineering capabilities in the Seattle office, supported by regional and national colleagues.
• Serve as Project Principal, overseeing the delivery of technical work in alignment with RDH’s standards and client expectations.
• Lead the recruitment, development, and mentorship of a mechanical engineering team.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high‑performance team culture consistent with RDH’s values.

• Technical Leadership: Provide expert guidance in the design, assessment, and rehabilitation of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and ventilation systems.
• Lead mechanical system assessments, forensic investigations, warranty reviews, and energy/carbon reduction studies.
• Oversee the design and implementation of retrofit and new construction solutions, ensuring integration with enclosure and building performance goals.
• Maintain and contribute to RDH’s technical standards, quality policies, and thought leadership in the mechanical field.

• Project Leadership: Manage scope, budget, schedule, and quality across a diverse portfolio of mechanical projects.
• Interface with clients including architects, developers, owners, contractors, and institutions.
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, reports, and submittals; evaluate contractor performance.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary RDH teams and external partners.

• Business Development: Secure strategic, high‑value projects in mechanical design, retrofit, and performance consulting.
• Build and maintain lasting client relationships with architects, developers, institutions, and public agencies.
• Represent RDH at technical and industry events; contribute to publications and thought leadership.
• Support marketing initiatives and proposal preparation to grow RDH’s mechanical offerings.

• Strategic and Operational Contributions: Collaborate with leadership to shape RDH’s strategic direction for mechanical engineering.
• Leverage flexible operational approaches in the start‑up phase, evolving to a fully established practice.
• Contribute to internal training, mentorship, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Science (required).
• Master’s degree in Building Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred).
• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in mechanical system design, retrofit, and consulting, with significant experience in both new construction and existing building rehabilitation.
• Proven leadership in building and managing high‑performing technical teams.
• Strong track record of business development and client engagement.
• Experience collaborating with design‑focused architects and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng.) required.

• Skills And Competencies: Superior technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and mechanical system integration with building enclosures.
• Strong investigative and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to diagnose performance issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to present technical information to a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• High degree of initiative, organization, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $160,000 - $195,000 annualized for a full‑time role. Salary is dependent on various factors, including qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. You may also be eligible for discretionary incentives and share ownership.

We offer a robust benefits package to support the well‑being of our employees. This includes: GRSP/401K contributions, Health and Dental coverage, Primary Caregiver benefits, Vacation and Sick Time, Statutory Holiday substitutions, and a learning fund of $1,000 per year for education or career goals.

About RDH

A role with RDH is a career commitment to learn and grow alongside inspiring and dedicated people who care deeply about making buildings better. We are an employee‑owned consulting firm with 300+ employees in 11 offices across North America. Our core area of business is the integration of building science engineering, architecture, and construction management to optimize the performance of the building enclosure (walls, windows and roofs). Since our beginnings in 1997, we have become industry leaders in North America and continue to grow as we focus on technical excellence and delivering high‑quality projects. We offer a positive workplace with incredible teams, opportunities for professional growth, development and ownership. We seek alignment with RDH’s core values: 1) commit to excellence, 2) act with integrity, 3) work as a team 4) do what it takes, and 5) always learn.