Department Manager, Engineering

FFE•Cincinnati, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

FFE is seeking an Engineering Department Manager to support our growing Cincinnati-based team. As Engineering Department Manager, you will lead and mentor a talented group of engineers, drive design innovation, and manage complex projects from conception to completion. This is a leadership role focused on collaboration, execution, and excellence—requiring both technical expertise and the ability to inspire a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to self-learning and continuous professional development.

Requirements

10+ years’ experience in engineering
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university
PE license required
Experience leading, developing, and growing engineering teams.
Experience with preparing contract documents (Drawings and Specs)
Experience in leadership and management in an A/E firm or similar environment
Experience delivering projects of varying scale and complexity.
Strong understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and construction practices.
Experience with project management and accounting software (Ajera preferred).
Experience with engineering design software, including Revit

Nice To Haves

Healthcare project experience preferred

Responsibilities

Set direction, delegate responsibilities, and provide day-to-day guidance to a team of engineers across multiple disciplines.
Recruit, develop, and retain engineering talent while helping shape the future structure and capabilities of the department.
Oversee engineering projects from concept through completion—ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.
Work closely with architects, project managers, quality control, and marketing teams to deliver integrated design solutions and win new work.
Build and maintain strong relationships through regular communication, problem-solving, and project updates. Ensure client expectations are met or exceeded.
Review and approve technical deliverables including drawings, specifications, and engineering reports. Provide recommendations and resolve complex design challenges.
In partnership with the QC Manager, enforce engineering standards, ensure compliance with codes and regulations, and promote continuous improvement.
Support professional development, conduct performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
Continuously evaluate and refine engineering workflows, documentation standards, and team structures to improve efficiency and output. Monitor department workload, utilization, and staffing needs to support sustainable growth and successful project delivery.
Align departmental goals with company-wide initiatives. Identify opportunities for innovation, sustainable design, and thought leadership.
Represent FFE at conferences, networking events, and client interviews. Contribute to presentations, proposals, and marketing content as needed.