Director of Design Engineering
About The Position
Willdan Performance Engineering, a division of Willdan Group is seeking a highly accomplished Director of Design Engineering to lead the planning, design, and technical execution of complex mechanical infrastructure projects across commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, and mission-critical facilities. This role is ideal for a senior engineering leader with 20+ years of experience in mechanical and energy systems design, including deep expertise in central utility plants, district energy systems, steam generation and distribution, chilled water plants, hot water and hydronic systems, combined heat and power (CHP), heat recovery systems, building decarbonization and electrification, and energy master planning. The Director of Design Engineering will oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensure technical excellence, mentor staff, and support strategic business growth. The successful candidate will be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with a proven history of delivering high-profile projects in the New York City market and beyond.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- New York State Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
- 20+ years of MEP engineering experience.
- 10+ years in leadership roles managing engineering teams.
- Experience in healthcare, university and institutional projects.
Nice To Haves
- Deep expertise in central utility plants
- District energy systems
- Steam generation and distribution
- Chilled water plants
- Hot water and hydronic systems
- Combined heat and power (CHP)
- Heat recovery systems
- Building decarbonization and electrification
- Energy master planning
- Proven history of delivering high-profile projects in the New York City market and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior technical authority for mechanical and central plant design projects.
- Lead conceptual design, feasibility studies, and detailed engineering for steam boiler plants, chilled water systems, condensed water systems, hearing hot water plants, thermal energy storage, and CHP and microgrid integration.
- Direct HVAC system design for large and complex facilities.
- Establish engineering standards, design guidelines, and QA/QC procedures.
- Conduct peer reviews and approve design deliverables.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ranging from system studies to major capital programs.
- Coordinate with architects, owners, utilities, and contractors.
- Oversee budgets, schedules, staffing, and deliverable quality.
- Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup.
- Lead and mentor mechanical engineers, designers, and project managers.
- Conduct performance reviews and create development plans.
- Recruit and retain top engineering talent.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and stakeholders.
- Support business development activities, proposals, and interviews.
- Identify opportunities for repeat business and strategic partnerships.
- Guide decarbonization, electrification and sustainability strategies.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and develop engineering innovation initiatives.
Benefits
- Unlimited time off for vacation, personal matters, volunteer work, etc.
- Employee discounted stock purchase plan.
- 401k match
- Health, dental, vision, life and wellness coverage
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
