Engineering Practice Director

AE Works • Sewickley, PA

2h • Hybrid

About The Position

As Engineering Practice Director at AE Works, you will lead and grow our MEP/FP engineering practice, mentoring staff, ensuring quality across all project phases, and driving technical excellence firm-wide. You’ll serve as a primary client contact, coordinate services across project teams, and collaborate with senior leadership on business initiatives. In this role, you’ll balance hands-on project involvement with strategic leadership—strengthening our engineering capabilities, guiding proposals and business development efforts, and representing AE Works at industry events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 15+ years of manager or leadership experience in an Architectural Engineering or MEP firm.
• Experience in design of healthcare, senior care, higher education, commercial, public safety, and/or government projects, with specialization in a specific area of design required.
• 5+ years of client relationship building and principal-level engagement
• Sales experience, including preparing proposals and participating in client interviews.

Nice To Haves

• Additional licensure, certifications and/or training relevant to this role is preferred.
• Skilled in cloud-based and mobile technology for collaboration.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments effectively.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with leadership to design and drive initiatives that deliver outstanding service quality, strong financial outcomes, and targeted profitability within the region.
• Partner with Market, Service, and Client Leaders to create effective fee structures and staffing plans that support successful project and financial results.
• Lead resource management efforts to ensure that staffing and workload are strategically aligned with contractual obligations and compensation for client projects.
• Promote consistent application of best practices in project management and process leadership—including planning, contracting, risk management, fee development, and resource utilization—across all teams.
• Work in close coordination with leadership to address commercial and risk-related matters effectively.
• Evaluate team performance, provide coaching and feedback, and take measures that enhance success and project outcomes.
• Advocate for the adoption of project delivery strategies such as Design Technology, Quality Control, Sustainability practices, and the integration of engineering and interior design disciplines.
• Advance and strengthen the firm’s operational model to better serve client needs.
• Partner with discipline-specific leaders in areas like Design, Engineering, Technical, and Sustainability to build high-performance, client-driven teams that can identify and deliver on new opportunities.
• Assess, attract, and develop talent while creating an inclusive, diverse workforce that aligns with the firm’s long-term objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to launch targeted mentorship and career development programs for emerging leaders.
• Inspire enthusiasm for teamwork and efficiency among colleagues, illustrating how these qualities enhance both their daily work and overall business.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
• collaborative culture built on mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence
• generous paid time off, including a company-wide break from Christmas through New Year’s Day
• flexible hybrid schedule
• resources that promote mental health, financial wellness, and professional growth through training, education, and licensure support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director