Mechanical Engineering Department Manager

Coffman Engineers•Los Angeles, CA

7d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly-skilled, outgoing, self-motivated Mechanical Engineering Department Manager with at least 13-years of experience to lead the mechanical engineering department in the Downtown Los Angeles office. This role is focused on technical leadership, staff development, and strategic growth of the Downtown LA office. The Mechanical Engineering Department Manager provides technical direction, supports project teams, mentors engineers, and strengthens client relationships. The role also contributes to department operations and business development efforts, with an emphasis on building a high‑performing mechanical engineering team that delivers consistent, high‑quality work. Applicants must be well-versed in mechanical engineering design, including HVAC systems, plumbing systems, energy efficiency strategies, and coordination with architectural, structural, electrical, and fire protection disciplines. Experience with healthcare, higher education, commercial, or institutional projects, along with familiarity with Southern California codes and permitting processes, will be viewed favorably. The successful individual will assist the business development team and other discipline leads in developing technical proposals and will take a proactive role in client engagement and marketing efforts. Candidates must be able to represent team capabilities while also providing high-quality technical design and consulting services to a diverse client base.

Requirements

Minimum of 13 years of U.S. professional experience. California experience preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
California Mechanical Engineer PE registration required
Client management experience
Must be a self-starter, persistent, and follow through in a consistent manner
Passionate about the client or pursuit and takes ownership of his/her work
Able to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
Possess strong critical thinking, organizational, and analytical abilities
Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers
Strong understanding of A/E/C industry terminology and procedures and basic marketing principles
Strong organizational ability; detail oriented; high degree of accuracy
Must work well under pressure
Positive contributor to overall office and department goals, culture, and morale
Excellent time management skills
Ability to provide peer reviews of colleagues’ work product
Ability to work with counterparts in other offices to share workload when required
A positive, can-do attitude

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating with a multi-discipline design team
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Project management experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and/or Revit
Experience collaborating with local architectural/engineering community is a strong plus
Experience with managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients
Experience attending and participating in local professional organizations
Strong working knowledge of California Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, and applicable ASHRAE standards
Healthcare systems experience
Higher education or campus infrastructure systems
Central plants, district energy, or utility-scale mechanical systems
Laboratory, cleanroom, or technically complex facility experience
Energy efficiency, electrification, decarbonization, or alternative energy strategies

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and technical staff.
Oversee workload distribution, staffing decisions, and employee performance evaluations.
Foster a collaborative and high-performance work culture.
Provide oversight over mechanical engineering projects from planning through construction, maintaining quality, schedule, and budget.
Provide technical oversight and quality control for designs, calculations, reports, and deliverables.
Serve as a subject matter expert in mechanical systems design, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
Identify and pursue business development opportunities in coordination with office leadership.
Develop and maintain relationships with clients, architects, contractors, and key stakeholders.
Lead proposal development, scope definition, and contract discussions.
Develop and manage department budgets, revenue forecasts, and financial performance.
Monitor project profitability and support continuous process improvement efforts.

Benefits

Approximate Base Salary – $150,000 - $180,000 annually
Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change)
401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution
comprehensive benefits plan
flexible PTO program
open collaborative environment
professional development
community opportunities
lively employee activities