Mechanical Engineering Discipline Leader

SMRT Architects & Engineers•Portland, ME

About The Position

SMRT is a multi-disciplinary, full-service architecture and engineering firm specializing in high-performing, complex, and sustainable environments. We’re a collaborative team united by a shared vision—designing for what’s next. We solve complex problems with smart, inventive solutions. Our success comes from the power of collaboration, allowing us to deliver exceptional spaces and face challenges head-on. If you’re curious, creative, and committed to advancing sustainable design, you’ll feel right at home here. Join SMRT as our Mechanical Engineering Discipline Leader and help shape the future of our practice. In this leadership role, you’ll guide a talented team of engineers, drive technical excellence, and support integrated, cross-disciplinary project delivery. You’ll influence how we approach mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection design across the firm while contributing directly to high-performing, resilient, and people-focused environments. From mentoring to strategy to hands-on technical oversight, your impact will be felt throughout the entire project lifecycle and the growth of the discipline itself.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop engineering teams.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
Business acumen related to budgets, schedules, workload planning, and profitability.
Excellent communication skills for internal collaboration and external client engagement.
Proven ability to build and maintain client relationships and negotiate scope and services.
Strong technical competency in mechanical engineering systems, codes, and regulatory frameworks.
Ability to foster cross-disciplinary coordination and integrated project delivery.
Commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and professional development.
Sound judgment, integrity, and problem-solving abilities.
Bachelor of Science (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering or relevant discipline.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience, including demonstrated project leadership.
Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory, management, or team leadership role.
Active professional engineering licensure (PE), required; multi-state licensure or reciprocity preferred.
Ability to travel to SMRT offices and job sites as needed.

Nice To Haves

LEED, WELL, CEM, or Passive House credentials highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and manage the discipline team, fostering a collaborative, high-quality practice environment.
Drive staffing strategy, recruitment support, performance management, and mentorship for engineers at all levels.
Ensure technical excellence through licensed professional oversight, project participation, and rigorous QA/QC processes.
Advance discipline-wide standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Oversee workload forecasting, resource planning, and discipline operations to support seamless project delivery.
Contribute to business development, including proposals, fee scoping, and participation in client meetings and presentations.
Strengthen and maintain client relationships by delivering consistent, exceptional service.
Represent SMRT in professional organizations, conferences, and community engagements.
Support engineering design across mechanical systems (HVAC, hydronics, plumbing, fire protection) and provide advanced technical guidance.
Review and approve system designs, calculations, analyses, and discipline-specific documentation.
Promote an inclusive, positive discipline culture focused on learning, innovation, and high performance.