Mechanical Engineering Technical Manager

Michael Baker International • San Diego, CA

96d • $100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Join our dynamic Mechanical Engineering team in San Diego as a Technical Manager—a true Seller/Doer role where leadership, innovation, and client impact converge. As part of the Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA) vertical, you’ll play a key role in shaping project outcomes, guiding team development, and driving technical excellence across a diverse portfolio of building types—including Private Sector, Federal-DoD, Federal-Civilian, and Federal-DoE projects. In this position, you’ll lead a small team of engineers, supporting their performance, career growth, and day-to-day project execution. You’ll serve as a technical resource for the broader mechanical team, contributing deep expertise in HVAC and plumbing systems to elevate design quality and consistency. As a Seller/Doer, you’ll manage project delivery, collaborate across disciplines, and engage directly with clients—ensuring successful outcomes while helping to grow and strengthen long-term relationships.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering (Mechanical Focus).
• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• 7+ years of related professional experience in mechanical building systems design.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems and controls design.
• Proficient in HVAC load software such as Trane Trace 700 or Trace 3D, IES VE, or EnergyPro.
• Extensive experience with technical writing, including specifications and narratives.
• Proficient in applicable codes and standards, including IMC, IBC, IPC, ASHRAE, and other mechanical/plumbing design manuals.
• Experience with Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD for mechanical system design and documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and PDF software such as Adobe or Bluebeam.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work efficiently.
• Strong communication skills to interface effectively with internal teams, clients, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Ability to mentor and supervise junior engineers and provide technical training.
• Availability to occasionally travel to project locations.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS) applicable to mechanical and plumbing engineering.
• Department of Defense (DoD) project experience.
• Federal Design-Build experience.
• Plumbing design experience.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and green building certifications.
• Familiarity with acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality considerations in mechanical design.
• LEED Certification (LEED GA, LEED AP, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead staff development through mentorship, goal setting, performance reviews, and career planning, in coordination with HR and senior leadership.
• Deliver targeted training and support professional development activities to foster continuous learning and technical growth.
• Oversee staff utilization and workload management, including scheduling, assignment tracking, and regular one-on-one meetings to support team alignment and performance.
• Support team growth through recruitment activities, including candidate interviews and onboarding.
• Maintain a consistent in-office presence to foster collaboration and team engagement (minimum 3 days/week, Tuesday–Thursday preferred).
• Travel occasionally to support project and team needs.
• Lead and contribute to mechanical engineering design efforts across multiple projects, ensuring technical accuracy, code compliance, and alignment with project goals.
• Prepare and oversee complex studies, calculations, reports, and construction documentation, including specifications and narratives.
• Serve as a technical resource for peers and junior staff, providing guidance on design challenges and engineering standards.
• Perform internal technical reviews (ITRs) to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to project requirements.
• Conduct field surveys and site assessments to inform design decisions and validate system integration.
• Review shop drawings and submittals, respond to RFIs, and support construction-phase services to maintain design intent.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and code developments in HVAC and plumbing engineering to inform best practices and innovation.
• Define scope of work, develop pricing and man-hour estimates, and prepare technical documentation to support proposals and project planning.
• Lead project execution, managing budgets, schedules, and deliverables to ensure alignment with client expectations and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to seamlessly integrate mechanical designs with architectural and other engineering systems.
• Participate in client meetings and project discussions, presenting design concepts and making adjustments to meet project goals.
• Ensure client satisfaction through effective project delivery, contributing to high performance scores (e.g., CPARS).
• Present project proposals and updates to clients, clearly communicating technical concepts and project status.
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients, ensuring consistent quality and responsiveness to client needs.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities, occasionally contributing to client acquisition and proposal efforts.
• Serve as a technical liaison, helping clients understand design options, constraints, and solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance.
• 401k Retirement Plan.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability.
• Professional and personal development.
• Generous paid time off (PTO).
• Commuter and wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree