Mechanical Operations & Engineering Manager - Washington, DC

M.C. Dean, Inc•Washington, DC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Operations & Engineering Manager serves as the site’s lead mechanical subject matter expert (SME), responsible for ensuring the performance, reliability, and technical integrity of mechanical systems. This role supports mission-critical and facility operations through advanced troubleshooting, system optimization, and technical oversight of vendors across HVAC, chilled water, steam, and hydronic systems. Operating within established Work Control, Quality Control (QC), and standard operating frameworks, this position is execution-focused and reports directly to site leadership without independent program or operational authority. Mechanical Systems Technical Authority Serve as the primary SME for chilled water systems, cooling towers, condenser water systems, steam and hydronic systems, and HVAC equipment including AHUs, FCUs, VAVs, and CRAH units. Evaluate system performance, identify deficiencies, and assess operational risks while supporting system stabilization and performance improvement efforts. Advanced Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis Lead the diagnosis of complex mechanical and controls-related issues, including chiller and cooling tower instability, hydronic flow imbalances, and BAS sequence misalignment. Develop and document root cause analyses, corrective actions, and preventative recommendations to improve system reliability. Vendor Technical Oversight Provide technical oversight of mechanical vendors and contractors by reviewing and validating proposals, scopes of work, field findings, and installation quality. Ensure all vendor activities align with site standards, specifications, and operational objectives. Sequence of Operations & System Optimization Review and validate sequences of operation (SOO) for mechanical systems, identify discrepancies between design intent and actual performance, and coordinate with controls/BAS teams to optimize system functionality. Reliability & Preventative Maintenance Optimization Analyze recurring failures and performance trends to recommend enhancements to preventative maintenance strategies, intervals, and scope. Support the development of reliability-centered maintenance practices and contribute to System Operational Risk Assessments (SORA), Facility Condition Index (FCI) evaluations, and spare parts/inventory strategies. Field Support & Technical Mentorship Provide technical guidance and mentorship to mechanical technicians, supporting field execution during major repairs, outages, and system transitions. Enhance overall team capability in troubleshooting and system operations. Develop training plans for HVAC/Mechanical team members. As our organization is evolving, this role may formally manage and supervise HVAC technicians, mechanics, and operating engineers. Operational Integration Work within established site processes including Work Control, Quality Control (QC), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supporting leadership initiatives while maintaining an execution-focused role without independent operational authority. Authority & Reporting Structure This position reports directly to the Assistant Chief Engineer and operates as a technical resource within the site’s organizational structure. You will succeed in this role if you: Have an attitude of extreme ownership. Are highly motivated, proactive, and drive projects to completion. Thrive in challenging, dynamic environments with complex mechanical challenges. Take a systems approach to identifying and solving problems and root cause. Are motivated to implement standards and structure into an operational environment. Have expert level communication skills, and are able to convey complex issues and solutions to a wide range of peers, customers, and others.

Requirements

High School Diploma with Minimum 10+ years of experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil), Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a related technical field (Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree) with 5+ years of progressive experience in facilities operations, engineering, or maintenance management, including complex or mission‑critical facilities
Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams (engineering, maintenance, trades, subcontractors)
Expert level knowledge and field experience with HVAC and mechanical systems.
Strong knowledge of other building systems
Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance programs, asset management, and reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM)
Planning and management acumen, including labor forecasting, scheduling, cost controls, vendor management, and performance monitoring & reporting.
Working knowledge of codes, standards, and compliance requirements
Strong client‑facing and stakeholder communication skills, including briefing senior leadership
Proficiency with CMMS platforms, work management systems, and performance tracking tools
U.S. Citizenship
HSPD-12 & Secret Clearance required

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications, such as: CFM (Certified Facility Manager), PE (Professional Engineer), PMP (Project Management Professional)
Experience supporting government, defense, healthcare, data center, or mission‑critical facilities
Demonstrated success driving operational improvements, including: KPI development and tracking, Continuous improvement initiatives, Productivity and lifecycle cost reduction
Familiarity with energy management, sustainability initiatives, or utility optimization programs
Strong understanding of risk management, life‑safety planning, and business continuity
Advanced experience with vendor management, subcontractor oversight, and SLA enforcement

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary SME for chilled water systems, cooling towers, condenser water systems, steam and hydronic systems, and HVAC equipment including AHUs, FCUs, VAVs, and CRAH units.
Evaluate system performance, identify deficiencies, and assess operational risks while supporting system stabilization and performance improvement efforts.
Lead the diagnosis of complex mechanical and controls-related issues, including chiller and cooling tower instability, hydronic flow imbalances, and BAS sequence misalignment.
Develop and document root cause analyses, corrective actions, and preventative recommendations to improve system reliability.
Provide technical oversight of mechanical vendors and contractors by reviewing and validating proposals, scopes of work, field findings, and installation quality.
Ensure all vendor activities align with site standards, specifications, and operational objectives.
Review and validate sequences of operation (SOO) for mechanical systems, identify discrepancies between design intent and actual performance, and coordinate with controls/BAS teams to optimize system functionality.
Analyze recurring failures and performance trends to recommend enhancements to preventative maintenance strategies, intervals, and scope.
Support the development of reliability-centered maintenance practices and contribute to System Operational Risk Assessments (SORA), Facility Condition Index (FCI) evaluations, and spare parts/inventory strategies.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to mechanical technicians, supporting field execution during major repairs, outages, and system transitions.
Enhance overall team capability in troubleshooting and system operations.
Develop training plans for HVAC/Mechanical team members.
Formally manage and supervise HVAC technicians, mechanics, and operating engineers.
Work within established site processes including Work Control, Quality Control (QC), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supporting leadership initiatives while maintaining an execution-focused role without independent operational authority.
Report directly to the Assistant Chief Engineer and operate as a technical resource within the site’s organizational structure.