Process Mechanical Department Leader - Industrial Market

Gresham Smith•Nashville, TN

About The Position

At Gresham Smith , we call it Genuine Ingenuity . Our culture is the cornerstone of who we are, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. United by our Core Purpose—to plan, design, and consult to create healthy and thriving communities—we deliver innovative solutions for life’s essential infrastructure and institutions. What sets us apart is our dedication to care for our people, our clients, and the places we call home. We are more than a team of professionals—we’re a community built on commitment, integrity, respect, and teamwork. Why Gresham Smith? When you join Gresham Smith, you’re joining a place where you can connect and thrive. Our employees consistently recognize us as a Best Place to Work because we go above and beyond to ensure that you feel valued, supported, and empowered. About You We’re looking for someone who: Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering Has a minimum of 20 years in process design and piping engineering for Industrial/Manufacturing/Process facility projects (e.g., food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, battery manufacturing, energy storage, automotive, metals, semi-conductors) Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure required in at least one U.S. state; multiple state licensure preferred with the ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity Expert-level understanding of industrial codes and standards, including ASME, API, AWS, NFPA, ISA, and IBC Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously; strong team player with great communication and presentation skills Ability to travel to client meetings and project sites; valid Driver’s License and U.S. passport Innovative thinker that is curious about technological advancements to provide industry solutions efficiently, effectively and in transformative ways Most importantly, you bring genuine curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit—someone who wants to do great work with great people. About the Role The Process Department Leader leads Gresham Smith’s Process Engineering Department within the Industrial Market. This role is accountable for department leadership, project delivery, technical excellence, and business development support. The successful candidate will drive strategic direction for the process team and services, mentor staff, and strengthen client relationships across complex industrial and manufacturing projects. As a Process Mechanical Department Leader, you will: Department & Staff Leadership Plan and manage process staffing assignments for process projects; accountable for staff utilization, profitability, technical content, quality, and schedule conformance for all projects. Assist the Market Vice President (MVP) in setting department-wide technical goals and establishing a technical training program for the department. Recruit, develop, manage, and mentor staff, including compensation reviews and regular review of goals and development progress in coordination with HR/recruiting Lead a team of process engineers and piping designers Prepare estimates and staffing plans for execution of work in coordination with project managers and lead project professionals Project Execution & Technical Oversight Conceptualize the initial process design approach for major phases of large industrial projects through installation, including specifying equipment, calculating loads, ductwork and pipe sizing, and selecting pumps, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, dust collectors, scrubbers, and adsorption/absorption units Develop Block Flow Diagrams, Process Flow Diagrams (including heat and mass balance), and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams Develop operational control documentation, including Function Descriptions, Cause & Effect Diagrams, and Sequences of Operations Prepare for and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) Prepare piping engineering designs and lead piping designers in producing 3D piping models, pipe stress analyses, pipe support designs, and fabrication-level piping isometrics; provide similar oversight for ductwork when required Conceive, plan, and conduct research to resolve complex engineering problems and develop innovative solutions (e.g., conflicting design requirements, suitability of materials, difficult coordination, compressed timelines) Prepare engineering reports, plans, and specifications; produce engineering drawings and instructions based on calculations; interpret, revise, and approve engineering and shop drawings; prepare plans and technical specifications, procurement and construction documents, and estimates Participate in contract bidding and administration; observe design/installation and ongoing project progress; coordinate with City, State, and County officials and other outside agencies as required Lead coordination with clients, contractors, outside consultants, and internal teams; communicate with project team members, client representatives, and review agencies as appropriate Coordinate process and piping design with other disciplines and provide expert design input and quality control to process and piping design teams Work with clients to understand and document process plant needs Ensure designs align with applicable industrial codes and standards (ASME, API, AWS, NFPA, ISA, IBC) Client Engagement & Business Development Maintain and retain existing clients through relationships built during project assignments. Assist with the preparation of project proposals, marketing presentations, and other business development functions; participate in meetings and presentations to represent the firm’s process design capabilities (internal and external) Collaborate with Business Development and Market leadership to support proposal development, execution planning, marketing content, and growth of process/piping services; participate in client conversations as needed Strategic & Administrative Responsibilities Support department financial performance by managing budgets, monitoring profitability, and aligning staffing with business needs. Contribute to project delivery strategies, including bidding approaches, contract administration support, and continuous improvement of processes, tools, and design methodologies. Participate in the development of the strategic initiative for expanding process services and growth of the service line Your work will directly contribute to shaping environments where people live, work, and thrive, all while growing your career within a supportive, people-first culture. Join Us If you’re excited to bring your talents to a collaborative, people-first environment where you can make an impact while growing your career, we’d love to hear from you. Here’s what you can expect: Professional Growth : In-house Learning, Tuition Reimbursement, Licensure Support, Professional Organization Engagement. Culture that Cares : 93% of employees say they feel cared for, and 96% are confident in our future success. Competitive Benefits : Flexible Schedules & Generous PTO Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness Programs) 401(k) with Company Match Short- & Long-term Disability, Paid Life & AD&D Supplemental, Critical Care, Pet, Legal & ID Theft Insurance Family Planning and Parental Leave Mass/Public Transit Program Telemedicine and Employee Assistance Program Gresham Smith is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. Everyone is invited to apply! GRESHAM SMITH does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, headhunters, search firms, or agencies. No referral or recruiter fees will be paid without a fully executed GRESHAM PLACEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) in advance. Submissions made without a PSA may be recruited and hired by GRESHAM SMITH with no financial obligation to the submitting party. Any such unsolicited resumes or candidate information—sent to hiring managers or any employee—become the property of GRESHAM SMITH.

Requirements

Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
Has a minimum of 20 years in process design and piping engineering for Industrial/Manufacturing/Process facility projects (e.g., food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, battery manufacturing, energy storage, automotive, metals, semi-conductors)
Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure required in at least one U.S. state; multiple state licensure preferred with the ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity
Expert-level understanding of industrial codes and standards, including ASME, API, AWS, NFPA, ISA, and IBC
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously; strong team player with great communication and presentation skills
Ability to travel to client meetings and project sites; valid Driver’s License and U.S. passport
Innovative thinker that is curious about technological advancements to provide industry solutions efficiently, effectively and in transformative ways
Most importantly, you bring genuine curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit—someone who wants to do great work with great people.

Nice To Haves

multiple state licensure preferred with the ability to obtain licensure through reciprocity

Responsibilities

Plan and manage process staffing assignments for process projects; accountable for staff utilization, profitability, technical content, quality, and schedule conformance for all projects.
Assist the Market Vice President (MVP) in setting department-wide technical goals and establishing a technical training program for the department.
Recruit, develop, manage, and mentor staff, including compensation reviews and regular review of goals and development progress in coordination with HR/recruiting
Lead a team of process engineers and piping designers
Prepare estimates and staffing plans for execution of work in coordination with project managers and lead project professionals
Conceptualize the initial process design approach for major phases of large industrial projects through installation, including specifying equipment, calculating loads, ductwork and pipe sizing, and selecting pumps, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, dust collectors, scrubbers, and adsorption/absorption units
Develop Block Flow Diagrams, Process Flow Diagrams (including heat and mass balance), and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams
Develop operational control documentation, including Function Descriptions, Cause & Effect Diagrams, and Sequences of Operations
Prepare for and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA)
Prepare piping engineering designs and lead piping designers in producing 3D piping models, pipe stress analyses, pipe support designs, and fabrication-level piping isometrics; provide similar oversight for ductwork when required
Conceive, plan, and conduct research to resolve complex engineering problems and develop innovative solutions (e.g., conflicting design requirements, suitability of materials, difficult coordination, compressed timelines)
Prepare engineering reports, plans, and specifications; produce engineering drawings and instructions based on calculations; interpret, revise, and approve engineering and shop drawings; prepare plans and technical specifications, procurement and construction documents, and estimates
Participate in contract bidding and administration; observe design/installation and ongoing project progress; coordinate with City, State, and County officials and other outside agencies as required
Lead coordination with clients, contractors, outside consultants, and internal teams; communicate with project team members, client representatives, and review agencies as appropriate
Coordinate process and piping design with other disciplines and provide expert design input and quality control to process and piping design teams
Work with clients to understand and document process plant needs
Ensure designs align with applicable industrial codes and standards (ASME, API, AWS, NFPA, ISA, IBC)
Maintain and retain existing clients through relationships built during project assignments.
Assist with the preparation of project proposals, marketing presentations, and other business development functions; participate in meetings and presentations to represent the firm’s process design capabilities (internal and external)
Collaborate with Business Development and Market leadership to support proposal development, execution planning, marketing content, and growth of process/piping services; participate in client conversations as needed
Support department financial performance by managing budgets, monitoring profitability, and aligning staffing with business needs.
Contribute to project delivery strategies, including bidding approaches, contract administration support, and continuous improvement of processes, tools, and design methodologies.
Participate in the development of the strategic initiative for expanding process services and growth of the service line