Process & Mechanical Design Team Lead

Re:Build Manufacturing•Rochester, NY

4d•$106,563 - $159,845•Hybrid

About The Position

At Re:Build Optimation, we specialize in delivering custom-engineered process equipment and automated systems to clients across the globe. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex chemical process systems, we have built a reputation for precision, reliability, and innovation. Our multidisciplinary team of 70+ engineers, designers, and programmers, combined with 150,000 square feet of fabrication space and over 70 skilled tradespeople, allows us to provide full turnkey solutions—from initial concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning. As part of Re:Build Manufacturing, we leverage the strength of a national industrial powerhouse while maintaining the agility and personalized service of a specialized firm. We serve industries ranging from traditional and green energy to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, glass, and advanced manufacturing, offering tailored solutions that optimize efficiency and performance. At Re:Build Optimation, we believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to develop solutions that align with their unique operational goals. Our deep industry expertise and end-to-end capabilities make us the ideal partner for companies seeking cutting-edge automation, process control, and engineered systems. The Process and Mechanical Design Team Lead maintains a dual focus on high-level project execution and departmental leadership, reporting to the Director of Process & Mechanical Engineering & Design. The Team Lead provides the primary interface & day-to-day management of the process & mechanical design team. They are also a critical connection with the Optimation leadership team and lead ongoing improvement efforts within the team. The Team lead is responsible for providing hands-on design support to the drafters & designers, making workload allocation decisions, and end-to-end talent management including performance management, professional development, hiring, and onboarding. The Team Lead is critical in cross-functional collaboration, estimating, design reviews, and other related tasks to support delivery of project work on-time, on-budget, with superior quality.

Requirements

7-10+ years of experience in process and/or mechanical design, preferably in an engineering services or industrial environment
Deep understanding of design workflows to ensure team workloads are balanced, deadlines are realistic, and departmental capacity is optimized
Ability to identify & address potential bottlenecks before they occur and manage the group’s capacity to prevent burnout while meeting project schedules.
Must have a high-level grasp of the labor hours required for varying stages of process building (from PFDs to 3D modeling and detailing). This knowledge is essential for providing upper management with accurate project bids and ensuring the team is shielded from unattainable delivery targets.
Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and team management skills
Strong design skills using programs like AutoCAD 2D/3D and SolidWorks (preferred)
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
Experience gathering, documenting, and communicating technical project requirements.
Experience estimating engineering design project costs.
Ability to be on-site at our offices in Rochester, NY and/or Rush, NY
Willingness to travel to client sites and suppliers as needed (typically 25%)

Nice To Haves

Prior experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
Experience interviewing, onboarding, and delivering performance assessments.
Prior relevant experience with design of industrial equipment and/or automation solutions.
Experience working with ISO9001 or similar quality system a plus.
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement tools & methodologies a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the process and mechanical design team, including drafters and designers
Manage team workload allocation to optimize resource utilization and meet project demands
Lead all aspects of talent management, including performance management, coaching, and professional development
Drive recruiting, hiring, and onboarding efforts to build and sustain a high-performing team
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and development-focused team culture
Provide hands-on design support and technical guidance to team members
Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality across all process and mechanical design deliverables
Lead and participate in build reviews to uphold engineering standards and guidelines
Drive continuous improvement of design tools, standards, and workflows to increase efficiency and reduce rework
Collaborate with project managers and design & engineering leads to support successful project delivery; directly support project execution as needed when workload exceeds capacity
Lead estimating efforts for process & mechanical design scopes of work, including scope definition and resource planning
Ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
Identify and mitigate risks related to design scope, schedule, and execution
Act as a key liaison between the design team and other functional groups, including engineering, project management, and leadership
Support alignment between design execution and broader business objectives
Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across projects and internal operations
Identify opportunities to standardize processes and improve overall team performance and scalability