Mechanical Engineering Department Manager

Mechanical Engineering Department Manager

• Full-time
• Department:
  Mechanical
• Compensation: USD 150,000 - USD 180,000 - yearly

At Coffman Engineers, we serve as both prime consultant and sub consultant on projects large and small. The markets we serve include commercial, institutional, government, industrial, healthcare, energy services, and more. Incorporated in 1979, we have employees in more than 23 locations serving clients across the United States and overseas.

To meet client objectives and to integrate our many disciplines, we can create teams comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and corrosion control, as well as project/construction managers and professionals in a variety of specialty services. This ability has made us a leader in the engineering and construction communities, and has strengthened our reputation as being progressive, innovative, and a great place to work.

Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly-skilled, outgoing, self-motivated Mechanical Engineering
Department Manager with at least 13-years of experience to lead the mechanical engineering department in the Downtown Los Angeles office.

This role is focused on technical leadership, staff development, and strategic growth of the Downtown LA office. The Mechanical Engineering Department Manager provides technical direction, supports project teams, mentors engineers, and strengthens client relationships. The role also contributes to department operations and business development efforts, with an emphasis on building a high‑performing mechanical engineering team that delivers consistent, high‑quality work.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and technical staff.
• Oversee workload distribution, staffing decisions, and employee performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work culture.
• Provide oversight over mechanical engineering projects from planning through construction, maintaining quality, schedule, and budget.
• Provide technical oversight and quality control for designs, calculations, reports, and deliverables.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in mechanical systems design, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities in coordination with office leadership.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, architects, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Lead proposal development, scope definition, and contract discussions.
• Develop and manage department budgets, revenue forecasts, and financial performance.
• Monitor project profitability and support continuous process improvement efforts.

Applicants must be well‑versed in mechanical engineering design, including HVAC systems, plumbing systems, energy efficiency strategies, and coordination with architectural, structural, electrical, and fire protection disciplines. Experience with healthcare, higher education, commercial, or institutional projects, along with familiarity with Southern California codes and permitting processes, will be viewed favorably.

The successful individual will assist the business development team and other discipline leads in developing technical proposals and will take a proactive role in client engagement and marketing efforts. Candidates must be able to represent team capabilities while also providing high-quality technical design and consulting services to a diverse client base.

• Approximate Base Salary – $150,000 - $180,000 annually
• Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
• Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
• Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change)
• 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution

• Minimum of 13 years of U.S. professional experience. California experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• California Mechanical Engineer PE registration required

• Experience coordinating with a multi-discipline design team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and/or Revit
• Experience…