Director of Mechanical Engineering at MEP Engineering Firm

Job Title:

Director of Mechanical Engineering

Location:

Full-time, on-site in Downtown San Diego, 92101

120 Degreez MEP Engineering Firm is a leading provider of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering solutions. We specialize in delivering innovative and sustainable MEP designs for commercial, multifamily, mixed‑use, life science, and industrial developments. Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, California building codes, and client satisfaction.

The Director of Mechanical Engineering is responsible for leading, managing, and advancing the mechanical (HVAC) discipline within 120 Degreez. This strategic leadership role involves overseeing technical excellence, quality assurance, and project delivery across a diverse portfolio of projects. The Director will mentor the mechanical team, champion innovation in energy‑efficient design, and serve as a senior technical advisor and client‑facing representative for the firm.

• Leadership & Department Management
  • Lead and manage the Mechanical Engineering Department, ensuring alignment with company objectives, project goals, and financial targets.
  • Develop, document, and implement departmental design standards, workflows, and best practices to ensure consistency and technical quality.
  • Forecast staffing needs, manage workloads, and oversee resource allocation across multiple projects.
  • Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning, business development, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Technical Oversight
  • Provide technical direction, review and approval of all HVAC system designs, calculations, and specifications.
  • Ensure all mechanical designs comply with applicable codes, standards, and regulations, including:
  • Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24 – Energy Code & Green Building Standards)
  • ASHRAE Standards
  • NFPA Requirements
  • CALGreen / LEED / HCAI (OSHPD), as applicable
  • Oversee the development of energy modeling, load calculations, and system selections to promote sustainable, high‑performance designs.
  • Resolve complex technical challenges and provide guidance during both design and construction phases.
  • Stay current on emerging technologies, sustainable design trends, and energy efficiency innovations to enhance project outcomes.
• Project Oversight & Coordination
  • Oversee and support the mechanical scope of major or technically complex projects.
  • Collaborate closely with plumbing, electrical, and architectural teams to deliver fully integrated MEP designs.
  • Implement and monitor QA/QC processes to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project standards.
  • Support proposal development and client presentations for new project pursuits.
• Team Development
  • Recruit, train, and mentor mechanical engineers and designers, promoting professional growth and continuous improvement.
  • Provide performance feedback and development plans to foster leadership within the department.
  • Encourage a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations
  • Serve as the firm’s senior mechanical engineering representative in meetings with clients, contractors, and consultants.
  • Respond to escalated project issues, RFIs, and field coordination challenges.
  • Maintain and strengthen client relationships through effective communication and technical excellence.
  • Represent the firm at professional and industry events, enhancing visibility and reputation.
• Compliance & Risk Management
  • Review and advise on project contracts to ensure the mechanical scope, responsibilities, and risks are clearly defined.
  • Ensure adherence to safety and regulatory compliance across all project phases.
  • Maintain comprehensive project documentation and enforce firmwide design standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in mechanical/HVAC design and engineering, including 5 years in a leadership or director‑level role.
• Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Proven…