Lead Mechanical Engineer

Overview

PAE is seeking a highly skilled Lead Mechanical Engineer to guide multidisciplinary project teams and drive the successful delivery of complex building systems projects in our San Francisco, CA office. This role oversees mechanical design development from initial concepts through construction, ensuring technical excellence, quality management, and strong client engagement. The Lead Mechanical Engineer will manage project scope, schedule, and budget;

supervise mechanical system design (including HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Energy Modeling); and coordinate work across internal teams, external partners, and client stakeholders. This position requires a strong command of engineering principles, building codes, and industry standards, as well as the ability to provide mentorship, technical leadership, and strategic problem-solving.

We are an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project’s lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs.

As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

• Project team leadership and discipline management, responsible for completing the project on time within budget
• Prepare deliverable documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
• Attend client meetings, lead the coordination effort between external and internal project teams
• Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
• Proficient in mechanical system design, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Energy Modeling
• Assemble effective project teams
• Develop project workplans, tasks and assignments for the team
• Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
• Advanced understanding of the application of building codes and mechanical industry standards
• Oversee engineering calculations and equipment selection
• Perform site visits and issues reports
• Provide training, guidance and mentorship for staff
• Provide updates to master specifications and standards, and improve company processes
• Develop client relationships
• Oversee the application of the project quality management plan (QMP)
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
• Relevant professional credential (i.e., PE)
• Requires a minimum of 2-4 years Mechanical, or 5-10 years’ related work experience
• Must have experience in a leadership role
• Inspire and motivate staff
• Serve as a technical resource for the company
• Advanced understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, able to effectively communicate design options
• Able to assemble and run a team
• Strong delegation skills
• Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Revit/AutoCAD

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $122,300-$160,700 annual
• This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, roles are eligible for additional rewards, including salary increases and annual bonuses based on individual performance. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

• Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
• Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues
• Employer paid…