Manager, Mechanical Engineering

The Section Manager, Mechanical Engineering, serves as the strategic and technical leader of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) team in our Chicago office. This key leadership role is responsible for overseeing the mechanical engineering design process, ensuring project delivery excellence across diverse sectors such as commercial, education, healthcare, and industrial facilities. The Section Manager drives innovation and quality, fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, and champions a culture of continuous improvement.
As a dynamic and collaborative leader, this individual excels in fast-paced environments and is passionate about mentoring, developing high-performing teams, and guiding projects from concept through completion with a focus on technical accuracy, client satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

What you will do:

• Lead and manage the mechanical engineering team within the MEP group, including resource planning, performance management, and professional development
• Oversee the design and technical delivery of HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical systems for a wide variety of building types and complex multidisciplinary projects
• Collaborate with electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other engineering disciplines to ensure coordinated and integrated design solutions
• Serve as technical advisor and quality assurance lead for key projects, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements
• Provide leadership in proposal development, client presentations, project scoping, and budgeting
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level engineers through coaching, training, and career development initiatives
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in mechanical and MEP engineering 

Who you are:

• Proven expertise in HVAC, mechanical systems design, and multidisciplinary coordination 
• Strong knowledge of building codes, ASHRAE standards, LEED, WELL and energy efficiency requirements
• Proficiency in design and modeling software (AutoCAD, Revit, and mechanical load calculation tools such as Trace 3D, IES or HAP)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience with project management and client engagement 

Your background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois preferred 
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership capacity 
• Experience with healthcare, laboratories, educational, commercial, hospitality, retail, high-rise and office building design preferred 
• GSA design experience preferred 
• Med gas design, steam and plumbing design preferred 
• Complex heating and cooling hydronic design; boilers, chillers, heat pumps, heat recovery chillers, variable primary, etc. preferred 

At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work — we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you:

•  Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health! 
•  Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability – We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns. 
•  Voluntary Coverages – Take control of your well-being with added coverage options. 
•  Discounted Gym Membership – Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals. 
•  Competitive Base Salary – Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture. 
•  401(k) Retirement Plan – Build your future with confidence. 
•  Professional Development Incentives – Get rewarded for growing your skills — including bonuses for earning your P.E. License. 
•  Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) – Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc.. 
•  Employee Education & Development Program – Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward. 
•  Generous PTO + Paid Holidays – Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most. 
•  Paid Parental Leave – Bond with your new arrival — and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers! 
•  Extracurricular Sports Teams – Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock. 
•  Employee Recognition Program – Be celebrated for the impact you make. 
•  Employee Referral Bonus –