Mechanical Department Head
Location: Bend, Eugene or West Linn, Oregon
Salary: $145,000–$160,000 DOE, plus profit-sharing, full benefits, and ownership path
HireIQ Solutions is leading the search for a Mechanical Department Head to join an established consulting engineering firm known for delivering technically rigorous solutions for complex MEP building systems. The firm approaches engineering with a sustainability-first mindset, designing high-performance buildings that reduce carbon, conserve resources, and support healthier communities.
This role is an opportunity for an experienced mechanical engineering leader to shape the long-term direction, performance, and growth of a mechanical department within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with people leadership, operational discipline, and the ability to translate complex engineering challenges into clear direction for teams and clients.
What Success Looks Like
- Alignment of the mechanical department with company values, quality standards, and performance objectives
- A clear department development plan that strengthens technical excellence and leadership depth
- Proper staffing and role clarity that supports both current production needs and future growth
- Strong communication and collaboration across engineering disciplines and project teams
- Continuous improvement in department processes, quality, and operational efficiency
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the mechanical engineering department, providing direction, mentorship, and operational oversight
- Ensure the department is properly staffed and positioned for current and future project opportunities
- Establish and maintain standards, processes, and QA/QC practices that support consistent quality and technical excellence
- Collaborate closely with project managers and other engineering disciplines to maintain coordination across projects
- Provide technical oversight on mechanical systems design and construction administration for complex projects
- Support the development of department standards, templates, and technical documentation
- Participate in planning, design reviews, and construction-phase engineering support
- Promote continuous improvement in engineering quality, efficiency, and collaboration
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 15+ years of consulting engineering experience involving the study, design, and construction administration of mechanical building systems
- Professional Engineering (PE) license required
- Experience leading mechanical engineering teams within multi-disciplinary project environments
- Experience across a range of facility types such as K-12 schools, higher education, government buildings, laboratories, healthcare facilities, data centers, sports facilities, aquatic centers, and central plants
- Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and clarity
Preferred Experience
- Experience with central plants and utility distribution systems
- Experience with sustainable building practices; LEED experience is desirable
- Familiarity with tools such as Revit, Microsoft 365, Bluebeam, and Deltek Vantagepoint
Ideal Leadership Profile
- Strong technical credibility combined with people leadership and mentorship
- A natural team builder who enjoys developing engineering staff
- Forward-thinking with interest in evolving technologies and engineering practices
- Organized, dependable, and able to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and accountability
Benefits
- Profit-sharing bonus opportunities
- Path to ownership in the firm within approximately 1–2 years based on performance and leadership contributions
- 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-supported retirement plan with company contributions
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
- Flexible schedule options
- Professional development support and paid training
- Career advancement opportunities through leadership, project management, and subject-matter expert pathways