Director of Mechanical Engineering

Job Role: The Director of Mechanical Engineering will manage and lead a team of engineers & designers responsible for developing industrial refrigeration systems. This role ensures that the design and engineering teams are operating efficiently, producing high-quality work, and meeting project timelines and budgets. The Director will collaborate with company leadership to align engineering activities with overall business goals and drive continuous improvement in processes and project execution. This position is critical to the ongoing success of our design/build operations and the growth of our engineering team.

Key Duties:

• Manage and mentor a team of design engineers & designers, setting performance goals, conducting reviews, and fostering professional growth to develop future leaders within the department.
• Oversee the mechanical design and engineering efforts for large-scale refrigeration projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget. Ensure seamless coordination between the engineering, field, and shop teams.
• Lead the engineering team in developing cutting-edge refrigeration technologies, staying abreast of industry trends, and ensuring that the systems designed are some of the largest, most complex, and highest-efficiency systems on the market.
• Work closely with company executives to ensure that the engineering department’s goals are aligned with overall company objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve department efficiency and project execution.
• Review and approve engineering designs and drawings, ensuring they meet company quality standards and customer specifications.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the engineering team throughout the design process.
• Continuously evaluate and improve engineering workflows and processes to enhance project quality, efficiency, and safety.
• Proactively identify and manage risks to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the engineering division.
• Foster a culture of learning and professional development among the engineering staff.
• Develop and maintain engineering schedules that align with project timelines and resource availability.
• Ensure all engineering projects comply with safety standards and regulations
• Provide high-level technical support to manufacturing & construction teams when addressing complex issues.
• Perform engineering calculations and ensure proper equipment selections for design projects.
• Provide regular updates to the executive leadership on project progress, engineering performance, and departmental improvements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience in project management and engineering design.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience managing engineering teams in the industrial refrigeration or a related industry.
• Strong technical expertise in mechanical systems, particularly with ammonia and CO2 refrigeration.
• In-depth knowledge of ammonia and CO2 refrigeration systems, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience managing cross-functional teams of engineers
• The ability to make independent business decision within budget, seeking guidance only when dealing with exceptionally difficult issues
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously.

Preferences:

• Expertise in ammonia and CO2-based refrigeration systems, with a deep understanding of relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Professional Engineering License.