Mechanical Engineer Lead - Mission Critical

Position Overview

At Henderson, we're about more than just buildings – we're about the people, experiences, and potential found inside. We’re a company of problem-solvers and innovators known for our technical excellence and out‐of‐the‐box solutions. As an ESOP, every employee-owner plays a vital role in our mission to lead the industry in innovation, sustainability, and client experience. We provide total building system design services for high-growth markets, working on projects for some of the biggest names in mission-critical higher education, sports, healthcare, grocery, restaurant, and retail. A Lead Mechanical Engineer designs advanced building systems, prepares design documents, and performs engineering calculations in coordination with project teams and multiple disciplines. In this role you will train, mentor, and provide leadership to design staff, participate in business development, and ensure that project quality meets the highest industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares or directs the preparation of simple to complex design documents, system layouts, detailed drawings, schematics, and specifications.
• Leads project and design efforts from concept design through completion.
• Reviews shop drawings for conformance to plans and specifications.
• Performs research, evaluates products for application, and makes recommendations regarding the feasibility of systems or equipment.
• Produces solutions to complex engineering problems and design challenges through direct involvement or advisory capacity.
• Ensures that drawings, specifications, reports, and analyses meet scope, schedule, cost, and quality requirements.
• Advises and mentors less experienced designers and engineers, providing oversight and technical guidance.
• Makes recommendations on project staffing and may direct activities of technical and administrative staff.
• Develops personal knowledge and that of others, and assists with establishing goals, policies, objectives, and standards at the practice or sector level.
• Implements and reinforces design and engineering standards, and oversees project quality through reviews and check-ins.
• Develops and maintains relationships with strategic partners and customers to expand business opportunities.
• Communicates proactively with clients regarding requirements, scope, and project progress, including visiting job sites to verify conditions.
• Resolves conflicts among owners, architects, and contractors, and identifies gaps in industry or discipline knowledge.
• Keeps up to date on emerging technologies, industry trends, and evolving codes and standards.
• Performs project management responsibilities in collaboration with experienced project managers, including project coordination and maintaining communication with clients.
• May serve as the Engineer of Record with full accountability for project signing and sealing when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of engineering (e.g., mechanical, electrical, fire protection, or architectural) with 9 years of relevant experience or 10 years with a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• PE license required and may be counted toward 1 year of relevant experience.
• Additional certifications and accreditations aligned with the relevant technical field (e.g., BEMP, CPD, CDP, NICET, RCDD, etc.) are required.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in engineering design, the A&E industry, codes, design guides, and standards for various practices and project types is required.
• Knowledge of earned value, contracts, and construction processes and methods is required.
• Proficiency in Revit and Bluebeam Revu is required.
• High technical aptitude with the ability to learn and utilize various systems and processes, including training others.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly with designers at all levels.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Team orientation with the ability to work collaboratively on group projects as well as independently.
• Adaptability to changing work environments, priorities, and organizational needs.
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback and adjust to coaching.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and relevant engineering design software.
• Must be a self-starter, proactive, and willing to teach, manage, and support others as needed.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all core competencies as described in this job description.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam preferred.
• Certifications and accreditations aligned with sustainability backgrounds (e.g., CDP, LEED, WELL, etc.) preferred.

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible Work Hours (balance work and life)
• Casual Dress Code (be yourself)
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health and Wellness Initiatives
• Receptive and Forward-Thinking Leadership
• Clear Career Path Options
• Industry-leading 401K match and profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Paid Training for Professional Development
• Performance Bonuses
• Comprehensive and Extensive Insurance
• Paid Term Life and Disability
• Health Savings Account & Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Financial Wellness & Coaching Program