Mechanical Subject Matter Expert - Principal Engineer

Position Overview

Step into a pivotal role at Dewberry—where your expertise will drive groundbreaking design solutions for a sustainable tomorrow! Dewberry’s Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Structural (MEPS) team provides specialized design services for high‐performance buildings, hospitals, net zero/renewable energy projects, and much more. As a Mechanical SME/Principal Engineer based in our Nashville office, you will deliver technical leadership, mentor engineering staff, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project excellence and growth. You will work closely with business unit and service line leaders, shaping strategies and providing indispensable technical guidance across a diverse portfolio of private, public, and federal projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsibilities: Technical Management – Ensure Mechanical discipline managers provide timely and adequate guidance and quality oversight, including code review, for all mechanical engineering project work.
• Technical interface with code officials and contractors.
• Technical training and development of staff in mechanical engineering.
• Act as Engineer of Record on select projects as needed.
• Responsibilities: Staff Development Oversight – Mentor managers to ensure adequate technical training and development of staff.
• Responsibilities: Standards Development Oversight – Lead the establishment and continuous improvement of mechanical standards, practices, and guidelines in coordination with the Chief Engineer.
• Responsibilities: Quality Management – Ensure consistent application of corporate quality management processes and procedures by the mechanical team.
• Act as an active member/leader in local and national technical organizations (e.g., ASHRAE) and represent the firm at industry conferences.
• Drive recruitment and development of technical staff and project managers to meet project commitments.
• Provide “on-the-spot” technical and cost advice and decision-making as the top mechanical engineer in the office.
• Consult with clients to understand project goals, design concepts, and economic considerations.
• Evaluate project opportunities and make informed Go/No Go decisions based on technical and resource assessments.
• Coordinate with client/project managers and department managers to resolve mechanical engineering conflicts.
• Advise senior leadership on the development and implementation of growth strategies.
• Responsibilities: Office Organizational Management – Support the Office/Business Unit Manager to ensure smooth office operations, including staff structure and procedural guidance.
• Responsibilities: Office Operations – Supervise all Mechanical discipline managers to ensure efficient intra-office operations.
• Responsibilities: Service Line Operations – Collaborate with the Chief Engineer in leading the MEPS Service Line’s mechanical community of practice through active participation and task execution.

Required Qualifications

• Experience Required: Accomplished mechanical engineer/PE with 20+ years of progressive technical experience in the design of mechanical systems, thermal energy infrastructure, and renewable energy technologies.
• Experience in technical oversight of multiple projects with a proven record of meeting contract specifications while driving team growth and performance.
• Self-motivated with highly developed verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.