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Job Description

Job Description
Job Title: Director of Mechanical Engineering
Location:  Full-time, On-site | Downtown San Diego 92101 

About Us:
120 Degreez MEP Engineering is a full-service mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-performance building systems for commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, life science, and industrial developments throughout California and beyond. We are committed to engineering excellence, energy efficiency, and client satisfaction.

Job Description:
The Director of Mechanical Engineering leads and advances the firm’s mechanical (HVAC) discipline. This senior leadership role is responsible for technical excellence, department performance, quality assurance, and project delivery. The Director mentors the mechanical team, champions innovation in energy-efficient design, and serves as a senior technical advisor and client-facing representative.

Responsibilities:
Leadership & Department Management
  • Lead and manage the Mechanical Engineering Department in alignment with company goals and project objectives
  • Establish and maintain departmental design standards, workflows, and best practices
  • Forecast staffing needs, manage workloads, and oversee resource allocation
  • Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and business development initiatives
  • Review contracts to ensure mechanical scopes and risks are clearly defined
  • Promote safety, regulatory compliance, and documentation standards across projects
  • Serve as the senior mechanical engineering representative with clients, consultants, and contractors
  • Address escalated project issues, RFIs, and field coordination challenges
  • Maintain and strengthen long-term client relationships
  • Represent the firm at industry and professional events
Technical Oversight
  • Provide technical direction, review, and approval of HVAC system designs, calculations, and specifications
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including:
    • Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)
    • California Building Standards Code (Title 24 – Energy and Green Building Standards)
    • ASHRAE Standards
    • NFPA Requirements
    • CALGreen, LEED, and HCAI (OSHPD), as applicable
  • Oversee load calculations, energy modeling, and system selections to promote high-performance design
  • Resolve complex technical and constructability challenges during design and construction
  • Oversee mechanical scopes for major and technically complex projects
  • Coordinate closely with plumbing, electrical, architectural, structural, and civil teams
  • Implement and enforce QA/QC processes to ensure accuracy and consistency
  • Support proposal development and client presentations
Team Development
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop mechanical engineers and designers
  • Conduct performance evaluations and support career development planning
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred)
  • Minimum 15 years of mechanical/HVAC engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role
  • Active California Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • Proven success delivering large, complex projects from concept through construction
  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and HVAC design and energy modeling tools
  • In-depth knowledge of California codes, ASHRAE, NFPA, Title 24, and sustainability standards
  • Strong leadership, communication, and client-management skills

Compensation and Benefits :
Compensation is based on experience, skill set, licensure, certifications, and business needs.

We offer a competitive benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision)
  • Personal time off (PTO) 
  • Paid company holidays
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional development and continuing education support
  • Advancement opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer:
120 Degreez is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs in accordance with applicable laws.