Able Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Department Manager to lead and grow our Mechanical Engineering Department across municipal infrastructure, water and wastewater, building systems, industrial process facilities, utility and power infrastructure, and life sciences markets.
This leadership role is ideal for a technically accomplished engineer who is passionate about developing people, advancing technical excellence, strengthening client relationships, and delivering innovative engineering solutions across a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects.
The Mechanical Engineering Department Manager is responsible for the overall leadership of the mechanical engineering discipline, including mechanical system design, process mechanical engineering, piping engineering, pipe stress analysis, equipment engineering, and building mechanical systems. The successful candidate will establish technical standards, mentor engineering staff, support project delivery, assist in business development efforts, and help expand Valdes' mechanical engineering capabilities into new markets while maintaining excellence in our established industrial and process engineering services.
This position works closely with clients, project managers, discipline leaders, architects, civil, structural, electrical, instrumentation, and process engineers to successfully deliver multidisciplinary projects from planning through construction.
Key Responsibilites
Department Leadership

• Lead and manage the Mechanical Engineering Department, including mechanical design, piping engineering, pipe stress analysis, and equipment engineering
• Develop department standards, specifications, design procedures, and quality assurance practices
• Mentor engineers and designers through technical guidance, career development, and performance management
• Recruit, retain, and develop high-performing engineering talent
• Balance department workload, staffing, and utilization across multiple business sectors
• Promote collaboration across engineering disciplines while strengthening technical consistency throughout the department
• Evaluate emerging technologies and continuously improve engineering tools, design practices, and department capabilities

Technical Leadership
Provide technical leadership for the planning, design, and review of mechanical systems supporting:

• Municipal infrastructure
• Water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Pump stations
• Public buildings
• Transportation and transit facilities
• Utility infrastructure
• Industrial process facilities
• Pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities
• Power generation and energy facilities

Oversee engineering associated with:

• Building Mechanical Systems
• Process Mechanical Systems
• Mechanical Equipment
• Piping Engineering

Ensure all designs comply with applicable codes, client standards, and engineering best practices, including ASME, ASHRAE, AWWA, NFPA, API, IMC, IPC, EPA, applicable building codes, and state and local regulations.
Project Leadership & Delivery

• Partner with Project Managers and Discipline Leads to successfully deliver multidisciplinary engineering projects
• Support projects from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning
• Participate in field investigations, design reviews, construction meetings, startup activities, and client presentations
• Coordinate engineering interfaces among mechanical, piping, structural, electrical, instrumentation, civil, and architectural disciplines
• Promote practical, maintainable, and cost-effective engineering solutions

Business Development

• Support proposal development and project pursuits
• Develop and strengthen relationships with municipal, industrial, utility, pharmaceutical, and commercial clients
• Identify opportunities to expand mechanical engineering services into new markets
• Support strategic planning and long-term department growth
• Represent Valdes through industry organizations, conferences, and technical presentations

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in mechanical engineering design and project delivery
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing engineering teams or technical disciplines
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles applicable to municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, building systems, water and wastewater facilities, utility infrastructure, or related markets
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering projects from planning through construction
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred
Experience with one or more of the following:
Municipal Infrastructure

• Water treatment facilities
• Wastewater treatment facilities
• Pump stations
• Public works facilities
• Utility infrastructure

Building Systems

• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Fire protection
• Building mechanical systems

Industrial Process Facilities

• Process piping
• Mechanical process equipment
• Chemical processing
• Manufacturing facilities
• Pipe stress analysis

Utility and Energy

• Power generation
• Industrial utility systems
• District energy systems
• Fuel systems

Life Sciences

• Pharmaceutical facilities
• Laboratory facilities
• Clean utility systems

Experience working with municipalities, utility owners, industrial clients, transportation agencies, public sector clients, or regulated industries is preferred.
Why Valdes?
At Valdes, you'll have the opportunity to lead a growing Mechanical Engineering Department supporting a diverse portfolio of municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, water and wastewater systems, utility projects, building systems, pharmaceutical facilities, and energy infrastructure.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our mechanical engineering practice by developing talented engineers, establishing technical excellence, expanding into emerging markets, and strengthening our long-standing expertise in industrial process engineering.
Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you'll influence department strategy, mentor future engineering leaders, build lasting client relationships, and help deliver infrastructure and industrial projects that improve communities while supporting critical industries throughout the region.
$170,000 - $225,000 a year
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.