Freelance R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Join Our Team:

DDS Engineering & Surveying, LLP (DDSE), is an experienced and highly qualified natural gas/civil engineering, permitting and survey firm that has been performing consulting engineering and construction services in the natural gas industry for many years. We currently perform these engineering services related to natural gas transmission, distribution main design, station design (M&R, gate stations, & regulator stations) & customer services (residential and commercial) for a variety of natural gas customers throughout the Northeast. Our dynamic team is comprised of experienced natural gas engineers, civil and mechanical engineers, surveyors, gas construction personnel as well as in-house staff expertise in the areas of legal, compliance, and safety.

Sr. Engineering Project Manager-Natural Gas Facilities

Pay Range: The pay range for this position is $110,000-$176,000 annually. This range represents the expected annual compensation for this role at the time of posting. Actual pay will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
• 401K with match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Sick Pay
• Life and AD&D coverage
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Accounts
• Comprehensive Training Programs

Location

Preferred office locations include Rochester, NY; Southborough, MA; and Canonsburg, PA. Other DDS Office location or hybrid arrangements may be considered based on candidate qualifications and business needs.

What Youll Do

Lead Technical Engineering & Design Delivery

• Lead engineering and design delivery for natural gas facility projects, including stations, interconnects, piping modifications, and integrity-related upgrades.
• Oversee technical deliverables, including plans, specifications, calculations, permitting packages, and project documentation.
• Review work for accuracy, constructability, compliance, and alignment with client and regulatory requirements.

Project Management & Execution

• Manage scope, schedule, budget, staffing, deliverables, approvals, and client expectations.
• Develop proposals, project plans, budgets, schedules, and man-hour estimates.
• Coordinate internal teams, subconsultants, contractors, agencies, and stakeholders to keep projects moving.

Client, Stakeholder & Business Development

• Serve as a trusted client contact and represent DDS in meetings, technical discussions, and agency coordination.
• Build strong client relationships through responsive communication and sound technical judgment.
• Support business development through proposals, pursuit strategy, and identification of future project opportunities.

Leadership, Team Development & Accountability

• Lead, coach, and coordinate project managers, technical leads, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Align internal and external resources to deliver high-quality work on time.
• Promote collaboration, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What Were Looking For

• Strong technical knowledge of natural gas facilities, utility infrastructure, and multidisciplinary engineering delivery.
• Solid understanding of permitting, approvals, drawings, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, and related tools preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, client management, problem-solving, and prioritization skills.

Education, Experience & Licensure

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline preferred; equivalent directly relevant experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of related engineering/project delivery experience, preferably in natural gas facilities, utility, or energy infrastructure.
• 5+ years of project management experience with scope, schedule, budget, client communication, and team coordination responsibilities.
• Experience leading staff, coordinating teams, or overseeing project managers/technical leads preferred.
• Professional Engineering License strongly preferred; highly qualified non-PE candidates with significant natural gas facilities experience may be considered.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with occasional travel to client locations, municipal offices, or project sites.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

• Uses computers, technical software, engineering drawings, and project documentation for extended periods.
• Participate in meetings, design reviews, client discussions, and agency coordination.
• May occasionally visit project sites and follow applicable safety requirements.

Work Environment & Schedule Adaptability

• Works in a fast-moving, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities.
• Must manage multiple projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and competing priorities.
• Occasional meetings, urgent project needs, or travel outside standard business hours may be required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: May direct, coordinate, and review the work of internal staff, external resources, and project team members. May provide input on staffing, performance, development, and assignments, but does not independently hold full hiring, termination, or disciplinary authority unless delegated by management.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The DDS Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.