Director of Mechanical Engineering MEP
Benefits:
401(k)
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Employee discounts
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Training & development
Vision insurance
Wellness resources
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.