Job Description

Coffman Engineers is seeking a highly-skilled, outgoing, self-motivated Mechanical Engineering Department Manager with at least 13-years of experience to lead the mechanical engineering department in the Downtown Los Angeles office.

This role is focused on technical leadership, staff development, and strategic growth of the Downtown LA office. The Mechanical Engineering Department Manager provides technical direction, supports project teams, mentors engineers, and strengthens client relationships. The role also contributes to department operations and business development efforts, with an emphasis on building a high‑performing mechanical engineering team that delivers consistent, high‑quality work.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, designers, and technical staff.
• Oversee workload distribution, staffing decisions, and employee performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work culture.
• Provide oversight over mechanical engineering projects from planning through construction, maintaining quality, schedule, and budget.
• Provide technical oversight and quality control for designs, calculations, reports, and deliverables.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in mechanical systems design, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities in coordination with office leadership.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, architects, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Lead proposal development, scope definition, and contract discussions.
• Develop and manage department budgets, revenue forecasts, and financial performance.
• Monitor project profitability and support continuous process improvement efforts.

Applicants must be well-versed in mechanical engineering design, including HVAC systems, plumbing systems, energy efficiency strategies, and coordination with architectural, structural, electrical, and fire protection disciplines. Experience with healthcare, higher education, commercial, or institutional projects, along with familiarity with Southern California codes and permitting processes, will be viewed favorably.

The successful individual will assist the business development team and other discipline leads in developing technical proposals and will take a proactive role in client engagement and marketing efforts. Candidates must be able to represent team capabilities while also providing high-quality technical design and consulting services to a diverse client base.

Compensation and Benefits

• Approximate Base Salary – $150,000 - $180,000 annually
• Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate
• Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance
• Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change)
• 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution

Qualifications

• Minimum of 13 years of U.S. professional experience. California experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• California Mechanical Engineer PE registration required
• Client management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating with a multi-discipline design team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Project management experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and/or Revit
• Experience collaborating with local architectural/engineering community is a strong plus
• Experience with managing day-to-day contacts with internal and external clients
• Experience attending and participating in local professional organizations
• Strong working knowledge of California Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, and applicable ASHRAE standards
• Experience in the following areas is a plus: Healthcare systems experience; higher education or campus infrastructure systems; central plants, district energy, or utility-scale mechanical systems; Laboratory, cleanroom, or technically complex facility experience; energy efficiency, electrification, decarbonization, or alternative energy strategies

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must be a self-starter, persistent, and follow through in a consistent manner
• Passionate about the client or pursuit and takes ownership of his/her work
• Able to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Possess strong critical thinking, organizational, and analytical abilities
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external customers
• Strong understanding of A/E/C industry terminology and procedures and basic marketing principles
• Strong organizational ability; detail oriented; high degree of accuracy
• Must work well under pressure
• Positive contributor to overall office and department goals, culture, and morale
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to provide peer reviews of colleagues’ work product
• Ability to work with counterparts in other offices to share workload when required
• A positive, can-do attitude

Additional Information

Why You Want To Work Here

You could choose to work anywhere, so why work at Coffman Engineers? Because we are different – our culture sets us apart. Simply stated, we are a group of creative, high-performing people who like working together and believe that what we do makes a difference. Employees say that it feels like working with a group of friends in a small office while enjoying the benefits and perks of working for a large firm. Our culture isn’t the only thing that makes us different, but it drives everything we do.

The office you will be joining may provide flexibility to work from home some of the time. The specifics of your work from home options will be worked out with your manager following your hire.

Coffman offer a comprehensive benefits plan, flexible PTO program, an open collaborative environment, professional development, community opportunities, and lively employee activities. But the best part of working here is being in an environment that allows you to be yourself, be respected, work alongside other intelligent motivated people, and have some good hearty fun while you impact the built environment around you!

Don’t take our word for it. Check out what others are saying:

http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Coffman-Engineers-Reviews-E409809.htm

Coffman at a Glance:

• 47 years in business
• 850+ employees serving clients throughout the U.S. and overseas from more than 23 locations
• Multi-discipline engineering services plus corrosion control, commissioning and project/construction management
• 70+ employees in 9 offices, providing Fire Protection services since 2014
• #34 Top 80 Engineering Firms, Building Design + Construction, 2022
• #29 Zweig Group Hot Firm List, Zweig Group, 2021
• #161 Top 500 Design Firms, Engineering News-Record, 2023

Applying

You must apply online for this position. If you are unable to complete our online application process, or if you need assistance to do so, let us know so we can provide a reasonable accommodation.

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This position is direct with Coffman Engineers; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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