Job Details

Position Summary

The Department Head - Mechanical / Process Engineering provides strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the firm's Industrial Market mechanical and process engineering practice. This role directs departmental operations, ensures technical excellence across all mechanical and process deliverables, and contributes to the firm's business development and long-term strategic vision. As a senior subject matter expert, the Department Head drives innovation in process and infrastructure mechanical systems-ensuring designs that are safe, efficient, cost-effective, and compliant-while fostering the professional growth of engineering staff.

Primary Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Mechanical Department, including staffing, budgeting, workload planning, and performance management.
• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with corporate objectives and emerging market opportunities in oil & gas, refining, chemicals, petrochemicals, food & beverage, and manufacturing sectors.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, safety, quality, and innovation throughout all projects and teams.
• Champion departmental visibility and collaboration across disciplines to strengthen overall project delivery.

Technical & Project Oversight

• Provide technical leadership and QA/QC oversight for mechanical and process designs across diverse industrial applications-including piping systems, pressure vessels, rotating and packaged equipment, fluid and thermal systems, HVAC and utility services, and material handling systems. Ensure designs are optimized for safety, reliability, energy efficiency, and maintainability in oil and gas, refining, chemical, petrochemical, food and beverage, consumer products, and manufacturing facilities.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant codes and standards (ASME, ANSI, NFPA, API, OSHA, ASTM, etc.).
• Conduct design reviews, constructability assessments, risk analyses, and lessons-learned sessions for major capital and retrofit projects.
• Serve as the firm's technical authority for mechanical/process system engineering and design standards.

Staff Development & Mentorship

• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineers, designers, and specialists to support departmental growth and succession planning.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning through technical training, certification programs, and mentorship initiatives.
• Lead by example in professional ethics, technical rigor, and operational excellence.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Partner with senior leadership and business development teams to identify and secure new industrial opportunities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, vendors, and strategic partners to enhance market presence.
• Participate in proposals, client presentations, and technical marketing initiatives that showcase the firm's capabilities and expertise.
• Contribute to key account planning and long-term client engagement strategies.

Process & Quality Improvement

• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve department standards, design procedures, and best practices for consistent, high-quality project execution.
• Track and analyze performance metrics for quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Drive innovation through adoption of digital engineering tools, 3D modeling platforms, and sustainable design principles.
• Support knowledge management initiatives and the integration of lessons learned across teams.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• 10+ years of relevant industrial engineering experience in consulting or EPC/EPCM environments.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and departmental operations.

Preferred:

• Prior experience leading a mechanical or process discipline within an engineering consulting or EPC firm.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or advanced technical/management degree.
• Expertise in rotating equipment, piping, pressure systems, energy recovery, and heat transfer technologies.
• Familiarity with industry-standard software for mechanical and process design and simulation.

Core Competencies

Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive understanding of industrial mechanical and process systems-from concept through detailed design and commissioning.
• Deep knowledge of ASME, ANSI, NFPA, OSHA, and related codes and standards.
• Proficiency with engineering analysis and design software (e.g., AutoPIPE, Caesar II, AFT Fathom, SolidWorks, or equivalent).

Leadership & Strategy

• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing technical teams and manage complex, multi-office operations.
• Strong decision-making, strategic thinking, and resource planning skills.
• Ability to balance technical excellence with business performance objectives.

Business & Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging clients, peers, and executives.
• Strong business acumen, including P&L management, forecasting, and market analysis.
• Proven success in client-facing leadership roles and proposal development.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with periodic travel to project sites, client offices, or fabrication facilities.
• Must be able to wear standard PPE and safely enter industrial environments when required.
• Frequent use of computers, communication tools, and standard office equipment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team's management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

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