Mechanical Department Head

Mechanical Department Head – Springfield, Oregon | Systems West Engineers
Senior Leadership Role in Mechanical Engineering

Lead with Purpose. Elevate with Impact.
Are you a senior mechanical engineer with deep technical roots who’s ready to lead a high-performing department and mentor the next generation of engineers? Do you find energy in guiding others, shaping standards, and strengthening a team’s foundation? If you’re ready to work at this level and are looking for something more fulfilling — more meaningful projects, more leadership opportunity, and ability to shape the hearts and minds of engineers — we’d love to talk to you.

Systems West Engineers (SWE) is seeking a Mechanical Department Head to lead and grow our mechanical engineering team in Springfield, Oregon. This is a key leadership position responsible for managing department operations, guiding complex projects, and mentoring a team of talented engineers and designers.

The right-fit candidate brings 15 years of experience in mechanical systems design and project delivery, and is ready to make a move into a role that offers real influence, long-term stability, and the chance to make a positive mark on people, projects, and processes.

What You’ll Do

Department Leadership (35%)

• Oversee departmental operations, staffing, training, and project assignments.
• Champion design standards, quality control, and continuous improvement.
• Guide and support team members in their growth and technical development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and collaboration.
• Track department metrics and implement strategies for sustained success.

Project Leadership (50%)

• Lead mechanical system design for complex, high-impact projects.
• Provide technical oversight, from master planning through construction administration.
• Mentor staff on technical execution and problem-solving.
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver thoughtful, effective MEP solutions.

Business Development & Strategy (15%)

• Support fee proposals and department-specific budgeting.
• Collaborate on pursuit strategy and proposal content.
• Maintain strong relationships with current and prospective clients.
• Provide input on go/no-go decisions and support firmwide strategic initiatives.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
• 15 years of experience in MEP consulting engineering
• Professional Engineer
• Significant experience in: HVAC and central plant systems (boilers, chillers, steam), Utility distribution systems, Institutional facilities, Leading multi-discipline design projects.
• Prior experience mentoring technical staff and managing teams.
• Strong communication, technical writing, and organizational skills.
• Revit, Bluebeam, and Microsoft 365 proficiency, Deltek Vantagepoint a plus.

Why SWE?

We’re engineers, yes — but also community members, tinkerers, problem solvers, and purpose-driven professionals. We believe meaningful work and meaningful lives go hand in hand. Our culture prioritizes technical excellence and human connection.

Why Springfield?
Located in the heart of Oregon’s southern Willamette Valley, Springfield offers easy access to Eugene’s amenities, short drives to forest trails and coastal weekends, and a lifestyle of living that supports long-term roots.

Ready to Lead With Us?
If you’re already performing at this level and looking to align your experience with a team and lifestyle that values it — apply today. Your next chapter starts in Springfield.

Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. Competitive salary starting at $150,000, DOE. Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K retirement plan with employer contributions and company performance bonus.

Position Location

This leadership position is located in our Springfield, OR headquarters office. The candidate will be expected to reside within a reasonable local location to accommodate consistent in-office and project site participation. Additionally, flexible hybrid schedules are commonplace and accommodated for most positions. At Systems West, hybrid means you live locally and have the option to work from home.

ABOUT US

Systems West Engineers is a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, designers, and technicians delivering thoughtful, effective solutions to complex MEP building systems. We show up as a leading team player in the network of contributors, always serving as a resource to elevate the work of others.

As a member of our team, you’ll consistently hear us refer to our values — they serve as our decision-making code and inform our behavior from business operations to our designs and commissioning work. Our values include support community, pursue excellence, work effectively, be responsible, serve our clients, sustain the environment, and think creatively.

We pursue the creative challenges that make for an engaging, collaborative work experience, and we’re excited to share those endeavors with each new member of our team. We believe transparency is essential to achieve stability — to us, that’s more than work-life balance, but also the peer support system that allows each of us to thrive. Over the long haul, we encourage you to identify your own unique development goals, then we offer the resources that enable your individual growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $150,000