Sr. Lead Mechanical Engineer

The Opportunity

PAE is seeking a highly skilled Lead Mechanical Engineer to guide multidisciplinary project teams and drive the successful delivery of complex building systems projects in our San Francisco, CA office. This role is responsible for overseeing mechanical design development from initial concepts through construction, while ensuring technical excellence, quality management, and strong client engagement. The Lead Mechanical Engineer will manage project scope, schedule, and budget; supervise mechanical system design (including HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Energy Modeling); and coordinate work across internal teams, external partners, and client stakeholders. This position requires a strong command of engineering principles, building codes, and industry standards, as well as the ability to provide mentorship, technical leadership, and strategic problem-solving.

Who We Are 

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity. 

What You'll Do

• Project team leadership and discipline management, responsible for completing the project on time within budget
• Responsible for the preparation of deliverable documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
• Attend client meetings, lead the coordination effort between external and internal project teams
• Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
• Proficient in mechanical system design, HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Energy Modeling
• Assemble effective project teams
• Develop project workplans, tasks and assignments for the team
• Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
• Advanced understanding of the application of building codes and mechanical industry standards
• Oversee engineering calculations and equipment selection
• Perform site visits and issues reports
• Provide training, guidance and mentorship for staff
• Provide updates to master specifications and standards, and improve company processes
• Develop client relationships
• Oversee the application of the project quality management plan (QMP)
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering for discipline work
• Relevant professional credential (i.e., PE)
• Requires a minimum of 2-4 years Mechanical 3, or 5-10 years’ related work experience
• Must have experience in a leadership role
• Inspire and motivate staff
• Serve as a technical resource for the company
• Advanced understanding of mechanical engineering concepts, able to effectively communicate design options
• Able to assemble and run a team
• Strong delegation skills
• Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Revit/AutoCAD

What We Offer 

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $122,300,300-$151,100 annual 
  • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, roles are eligible for additional rewards, including salary increases and annual bonuses based on individual performance. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. 

In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following: 

• Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution
• Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues 
• Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
• Cell phone stipend
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day off 
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
• To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity 

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification. 

To find out more visit our website.

What We’re Made Of 

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water. 

Fine Print 

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training. 

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