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Mechanical Engineering Department Manager

Orbital Engineering
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 3/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/19/2026

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineering Department Manager

Location:

Hybrid – Hammond IN, Chicago IL, St. Louis MO, Detroit MI

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Job Description:

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineering Department Manager for our Heavy Industry division. The ideal candidate should be local to one of our offices in Hammond, IN, St. Louis, MO, or Detroit, MI. This person would provide technical and project execution oversight for various projects. The position requires project and resource management experience in a consulting environment, and well-rounded expertise in heavy industrial engineering projects in the steel, manufacturing, petrochemical, chemical, mining, materials processing, and power generation industries. The position requires the Department Manager to perform in varying roles related to department management, project management, senior technical support, and customer relationship development.

Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To

  • Responsible for the execution of all mechanical activities of the Schedule, organize, direct and review all mechanical department resources and activities.
  • Participate in the development of new and expansion of existing business opportunities.
  • Provide enhanced customer support as a technical liaison and support regional business development initiatives as a technical resource.
  • Hire staff, establish individual goals and expectations, and conduct performance reviews. Direct, develop, supervise, and provide technical guidance to all direct reports.
  • Establish and execute operational plans for the department with respect to routine, tools and resources to ensure consistent operations and growth of skill sets.
  • Develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed in the department.
  • Function as Project Manager and/or Senior Engineer on specific projects as required.
  • Prepare, or supervise the preparation of, single or multidiscipline engineering proposals including development of scopes of work, project schedules and cost estimates.
  • Prepare, review and/or check engineering calculations, designs, drawings and other project documents related to this specific discipline on projects as required.
  • Certify designs, drawings and documents as required. 
  • Develop, maintain, and upgrade technical standards/specifications to be used on specific projects, as well as centralized design basis and historical references.
  • Support the organization through interaction with managers and staff at other Orbital offices, including recruiting and training efforts.
  • Ensure all department operational and project activities are completed in accordance with Orbital’s Quality Management system through implementation and enforcement of stated policies and practices.
  • Lead projects with a variety of durations, prioritizing both long-term planning, as well as provide leadership in a fast-paced engineering environment requiring expedited turnaround.
  • Some field engineering work and business development travel will be required from time to time.

Other Duties

  • Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job.  Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

  • Hybrid – Hammond IN, Chicago IL, St. Louis MO, Detroit MI

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • PE license is required
  • Minimum of ten years of prior relevant engineering experience is required, with preference given to individuals exposed to heavy industrial environments and marketplaces.
  • Technical knowledge and/or expertise in multiple areas of mechanical engineering including, but not limited to piping design, pipe stress, rotating equipment, pressure vessels, hydraulic analysis, drawing standards, etc.
  • Successful experience in leadership roles managing engineering teams and/or engineering departments is also required, preferably in a consulting engineering environment.
  • Superior communication and interpersonal skills with clients and engineering personnel.
  • Candidates should have a thorough understanding and aptitude in the use of current computer software including business enterprise and project management tools.

Salary Range:

  • $125,000 - $175,000 (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits:

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability coverage, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital:
Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands-on mentality, and world-wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best-practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

#LI-Hybrid

Salary : $125,000 - $175,000

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