Mechanical Engineering Practice Lead – Dam and Levee Business Unit (East Coast)

Mechanical Engineering Practice Lead – Dam and Levee Business Unit (East Coast)

Benefit options include: 

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Schnabel Engineering is committed to building stronger, safer communities by solving complex infrastructure problems. Schnabel specializes in engineering quality solutions, managing risk, and providing specialized expertise in Dams, Tunnels, and Geotechnical investigations.

Mechanical Engineering Practice Lead – Dam and Levee Business Unit (East Coast)

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to join our Dam and Levee Business Unit. The preferred candidate will have expertise in mechanical systems related to dams and water conveyance infrastructure, including hydraulic gates, valves, outlet works, pump stations, pipelines, and intakes. In this position, the selected candidate will lead the East Coast Practice and be responsible for the assessment, design, and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and work closely with water resource agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders while mentoring and teaching mid-level professionals and supporting related business functions.  The role also includes business development activities such as drafting proposals, presenting at conferences/events, and participating in industry committees with targeted outreach to firms with complementary capabilities.

Mechanical Engineering Excellence in Dams: As leaders in dam engineering, Schnabel provides comprehensive mechanical engineering services related to dam safety, hydraulic structures, fish facilities, and water conveyance systems. Our mechanical expertise focuses on resilient and reliable infrastructure.

Coast-to-Coast Presence: With 30 offices across the U.S., we serve clients in diverse sectors, including water resources, energy, utilities, municipalities, federal government and public agencies.

Award-Winning Culture: Our collaborative, employee-centric culture fosters creativity, professional growth, and community engagement.

Innovation and Research: We actively contribute to industry advancements, research, and best practices.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design mechanical systems related to dams and levees, hydroelectric facilities, pump stations, intakes, and fish facilities.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines to deliver projects that enhance dam safety and reliability.
• Provide technical expertise in mechanical engineering.
• Use precision instruments for condition assessments of existing mechanical components.
• Conduct field inspections and assessments of existing mechanical systems.
• Work across business units and collaborate with existing staff to pursue and deliver successful projects.
• Report to the Business Unit Leader(s) and contribute to the strategic plan of the Dam and Levee Business Unit.
• Travel, as necessary, to support essential functions as the role.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited four-year program.
• Existing Professional Engineering licensure in the United States
• 15 years of relevant experience in dam and hydroelectric infrastructure or water resource projects and full technical competence in relevant mechanical engineering specialty areas.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems used in dams and hydraulic structures.
• Expertise with multidisciplinary design projects.
• Project management capabilities including oversight of engineering analyses, design drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Experience in business development to grow mechanical engineering services.
• Confidence and independent decision-making, with a shared sense of responsibility.
• Proven history of leveraging existing client relationships to introduce mechanical services.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to lead staff and work across business lines in a matrix organization.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Professional Engineering Licensure (PE) in multiple states (Preferred East Coast) or ability to obtain additional licenses through reciprocity.
• Proven ability to hire additional engineers and technical staff to lead regional growth.
• Cross functional collaboration to support expansion.
• Lead proposals and technical interactions with customers.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment screening.
• Relocation support to an existing Schnabel office may be provided. Role not eligible for remote work.

The compensation range for this position is between $130,000 to $190,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

Salary : $130,000 - $190,000