Mechanical Engineering Practice Lead

Summary

The Mechanical Engineering Practice Lead is responsible for the assignment, development, and work quality of a team of professionals in Mechanical Engineering.

Essential Functions

Responsible for managing a team of Mechanical Engineers and adhering to TERRA Management Expectations for the full employee life cycle:

1. Active participation in hiring the right candidates
2. Onboard new employees to ensure a positive experience and decrease the time to proficiency
3. Set and update SMART goals that align and contribute the team, division or department, and organization
4. Provide regular, consistent coaching and feedback to assist with the employee’s success
5. Conduct career development conversations and outline career paths
6. Reward and recognize the right behaviors
7. Conduct end of the year performance reviews to prepare for the upcoming year by pointing out strengths to continue, opportunities for development, and activities or behaviors to modify or discontinue

• Reviews and approves resource estimates and staffing assignment schedules for Mechanical Engineering for each project
• Forecasts resources using resource planning and determines course of action to obtain resources (i.e., assign, acquire or develop)
• Responsible for keeping up with and educating staff on industry trends
• In partnership with the Director of MEP, executes on the development of future skill sets identified in the Division’s and Company’s strategic plan
• Monitors the quality and progress of the team, ensuring production requirements are satisfied; works closely with Project Managers to resolve any existing or forecasted problems related to mechanical staffing, quality of work, schedule performance or productivity
• Establishes standards and procedure manuals for the Mechanical Engineering team, makes improvements to department procedures, and holds team accountable to adherence
• Manages and deploys relative software and systems to the projects
• Ensures compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to the assigned discipline
  1. Develops and implements policies and procedures within area of expertise
  2. Ensures compliance with corporate policies
• Audits Mechanical Engineering project work to ensure compliance with codes, standards, and contracts
• Keeps abreast of current technology germane to the Mechanical Engineering team
  1. Participates in professional organizations; makes presentations at meetings and seminars (internal and external)
  2. Supports Professional Engineering licensing and technical papers in professional publications
• Identifies project opportunities and assists in developing proposals
• Participates in review of all major proposals and initiatives affecting the Mechanical Engineering team
  1. Supports pre-contract and business development efforts as required, serving as technical consultant
  2. Provides technical consultation to client and Company management as needed
• Partners with other leaders on staff development, division adherence to policies and procedures, and identifying and promoting best practices
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited institution required (discipline in Mechanical Engineering) 
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• 10 years of proven experience in area of HVAC, Plumbing and Fire Protection Design
• 6-10 years of experience managing, developing, or mentoring professionals in area of discipline
• Proven design experience in the design of Data Centers is required
• Strong oral and written communication skills needed to communicate with all levels of the organization and external contacts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

About TERRA Engineering

Founded in 1992, TERRA Engineering, Ltd. (TERRA) is a woman-owned, full-service engineering firm that also offers Landscape Architecture and Land Surveying expertise. We provide quality services for client-specific solutions within scope, budget, and schedule. TERRA’s mission is to become the Professional Service firm of choice by empowering our employees to be innovative and socially responsible while achieving sustainable and profitable growth.

Our multi-disciplinary team brings robust knowledge and diverse experience to our clients’ projects, while also providing innovative and sustainable solutions. Continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration are at the core of TERRA’s culture. We strive to create an environment in which all can comfortably and authentically express their thoughts and ideas and effectively engage with the organization. Each member of our team is an important part of TERRA’s success!

TERRA Provides:

• Competitive salary
• A robust benefits package
• 401K and profit-sharing
• Bonus program
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Public transportation reimbursement (Chicago-based employees)
• Opportunities for advancement
• A warm culture that is conducive to growth and professional development

The employment policy of TERRA Engineering, Ltd. is to provide equal opportunity to all persons. Our company, therefore, has made a commitment to equal employment opportunity through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes.

TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  will recruit, hire, train and promote qualified individuals in all job titles, and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. TERRA Engineering, Ltd.  does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

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