Senior Specialist - Mechanical Engineering

About the role

This is a strategic leadership role central to RDH’s growth in the Pacific Northwest. The Senior Specialist, Mechanical will be responsible for establishing and leading a high-performing mechanical engineering practice in the Seattle office, integrating with RDH’s building science expertise to deliver innovative solutions for new and existing buildings.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and grow RDH’s mechanical engineering capabilities in the Seattle office, supported by regional and national colleagues.
• Serve as Project Principal, overseeing the delivery of technical work in alignment with RDH’s standards and client expectations.
• Lead the recruitment, development, and mentorship of a mechanical engineering team.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance team culture consistent with RDH’s values.
• Provide expert guidance in the design, assessment, and rehabilitation of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and ventilation systems.
• Lead mechanical system assessments, forensic investigations, warranty reviews, and energy/carbon reduction studies.
• Oversee the design and implementation of retrofit and new construction solutions, ensuring integration with enclosure and building performance goals.
• Maintain and contribute to RDH’s technical standards, quality policies, and thought leadership in the mechanical field.
• Manage scope, budget, schedule, and quality across a diverse portfolio of mechanical projects.
• Interface with clients including architects, developers, owners, contractors, and institutions.
• Review and approve design drawings, specifications, reports, and submittals; evaluate contractor performance.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary RDH teams and external partners.
• Secure strategic, high-value projects in mechanical design, retrofit, and performance consulting.
• Build and maintain lasting client relationships with architects, developers, institutions, and public agencies.
• Represent RDH at technical and industry events; contribute to publications and thought leadership.
• Support marketing initiatives and proposal preparation to grow RDH’s mechanical offerings.
• Collaborate with leadership to shape RDH’s strategic direction for mechanical engineering.
• Leverage flexible operational approaches in the start-up phase, evolving to a fully established practice.
• Contribute to internal training, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Applied Science (required).
• Master’s degree in Building Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline (preferred).
• Minimum 15–20 years of experience in mechanical system design, retrofit, and consulting, with significant experience in both new construction and existing building rehabilitation.
• Proven leadership in building and managing high-performing technical teams.
• Strong track record of business development and client engagement.
• Experience collaborating with design-focused architects and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E. or P.Eng.) required.

Skills And Competencies

• Superior technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and mechanical system integration with building enclosures.
• Strong investigative and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose performance issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to present technical information to a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• High degree of initiative, organization, and entrepreneurial spirit.