Job Title: Mechanical Engineering Manager

Location: Richmond, Virginia

Starting Compensation Range: $130,000 - $170,000 per year

The Mechanical Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the mechanical engineering function supporting the development, deployment, and lifecycle management of mobile and modular distributed power plants utilizing natural gas turbines and natural gas reciprocating engines. These systems are deployed in both grid-interconnected and behind-the-meter applications serving data centers, utilities, oil and gas, and industrial customers.

The Mechanical Engineering Manager provides technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, including front-end engineering and design (FEED), detailed engineering, procurement support, installation, commissioning, operations, maintenance, and fleet optimization.

What You Will Do:

Mechanical Engineering Leadership

• Lead mechanical engineering function supporting distributed power generation projects from concept through long-term operations
• Establish engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines for modular and mobile power plants
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to mechanical engineers, designers, and external engineering consultants
• Ensure consistency, quality, and technical excellence across all mechanical engineering deliverables

Front-End Engineering & Design (FEED)

• Lead mechanical engineering during project development and conceptual design
• Develop mechanical system layouts and equipment configurations supporting customer and project requirements
• Support technical due diligence, feasibility studies, and cost estimating
• Evaluate design alternatives to optimize cost, constructability, reliability, and maintainability

Mechanical System Design

• Lead the engineering and integration of mechanical systems, including:
  • Natural gas turbines
  • Natural gas reciprocating engines
  • Fuel gas systems
  • Lubrication systems
  • Cooling systems
  • Exhaust systems
  • Air intake and filtration systems
  • Ventilation systems
  • Fire protection interfaces
  • Emissions equipment
  • Balance-of-plant piping
  • Auxiliary mechanical systems
• Ensure designs support both permanent installations and rapidly deployable modular facilities

Equipment Selection & Procurement Support

• Develop technical specifications for mechanical equipment and major system components
• Support supplier evaluations and technical bid reviews
• Coordinate with Supply Chain during procurement activities
• Review vendor drawings and equipment submittals for compliance with project requirements
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT) and equipment inspections

Construction, Commissioning & Operations Support

• Provide engineering support during fabrication, installation, and commissioning
• Resolve field engineering issues during project execution
• Support startup activities and system performance testing
• Partner with Field Operations to troubleshoot operational issues and improve system reliability

Fleet Asset Management

• Support lifecycle management of company-owned generation assets
• Develop engineering recommendations to improve equipment reliability and maintainability
• Assist with major maintenance planning and engineering support during overhauls
• Evaluate equipment modifications and engineering change requests

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Electrical Engineering and Controls Engineering to ensure integrated plant designs
• Support Commercial Engineering during solution development and customer presentations
• Collaborate with Project Management to maintain project schedules and engineering milestones
• Work closely with Supply Chain on procurement planning and vendor coordination

Continuous Improvement

• Develop standardized modular plant designs to improve repeatability and deployment speed
• Implement engineering best practices, design standards, and lessons learned
• Support innovation initiatives focused on efficiency, emissions reduction, and modularization
• Continuously improve engineering processes, documentation, and quality systems
• Work in coordination with team to achieve Continuous Improvement goals and objectives
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What We're Looking For:

• Minimum eight years of mechanical experience in power generation energy infrastructure, or heavy industrial facilities
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
• Experience with natural gas turbines and/or natural gas reciprocating engines
• Experience designing balance-of-plant mechanical systems
• Experience supporting projects through engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations
• Experience with modular or mobile power generation systems
• Experience supporting owner-operated assets
• Experience in mission-critical facilities such as data centers
• Experience with 3D design platforms and plant design software
• Thorough knowledge of mechanical system design
• Strong understanding of rotating equipment and auxiliary mechanical systems
• Familiarity with ASME, API, NFPA, ANSI, and applicable mechanical codes and standards
• Strong leadership skills and commitment to teamwork
• Valid driver's license
• Excellent driving record
• Willingness to travel and work hours required for job and customer demand
• Frequent travel is required - overnight or out town via car or airplane

What Success Looks Like In This Role:

• Self-direction and working with limited supervision
• Strong business acumen; accurately forecast revenue, profitability, and margins
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Interpreting an extensive variety of technical data relating to engineering projects
• Engaging in effective and persuasive discussions on complex topics with leadership and other company personnel
• Defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions
• Multi-tasking while maintaining organized and detailed documentation of all conversations
• Strong sense of urgency and a desire to exceed customer expectations
• Handling large volumes of work in a fast-paced environment
• Promoting a positive customer experience
• Upholding the Core Values of Integrity, Commitment, Excellence and Teamwork by embracing The Carter Way

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to sit and talk or hear
• Frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus

Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k), $0.75 to $1.25 match up to 6%
• Life and disability insurance
• In-house training instructors/programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus program
• Tool allowances and tool loans
• Discounts on cellular phone service, computers, and vehicles
• Opportunities for overtime
• Shift differential (if applicable)

Actual base pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, education, geographic location, and other relevant business considerations. In addition to base pay, the compensation package may include participation in performance-based incentive programs (e.g., discretionary or non-discretionary plans), as well as overtime eligibility depending on the role.