Vice President, Design Engineering ( Hybrid )

Smith Engineering is seeking a Vice President, Design to lead our specialized chiller plant design function out of our New York City office. This is a unique opportunity to lead an industry-leading team with the resources of an established company without the bureaucracy of a large firm.

At Smith Engineering, our vision is to create a sustainable future by improving operations and increasing efficiency in critical facilities. For more than a dozen years, we have been a leader in central plant design and optimization, building a reputation for discovering and solving facility mysteries, and improving central plant operations. By uniting expertise in design, energy, controls, and workforce development, we empower industry-leading clients to meet their operational and sustainability goals. 

Your Role

Reporting directly to Managing Director, you will have strategic ownership of the Design Group. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will manage and mentor the team in the development of innovative chiller plant designs for existing buildings.  A seasoned professional who commands respect through experience and leadership, not just technical skill, you will be a key player in shaping the group's strategy, ensuring our projects maintain their best-in-class reputation, and attracting top talent,

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Together with Managing Director, define and lead strategic initiatives that both drive success and enhance Smith Engineering’s already strong reputation in the industry
• Team Management & Development: Lead, mentor, and manage the design team, ensuring their professional growth and success.
• Talent Acquisition: Working closely with the internal Recruitment team you will play a key role in the hiring process, from defining requirements to interviewing through onboarding, building a high-functioning team that aligns with the company's unique approach.
• Client & Project Oversight: Provide leadership and technical oversight of projects, ensuring successful outcomes while leveraging the technical expertise of the team.
• Cultural Leadership: Foster a low-ego environment where the team's technical brilliance is balanced with humility and effective communication.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering (MS preferred) followed by 20 years of experience in the Energy Engineering and Construction industry, with a demonstrable record of successfully managing and growing a team.
• A proven track record of managing and developing people, with a focus on coaching and mentorship.
• Demonstrated ability as a strategic thinker, with a clear understanding of market dynamics and business challenges.
• A background in engineering design, with an appreciation for a specialized, "mile-deep" approach.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate humility and be an ego-free strong savvy communicator with the ability to work effectively with both a highly technical team and external stakeholders.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy reimbursements.
• Paid parental leave.
• Medical flexible spending account (FSA).
• Transit and parking accounts.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Flexible Paid Time Off

Compensation for this role includes a base salary (Range: $160,000 - $250,000) plua a 20% target annual bonus paid quarterly