The Director, MEP is a senior leadership role charged with overseeing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering disciplines, with specialized expertise in mechanical and HVAC systems. This strategic leader shapes the vision and direction of the MEP team, fostering cross-discipline collaboration to deliver innovative, efficient, and cost-effective engineering solutions.
The Director, MEP actively drives business development initiatives, cultivates client relationships, and champions operational excellence, ensuring projects meet the highest technical and quality standards while supporting the firm’s long-term growth and market presence.

What you will do:

Direct and oversee the work of multidisciplinary MEP teams, ensuring effective coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disciplines
Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and performance management to discipline leads and project engineers
Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that meets deadlines and exceeds client expectations
Serve as the technical authority for mechanical/HVAC systems, including design, analysis, and system integration
Review and approve drawings, specifications, and calculations for mechanical systems; ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards
Coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams to resolve technical challenges
Oversee the design and integration of specialized systems, including medical gas systems, ensuring functionality, safety, and compliance
Lead project pursuits, including proposal strategy, fee development, scope definition, and team selection
Represent the firm in client interviews, presentations, and networking events to strengthen relationships and secure new work
Identify and pursue new business opportunities in healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and other target markets
Support marketing and proposal teams with technical content, design concepts, and project approach narratives
Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure profitable and successful delivery for the MEP section
Track and forecast workload for MEP disciplines, adjusting resources as needed to meet business needs
Ensure adherence to internal quality standards and project delivery processes

Who you are:

Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
Proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, energy modeling tools) and Microsoft Office Suite
Strong understanding of medical gas systems and applicable codes
Strategic thinker with a business-oriented mindset
Collaborative leader who can inspire and unify multidisciplinary teams
Technically meticulous with a strong eye for quality and detail
Confident presenter with the ability to influence clients and stakeholders
Resilient and adaptable in a saturated, fast-paced market environment

Your background:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred)
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required
15+ years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or director-level role
Extensive experience in mechanical/HVAC design for healthcare, hospitality, higher education, and other complex building projects, including specialized systems such as medical gases
Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary MEP projects from concept through construction
Demonstrated ability to develop client relationships and win work in competitive markets (Chicago market experience preferred)

At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work — we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you:

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health!
Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability – We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns.
Voluntary Coverages – Take control of your well-being with added coverage options.
Discounted Gym Membership – Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals.
Competitive Base Salary – Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture.
401(k) Retirement Plan – Build your future with confidence.
Professional Development Incentives – Get rewarded for growing your skills — including bonuses for earning your P.E. License.
Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) – Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc..
Employee Education & Development Program – Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward.
Generous PTO + Paid Holidays – Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Paid Parental Leave – Bond with your new arrival — and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers!
Extracurricular Sports Teams – Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock.
Employee Recognition Program – Be celebrated for the impact you make.
Employee Referral Bonus – Bring great people on board and get paid for it.
Transit Benefits Program – Save on your daily commute.
Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities.

Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements.
Here's a little information on Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.:
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of your clients, success would come- and so it has. Our portfolio of successful projects continues to grow, our family of highly satisfied clients continues to expand, and our staff just gets better and better. We are a unique, Chicago-based firm whose collective passion, vision and expertise has led to phenomenal growth! With more than 500+ talented professionals and offices across the globe, Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment where there is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to go after it. Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a remarkably talented team that shares a passion for what they do and a vision for improving communities around the world through innovative engineering and construction. Click here to see who we are, and how our people drive our culture each & every day. Click here to see all of our awards and how many times we've won Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For!
Important Notice to US ApplicantsMilhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.