Senior Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager / Regional Client Service Lead
Riverside, CA
Senior Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager / Regional Client Service Lead
Lead mechanical engineering projects and client relationships, with business development focus on HVAC, plumbing, and related systems. Requires a California PE, bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, 12+ years’ experience, and up to 20% regional travel.
TKDA is a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture, and design firm. We are expanding our presence in California and across the West Coast and are seeking a seller-doer Project Manager / Senior Mechanical Engineer/ Regional Client Service Lead to help lead and grow our engineering practice while managing client relationships and projects.
The individual selected for this position will be responsible for providing technical oversight and project leadership in the riverside office, as well as contributing significantly to the growth of engineering services within California. Additional responsibilities include working with our national market leads and regional Vice President to develop new client relationships, particularly within the manufacturing and food and beverage sectors and expand existing accounts in California. Areas of technical expertise shall be relevant to mechanical design include HVAC, plumbing, and associated facility systems. Although engineering expertise is essential, this role prioritizes project management, client engagement, and business development over routine production design tasks.
TKDA is currently located in San Bernardino with plans to relocate to Downtown Riverside by October 2026. Additional information about the exact location of our Riverside office will be communicated by late May 2026 through a formal press release or 'News' post.
What You'll Do
What We're Looking For
Nice to Have Experience
$126,000 - $185,000 a year
The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 12 -25 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.
The individual selected for this position will be responsible for providing technical oversight and project leadership in the riverside office, as well as contributing significantly to the growth of engineering services within California. Additional responsibilities include working with our national market leads and regional Vice President to develop new client relationships, particularly within the manufacturing and food and beverage sectors and expand existing accounts in California. Areas of technical expertise shall be relevant to mechanical design include HVAC, plumbing, and associated facility systems. Although engineering expertise is essential, this role prioritizes project management, client engagement, and business development over routine production design tasks.
TKDA is currently located in San Bernardino with plans to relocate to Downtown Riverside by October 2026. Additional information about the exact location of our Riverside office will be communicated by late May 2026 through a formal press release or 'News' post.
What You'll Do
- Act as a seller-doer, supporting business development and helping grow TKDA's California and West Coast market working with the national market managers (located in other offices) and regional Vice President located in Riverside.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships; support proposals, interviews, and fee development
- Manage and lead engineering projects, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and quality goals are met
- Provide mechanical engineering oversight for HVAC, plumbing, and related systems
- Coordinate with architecture and other engineering disciplines
- Mentor junior engineers and provide QA/QC review
- Support construction administration activities and site visits as needed
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in California (required), and ability to get new licenses in other states
- 12+ years of experience in mechanical engineering for commercial and/or industrial facilities
- Experience managing projects and working directly with clients
- Interest or experience in business development or seller-doer roles
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Ability to travel regionally (up to ~20%)
Nice to Have Experience
- Experience supporting regional or market growth initiatives
- Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Revit (oversight level)
- Experience with industrial or food & beverage facilities
- LEED accreditation or sustainable design experience
- Experience managing direct reports
$126,000 - $185,000 a year
The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 12 -25 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.