Engineering Design Manager (Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection), MEP/Facilities

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Engineering Design Manager (Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Protection), MEP/Facilities

Company: AVCON, INC.

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Operations

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for overseeing the design and execution of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEP) systems within AVCON's Facilities division, demanding strong engineering leadership and project management acumen.

• The position involves managing a team of engineers and designers, ensuring adherence to complex technical specifications, regulatory codes, and project timelines, directly impacting the successful delivery of engineering solutions.

• Key responsibilities include client interaction, proposal development, budget and schedule management, and driving innovative design approaches for diverse commercial, institutional, and public facilities.

• The role requires a blend of technical expertise in HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems, combined with robust managerial skills to mentor and develop the engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Engineering Design Manager," the core responsibilities and requirements heavily lean into operations management for the MEP/Facilities engineering function. This includes workload management, resource allocation, client relations, and business development support, aligning it with a GTM (Go-to-Market) or operational leadership aspect within an engineering firm. The "Facilities" aspect also implies a focus on operational efficiency and long-term system performance, which are core to operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the daily workload, project assignments, and performance of the Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection Design team, fostering a productive and collaborative environment.

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex MEP engineering designs for large and small HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems across commercial, institutional, and public facilities.

• Develop and manage project proposals, task breakdowns, budgets, and schedules, ensuring profitability and timely project completion.

• Oversee site investigations, construction administration, and phased services, providing expert technical guidance and ensuring compliance with project scope and quality standards.

• Review and approve contract documents, reports, and engineering calculations to ensure accuracy, code compliance, and adherence to industry best practices.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, owners, designers, and contractors, effectively communicating project status, cost implications, staffing needs, and scheduling updates.

• Contribute to business development efforts by identifying and pursuing new clients and projects, and actively participating in marketing initiatives.

• Assist in the recruitment and hiring process for the Mechanical department by drafting job descriptions, screening resumes, conducting interviews, and recommending qualified candidates.

• Ensure all engineering designs and documentation comply with relevant building codes, industry standards, and client-specific requirements.

• Provide technical mentorship and professional development opportunities for the engineering team, promoting continuous learning and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities include a significant emphasis on client communication, proposal and budget management, and business development, which are crucial operational aspects of a service-based engineering firm. This suggests the role requires not only technical oversight but also strategic input into the firm's operational capacity and market growth.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10+ years of formal engineering training and professional experience.

• At least five (5) years of experience in a Technical Team Leader, Project Engineer, or similar leadership role managing complex, multi-discipline engineering design projects.

• Proven track record as a lead design engineer on significant mechanical projects.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection engineering principles and design methodologies.

• In-depth familiarity with applicable building codes, industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE, NFPA, IMC, IPC), and acceptable engineering practices.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and design.

• Proficiency in REVIT for BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D design.

• Strong project management skills, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Excellent client communication and relationship management abilities, with experience presenting technical information.

• Demonstrated ability to supervise, direct, and mentor a team of engineers, designers, and support personnel.

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word for daily operations and communication.

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of MS PowerPoint for presentations and reports.

• Familiarity with MS Project for project scheduling and resource management.

• Experience with MS SharePoint for document management and collaboration.

• Ability to obtain licensure in multiple states.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in AutoCAD and REVIT, along with a strong emphasis on code compliance and construction administration, indicates a need for practical, hands-on operational knowledge in design and project execution. The "Technical Team Leader" experience suggests a blend of technical depth and early-stage management responsibilities, common for aspiring operations managers in engineering.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase projects demonstrating mastery of Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection system design for varied facility types (commercial, institutional, public).

• Include examples of complex problem-solving where innovative design approaches were implemented to meet challenging project criteria.

• Present case studies highlighting successful construction administration phases, including issue resolution and project close-out.

• Detail projects where code compliance and advanced industry standards were critical to the design outcome.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of project proposal development, including scope definition, budget estimation, and scheduling.

• Documentation illustrating the process for site investigations and preliminary design phases.

• Workflows demonstrating the process for creating and managing contract documents, including drawings, specifications, and reports.

• Case studies on implementing and managing construction administration services, including RFI responses, submittal reviews, and site observations.

• Documentation of how design standards and code compliance checks are integrated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management role in an engineering firm, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate not just technical capability but also project oversight, team management, and client-facing acumen. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the need for structured, repeatable workflows essential for operational efficiency and quality control.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development opportunities, including support for continuing education and licensure.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Life and disability insurance.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours.

• While nights and weekends are generally not required, occasional necessity with little or no advanced notice may arise to meet project deadlines or client needs, reflecting the demanding nature of project management in engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for a role of this seniority and specialization in the specified location. Specific benefits can be inferred from typical offerings for full-time professional roles in engineering firms. The mention of occasional evening/weekend work aligns with operational realities in project-driven industries.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services (Aviation, Facilities, Transportation, Development)

Company Size: Over 130 professionals. This size suggests a stable, established firm with structured departments and established processes, offering opportunities for specialized career growth and cross-functional collaboration without the anonymity of very large corporations.

Founded: 1988. With over three decades of experience, AVCON has a deep understanding of its markets and a proven track record, likely fostering a culture that values experience, reliability, and client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Facilities division, specifically managing the Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection Design team.

• This team likely consists of Mechanical Engineers, MEP Designers, CAD Technicians, and potentially support staff.

• The Manager will report to senior leadership within the Facilities division or potentially a Director of Engineering, overseeing the operations and technical output of their direct reports.

Methodology:

• AVCON emphasizes delivering innovative and practical engineering solutions, blending economic, sustainable, and technological elements.

• The company's approach focuses on high-level technical expertise and ensuring projects are "done right the first time."

• This suggests a methodology that values thorough planning, rigorous design reviews, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality and efficiency.

Company Website: https://avconinc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on detailed, practical solutions indicate a culture that prioritizes technical excellence and client satisfaction. For operations professionals, this means an environment that likely values process, precision, and a results-oriented approach. The "Transforming Today's Ideas into Tomorrow's Reality" slogan suggests a forward-thinking yet grounded approach to engineering.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within the engineering operations of AVCON. It requires significant technical depth combined with managerial responsibilities, signifying a transition from individual contributor to team leader and operational strategist for a core engineering function. The role is responsible for resource management, project pipeline contribution, and team development, making it a key operational pillar.

Reporting Structure: The Engineering Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering or a Vice President within the Facilities Division. They will have direct reports including engineers, designers, and technicians within the MEP/FP discipline. This structure allows for focused management of a specialized technical team while contributing to broader divisional goals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on AVCON's operational capacity and revenue generation. Effective management of the MEP/FP team ensures efficient project delivery, client satisfaction, and the ability to take on more complex and profitable projects. Success in this role contributes to AVCON's reputation for quality and reliability, influencing client retention and business development efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization/Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific MEP/FP areas or to become a recognized subject matter expert within the firm.

• Senior Management: Potential advancement to Director of Engineering, VP of Facilities, or other senior leadership roles overseeing larger divisions or multiple disciplines.

• Business Development: Develop skills in client engagement, proposal writing, and market strategy, potentially moving into roles with a stronger business development focus.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance design workflows, implement new technologies (e.g., advanced BIM, simulation tools), or improve project delivery methodologies.

• Multi-State Licensure: Pursue professional engineering licensure in additional states, opening opportunities to manage projects across a broader geographic footprint.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path outlined for this role highlights a progression from technical management to broader operational and business leadership, characteristic of growing within a specialized engineering firm. The emphasis on process improvement and technology adoption is a key aspect of operational growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a professional office setting located in AVCON's Orlando, Florida office. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for engineering and project management activities.

Office Location(s): The position is based at AVCON's Orlando, Florida office (5555 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32822). This location is central to serving clients in Florida and potentially beyond.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as "clean, pleasant, and comfortable."

• It is expected to facilitate collaboration among team members, with access to necessary engineering software, hardware, and communication tools.

• The role involves interaction with colleagues, clients, and external consultants, requiring professional office etiquette and communication skills.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically during regular business hours.

• While extensive overtime is not generally expected, flexibility may be required to meet critical project deadlines, client demands, or unforeseen circumstances, with little or no advanced notice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the office environment and work schedule indicates a professional, structured workplace with expectations of flexibility to meet project demands. For operations roles, this balance of structure and adaptability is common.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, with particular attention to leadership experience and MEP/FP expertise.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on your technical knowledge in Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection engineering, code compliance, and design methodologies. Expect questions about your experience with complex systems and problem-solving.

• Management & Leadership Interview: Evaluation of your team management style, project oversight capabilities, client communication skills, and experience in budgeting and scheduling. This may involve behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved, highlighting your leadership and operational contributions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the company's long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical breadth in MEP/FP, project management success, and client interaction.

• Quantify achievements: Use metrics to showcase project success – e.g., budget adherence, schedule performance, energy savings, system efficiency improvements.

• Highlight leadership: Clearly articulate your role in team management, decision-making, and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and case studies.

• Focus on process: Explain your design and project management methodologies, emphasizing how you ensure quality, efficiency, and code compliance.

• Client perspective: Be ready to discuss how you managed client expectations and relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a complex MEP/FP problem to discuss your approach.

• Project Management Task: Be prepared to outline how you would manage a specific project scenario, including resource allocation, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.

• Team Management Discussion: Expect questions about how you would handle team conflicts, motivate staff, or delegate tasks effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical proficiency and managerial capabilities. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just what they've done, but how they did it, and the impact of their operational leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D design and drafting of mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. Proficiency expected for creating detailed drawings and plans.

• REVIT: Critical for Building Information Modeling (BIM), enabling 3D design, clash detection, coordination, and enhanced documentation. Advanced proficiency is expected for collaborative design processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Heavily used for budgeting, scheduling, data analysis, and creating reports. Advanced functions and formula knowledge are beneficial.

• Microsoft Project: Likely used for detailed project scheduling, resource planning, and tracking progress across multiple concurrent projects.

CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Outlook: Standard for email communication, calendar management, and task organization.

• Microsoft Word: Used for generating reports, proposals, specifications, and other project documentation.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Beneficial for client presentations, internal project reviews, and marketing materials.

• MS SharePoint: Potentially used for document management, collaboration, and project team portals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and REVIT is non-negotiable for this design management role. The strong reliance on the Microsoft Office Suite highlights the need for solid administrative and reporting skills, which are foundational to operational management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, accurate, and code-compliant engineering designs.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through effective communication, reliable delivery, and innovative solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where engineers, designers, and support staff work together effectively across disciplines.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and a high level of professionalism in all interactions.

• Efficiency & Innovation: Striving for optimized workflows, cost-effectiveness, and the adoption of new technologies and design approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with other engineering disciplines (Electrical, Structural), project managers, and administrative staff to ensure seamless project execution.

• Open Communication: Encouraging an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, raising concerns, and providing constructive feedback.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: A culture that addresses challenges head-on, involving relevant stakeholders to find effective and timely solutions.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where experienced professionals guide junior staff, and knowledge is actively shared to elevate the team's collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with typical expectations for a professional engineering services firm, emphasizing quality, client satisfaction, and teamwork. For operations, this translates to a need for structured processes, clear communication channels, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Balancing the needs of multiple concurrent projects with varying complexities, deadlines, and client expectations.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Codes and Technologies: Staying current with rapidly changing building codes, industry standards, and advancements in MEP/FP design software and methodologies.

• Team Performance and Development: Ensuring consistent high performance from the design team, addressing individual development needs, and fostering a cohesive team dynamic.

• Client Expectations and Budget Constraints: Navigating client demands for scope, quality, and timelines while adhering to project budgets and profitability targets.

• Attracting and Retaining Talent: In a competitive market, ensuring AVCON can attract and retain skilled MEP/FP engineers and designers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Professional Engineering Licensure: Support for obtaining and maintaining Professional Engineer (PE) licenses in Florida and potentially other states.

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in REVIT, explore advanced simulation tools, or learn new design software.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in events focused on MEP/FP design, building codes, and engineering management to stay abreast of industry trends.

• Leadership Development Programs: Training in management, strategic planning, financial management, and client relations to prepare for senior leadership roles.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within AVCON for guidance on career progression and operational strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of engineering management, requiring adaptability and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are structured to build both technical and leadership capabilities, essential for advancement within an operations-focused career path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a project with conflicting design criteria or strict budget constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Assesses problem-solving, operational decision-making, and client management.)

• "How do you ensure your team stays up-to-date with the latest building codes and engineering best practices?" (Probes commitment to operational standards, continuous learning, and team development.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing a project proposal, including estimating costs and timelines." (Evaluates understanding of pre-sales operations, project planning, and financial acumen.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AVCON's work in the aviation or facilities sectors, and how does your expertise align with our projects?" (Tests research and alignment with company's operational focus.)

• "Describe your ideal team culture and how you foster collaboration and accountability." (Gauges fit with AVCON's values and operational approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or challenge addressed. For each project, clearly state the client, scope, your role, key challenges, your team's solutions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, efficiency gains, compliance achieved).

• Visuals: Use high-quality renderings, diagrams, or drawings from your projects to illustrate key design elements and solutions.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, emphasizing your leadership and operational contributions. Focus on "how" you achieved results, not just "what" was achieved.

• Technical Depth & Operational Insight: Be prepared to discuss both the technical intricacies of the designs and the operational strategies you employed to manage them effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both technical expertise and strong operational management skills, particularly in team leadership, project execution, and client relations. The portfolio is a key tool to showcase practical application of these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Engineering Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AVCON, INC. applicant portal at https://avconinc.applicantpro.com/jobs/4066336.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, specifically emphasizing your 5+ years in technical leadership roles, your expertise in MEP/FP design, and any project management accomplishments. Use keywords from the job description such as "Mechanical Engineering," "Plumbing Design," "Fire Protection," "HVAC," "REVIT," "AutoCAD," "Construction Administration," and "Team Supervision."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 key projects that best showcase your leadership in MEP/FP design, project management success, and ability to meet complex technical and operational requirements. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Research AVCON: Understand the company's mission, values, and project portfolio, particularly in the aviation and facilities sectors. Familiarize yourself with their approach to engineering and client service.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your technical design capabilities, leadership style, project management strategies, and experience with client relations, using specific examples from your career and portfolio.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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