Senior Mechanical Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Design Manager

Company: Penn Entertainment

Location: Kansas City, Kansas, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Management / Operations (Design & Technology)

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage complex PowerFLX turn-key EPC projects within a sophisticated Autodesk Plant 3D environment, ensuring seamless integration with material databases and adherence to evolving pipe codes and standards.

• Oversee and manage the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and reference files across multiple disciplines, in close collaboration with IT, to maintain project integrity and data accuracy.

• Drive the creation and maintenance of critical databases that support the 3D modeling environment, including pipe codes, material specifications, and project-specific files, ensuring they align with industry codes and company standards.

• Collaborate with Project Engineering Management to establish baseline project schedules and actively participate in forecast reviews, leveraging a deep understanding of project controls and earned value management principles.

• Foster a high-performing team culture among multidisciplinary designers, effectively allocating resources, providing technical guidance, and mentoring team members to ensure the successful execution of world-class, quality-focused deliverables for the construction team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description indicates a focus on "Senior Mechanical Design Manager" within an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) context for the power generation industry. While "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" are not direct matches, the role's emphasis on project management, resource allocation, process standardization, and system management (Autodesk Plant 3D, ACC) aligns with the operational efficiency and project execution aspects crucial in GTM (Go-To-Market) and broader operational support functions. The "Category" has been adjusted to reflect this operational management aspect within an engineering/technology domain. The implied experience level is derived from the "8 years of experience" requirement combined with the "Senior" title and "Lead and manage" responsibilities, suggesting a need for significant depth and leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and routing of piping systems and model 3D equipment for power plant systems, including simple cycle gas balance of plant systems, ensuring compliance with all relevant codes and specifications.

• Plan, develop, and oversee the creation of drawings for production work, encompassing problem analysis, design layout, and detailed calculations.

• Manage and lead a team of multidisciplinary designers, strategically allocating resources based on dynamic project needs and ensuring optimal team performance.

• Foster a high-performing team environment and cultivate behaviors that drive successful project execution and client satisfaction.

• Mentor and develop team members, providing technical guidance on projects and design disciplines to enhance overall team capabilities and individual growth.

• Continuously seek opportunities to improve customer satisfaction, elevate the quality of work products, and enhance operational efficiencies across design processes.

• Develop, review, and implement guidelines and procedures to ensure design standardization and templating for PowerFLX projects, promoting consistency and efficiency.

• Stay abreast of the latest technologies and industry best practices, identifying and implementing practical applications to drive innovation and improve design outcomes.

• Interpret and incorporate design codes, standards, and specifications into design requirements, ensuring all deliverables meet regulatory and client expectations.

• Collaborate closely with construction and start-up teams for early input, design reviews, and constructability assessments of piping and mechanical systems.

• Work collaboratively with Project Managers, Engineers, Designers, and constructability personnel in a multi-disciplined project team environment to resolve design issues and achieve project goals.

• Ensure all work is performed safely and effectively, adhering to oral and written instructions, and understanding equipment use and company policies.

• Manage workload to complete projects within deadlines, with the flexibility to work overtime and weekends as required by project demands.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and systems, supporting change management efforts to enhance overall design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific technical and leadership duties. The emphasis on "process standardization," "guidelines and procedures," and "operational efficiencies" directly relates to operational management principles. The requirement to "collaborate closely with construction and start-up teams" highlights the cross-functional coordination vital in GTM and project operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in mechanical design, preferably within the EPC power industry.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in both 2D and 3D CAD applications for engineering drawing preparation.

• Expertise in design software including, but not limited to, Autodesk Plant 3D, E3D, SCADA Systems (Elecdes/PanelDES), Smartplant 3D, AutoCAD, and MicroStation.

• Strong command of Microsoft Excel for design deliverable development.

• Proven ability to learn and effectively utilize new design software programs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex information to diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration with internal teams and external clients.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively multi-task and manage numerous projects/tasks simultaneously under aggressive schedules.

• Independent application of knowledge and enforcement of quality program compliance, establishing related processes and promoting a quality-focused culture.

• Adaptability, a systems thinking approach, and comfort with change and ambiguity.

• Proactive provision of guidance and direction on department design guides, standards, systems, and applicable engineering codes.

• Advanced knowledge in the theory and practices of mechanical discipline, with competence in fundamental concepts of other disciplines relevant to project teams.

• Ability to operate discipline-specific design software necessary for production tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous Lead or Senior Designer experience specifically within the EPC Power Industry (Mechanical Discipline).

• Familiarity with Aconex Document Controls software.

• Clear understanding of construction and constructability practices and principles.

• Working knowledge of the technical aspects of the proposal and estimate process.

• Prior experience in an owner or client engineering role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to highlight specific software proficiencies and the advanced nature of the user's technical and leadership skills. The "Required Skills" section emphasizes capabilities directly transferable to operational management, such as multi-tasking, quality program compliance, change management, and cross-functional collaboration. The "Preferred Skills" further refine the ideal candidate profile for this specialized operational role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Deliverables Showcase: A curated selection of past projects demonstrating proficiency in leading mechanical design efforts for turn-key EPC projects, with a focus on power generation systems. This should include examples of complex piping system designs and 3D equipment modeling.

• System Management Examples: Evidence of experience managing and configuring 3D design software environments, such as Autodesk Plant 3D. This may include examples of database creation and management for pipe codes, materials, and project files, or documentation of workflow standardization.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Detailed case studies illustrating how you have improved design processes, enhanced operational efficiencies, or implemented design standardization and templating within previous roles. Quantifiable results (e.g., time savings, cost reduction, quality improvement) are highly desirable.

• Team Leadership & Resource Allocation: Examples demonstrating your ability to lead, mentor, and allocate resources effectively within a design team. This could include project team structures, resource allocation plans, or descriptions of mentorship programs implemented.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Documentation: Evidence of successful collaboration with construction, start-up, engineering, and IT teams. This might involve documentation of joint review processes, problem-solving methodologies for design issues, or contributions to constructability reviews.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Examples of documented workflows for mechanical design processes, particularly within an EPC or power generation context. Highlight any contributions to developing, reviewing, or implementing new guidelines and procedures for design standardization.

• System Integration and Management: Documentation showcasing experience with managing integrated design environments, such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), including the coordination of model reference files across disciplines and collaboration with IT departments.

• Quality Assurance and Compliance: Evidence of ensuring design compliance with quality programs, relevant engineering codes, and project specifications. This could include process descriptions for quality checks, compliance reviews, or risk mitigation strategies related to design.

• Project Controls Integration: Documentation that demonstrates an understanding of project controls, including the creation of baseline schedules and participation in forecast reviews, ideally with experience in earned value management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for operations roles. The portfolio requirements are tailored to showcase practical application of design management, system administration, process improvement, and team leadership. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating process documentation capabilities and a systems-thinking approach, which are core to operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans, offered at minimal cost to the employee.

• Life and Disability Insurance coverage.

• Ten (10) paid holidays annually.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility required, with the expectation of working overtime and weekends as needed to meet project deadlines and demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: As no specific salary was provided, an estimated range has been generated based on typical compensation for a Senior Mechanical Design Manager role with 8+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Kansas City, considering the specialized engineering and management aspects. The provided benefits are explicitly listed from the raw job description. The working hours are confirmed, with an important note about the flexibility required for project-based work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Power Generation, Engineering, Research & Development, Manufacturing, and Turnkey Project Execution. PROENERGY operates in a dynamic sector focused on providing innovative, fast-start, dispatchable power solutions using aeroderivative technology.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, PROENERGY's investment of over $1 billion through 2028 in infrastructure, including large manufacturing centers and global service networks, suggests a significant and growing organization, likely in the mid-to-large enterprise category.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's substantial investment and global footprint indicate a well-established entity with a forward-looking strategy.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Mechanical Design Manager will report to the VP of PowerFLX Engineering.

• This role involves leading and managing a pool of multidisciplinary mechanical designers.

• Collaboration is expected with integrated EPC teams, including Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Start-Up, Document Controls, and Operations, as well as with clients.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on maintaining and managing databases (pipe codes, materials) that directly feed 3D modeling systems, indicating a data-centric approach to design.

• Integrated Project Delivery: A "ONE-TEAM" approach is central, promoting seamless collaboration between all project phases and teams.

• Quality and Efficiency Focus: Constant drive to improve customer satisfaction, work product quality, and operating efficiencies through process improvement and standardization.

• Innovation and Technology Adoption: Commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and industry practices, finding practical applications for aeroderivative solutions.

Company Website: https://www.pennentertainment.com/ (Note: The provided URL was for Penn Entertainment, which is a casino and gaming company. PROENERGY is a distinct entity within the power generation sector. A search for "PROENERGY" reveals their website is likely www.proenergy.com. The job description itself refers to PROENERGY.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been synthesized from the provided description, focusing on PROENERGY's core business and operational philosophy. The "Industry" and "Company Size" sections infer scale and operational complexity. The "Team Structure" clarifies reporting lines and key collaborations, while "Methodology" highlights the operational principles PROENERGY values. A correction has been made regarding the company website, as the provided URL was for a different industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position within the engineering design and technology function. It demands not only advanced technical expertise in mechanical design and 3D modeling but also significant leadership capabilities in managing teams, projects, and operational processes. The scope includes strategic input on design standardization, technology adoption, and contributing to the overall efficiency of the EPC project lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Mechanical Design Manager reports directly to the VP of PowerFLX Engineering, indicating a high level of visibility and responsibility. This structure suggests opportunities to influence departmental strategy and contribute to broader engineering objectives. The role also involves direct management of a team of designers, requiring strong people leadership and development skills.

Operations Impact: The role has a substantial impact on the company's ability to deliver world-class, quality-focused power generation solutions. By effectively managing the design system, leading design teams, and ensuring standardization, this manager directly contributes to project timelines, budget adherence, and the overall quality and constructability of PROENERGY's turn-key EPC projects. Their efforts in process optimization and efficiency improvements directly support the company's revenue generation and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to higher leadership roles within the Engineering department, such as Director of Design & Technology or VP roles, overseeing larger teams or broader functional areas.

• Specialization and Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific areas of power plant design, advanced 3D modeling techniques, or project controls, becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the organization and the industry.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Opportunities to lead significant initiatives focused on revamping design workflows, implementing new technologies, or driving operational excellence programs across the engineering function.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related operational roles, such as Project Management leadership, EPC execution management, or even client-facing technical advisory roles, leveraging a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section analyzes the role's career trajectory and impact within the operational framework of an EPC company. It emphasizes the blend of technical management and leadership, highlighting how success in this role can lead to significant career growth and influence within the organization and industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an office environment, specifically at "11141 Overbrook Rd #202, Leawood, KS 66211." This location is described as an office with an Engineering team supporting turnkey projects and contracted power solutions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Leawood, Kansas, which is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. PROENERGY also has significant operational centers in Sedalia, Missouri, and Houston, Texas, along with worldwide service centers, indicating a company with a broad operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting fosters collaboration among the engineering team, project managers, and potentially other support functions. The "ONE-TEAM" approach suggests an environment where cross-functional interaction is encouraged.

• Technology-Rich Workspace: As a technology-driven company, the workspace likely provides access to advanced design software (Autodesk Plant 3D, ACC), IT support, and necessary computing resources to manage complex 3D models and databases.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a multidisciplinary team of designers, engineers, and project leads is expected, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

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

• The role requires flexibility, with the possibility of working overtime and weekends to meet project demands and deadlines, which is common in the EPC and project-based industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the provided office location and the company's operational model. The emphasis is on a collaborative, technology-enabled office setting that supports the demands of complex engineering project management within the power generation sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications, particularly regarding experience with Autodesk Plant 3D, team leadership, and EPC project execution.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your mechanical design expertise, proficiency with 3D modeling software, understanding of piping codes and standards, and experience with project controls and earned value management. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing design teams and resolving technical challenges.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. This is an opportunity to showcase your design work, process improvements, and leadership approach. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact of your work.

• Managerial/Leadership Interview: Focus on your leadership style, team management approach, ability to mentor and develop staff, and experience with fostering high-performing teams. Questions may also explore your approach to conflict resolution, change management, and driving operational efficiencies.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Engineering) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in leading mechanical design for EPC power projects, managing design systems (Autodesk Plant 3D), and leading teams. Ensure diversity in complexity and scope.

• Showcase Process & Systems: Highlight examples where you managed or improved design workflows, databases, or the use of Autodesk Construction Cloud. Quantify improvements in efficiency, quality, or project delivery if possible.

• Detail Your Leadership: For team-based projects, clearly define your role, responsibilities, and leadership contributions. Include examples of how you allocated resources, mentored designers, and fostered team collaboration.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your work. This could include schedule adherence, cost savings, reduction in design revisions, or improved constructability.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, approach to problem-solving, how you handle conflicting priorities, and your strategies for ensuring design quality and standardization.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design challenge or a problem from a past project to assess your problem-solving skills, technical approach, and ability to think critically under pressure.

• Process Improvement Task: A task could involve analyzing a given design process and proposing improvements for efficiency, standardization, or quality.

• Team Management Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you would manage a diverse team, handle underperformance, or motivate designers to meet aggressive deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides detailed advice on navigating the application and interview process, specifically tailored for a management role in engineering operations. It emphasizes the importance of a strong portfolio showcasing process management, system utilization, and leadership, which are key in operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Autodesk Plant 3D: Core software for 3D design and routing of piping systems and equipment modeling. Expertise in its configuration, database management, and project deployment is critical.

• Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC): Platform for managing project documents, models, and collaboration across disciplines. Experience with its administration and integration with design workflows is essential.

• Other 3D/2D Design Software: Proficiency in related industry-standard software such as E3D, Smartplant 3D, AutoCAD, and MicroStation is required, demonstrating adaptability to different design environments.

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills required for database development, data analysis, and reporting relevant to design deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role directly. However, the management of ACC and databases hints at a need for understanding how design data integrates into broader project management and execution platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the specific technology stack mentioned in the job description, emphasizing the critical role of Autodesk software suite and advanced data management skills in this operational engineering role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality-Centricity: A strong emphasis on delivering world-class, quality-focused deliverables, ensuring compliance with standards and codes. This translates to a meticulous approach to design and a commitment to error reduction.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: The "ONE-TEAM" approach is paramount, requiring individuals to work seamlessly across departments and with clients, valuing open communication and mutual support.

• Efficiency and Innovation: A drive to improve operating efficiencies, seek better solutions, and stay updated with the latest technologies and industry practices to provide innovative power solutions.

• Accountability and Responsibility: Taking ownership of projects, ensuring timely completion, and proactively managing risks and issues within design and team management.

• Adaptability and Systems Thinking: Embracing change and ambiguity, viewing challenges holistically, and understanding how different parts of the system (design, IT, construction) interact.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Project Teams: Expect to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including engineers, other designers, project managers, IT, and construction personnel.

• Proactive Communication: A style that involves actively sharing information, providing guidance, and seeking input from all stakeholders, including clients, early in the design process.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior members to mentor junior staff, fostering technical growth and sharing best practices across the team.

• Process Improvement Focus: Collaborative efforts to review existing processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement standardized guidelines and procedures to enhance overall performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section synthesizes the company's stated values and implied cultural norms into actionable insights for operations professionals. It highlights the importance of a collaborative, quality-driven, and adaptive mindset, crucial for success in a fast-paced, project-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Evolving Standards: Keeping the design system databases (pipe codes, materials) updated with changing industry codes and company standards requires constant vigilance and rigorous process management.

• Resource Allocation in Dynamic Environments: Effectively allocating a pool of multidisciplinary designers across multiple, often compressed, project schedules demands strong prioritization and forecasting skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Ensuring seamless integration and coordination between mechanical design, other engineering disciplines, IT (for ACC management), and construction teams can present communication and workflow challenges.

• Balancing Innovation with Standardization: Implementing new technologies and practices while maintaining design standardization and templating for efficiency requires a strategic and balanced approach.

• Adapting to Ambiguity: Working in a dynamic EPC environment often involves project scope changes or unforeseen technical issues, requiring adaptability and robust problem-solving skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Proficiency: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Autodesk Plant 3D and related design tools, potentially exploring advanced customization or automation features.

• Project Controls and EVM Mastery: Further developing skills in project scheduling, forecasting, and earned value management through hands-on project involvement.

• Leadership and Team Development: Formal and informal training in leadership, team building, conflict resolution, and performance management to enhance managerial capabilities.

• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in power generation design and EPC project execution through internal knowledge sharing and potential external training or conferences.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into procurement, construction, and project management processes through close collaboration with these teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in the role and the industry, framing them as opportunities for skill development and professional growth, a key aspect for operations professionals seeking growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design System Management: "Describe your approach to managing and updating a complex 3D design system database, including pipe codes and material specifications, to ensure compliance with evolving industry standards and company policies." (Prepare to discuss your process for version control, validation, and rollout of updates.)

• Team Leadership & Resource Allocation: "How would you prioritize and allocate your design team's resources across multiple concurrent EPC projects, each with aggressive deadlines, while maintaining high-quality deliverables?" (Be ready to outline your methodology for project assessment, team capacity planning, and conflict resolution.)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with construction or IT teams to resolve a critical design issue. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication strategies, problem-solving, and achieving shared project goals.)

• Process Improvement & Standardization: "How have you contributed to developing or implementing design guidelines, procedures, or standardization efforts in previous roles? What was the impact on project delivery or efficiency?" (Provide specific examples of process documentation and implementation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about PROENERGY's 'ONE-TEAM' approach and its focus on fast-start, dispatchable power solutions?" (Research PROENERGY's mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement within a design team?" (Align your response with PROENERGY's stated values of quality, efficiency, and innovation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem/objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the solutions implemented (especially regarding design systems and team management), and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Highlight Systems & Processes: Explicitly showcase examples of your work with Autodesk Plant 3D, ACC, database management, and any process improvements or standardization efforts.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Emphasize your leadership in managing the design team, allocating resources, and mentoring junior designers.

• Be Concise and Impactful: Focus on the most relevant and impressive aspects of your experience. Aim for clarity and directness in your explanations.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your presented projects, including technical challenges, design decisions, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for interview preparation, focusing on strategic questions, company research, and portfolio presentation techniques relevant to a senior management role in operations and engineering.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Mechanical Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on recruitingbypaycor.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with Autodesk Plant 3D, team leadership, EPC project execution, and process standardization, using keywords from the job description. Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing your best work in these areas.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 8+ years of experience, degree(s), and advanced proficiency in relevant design software. Quantify achievements wherever possible, focusing on leadership, project management, and process improvement contributions.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review the "Interview Preparation" section of this description. Practice articulating your experience with specific examples, especially regarding system management, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of PROENERGY's business, its "ONE-TEAM" philosophy, and its commitment to fast-start power solutions. Familiarize yourself with their operational centers and technological focus to better articulate your fit and enthusiasm.

⚠️ 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.