Assoc. Principal (Mechanical)

Assoc. Principal, Mechanical

About Us

At AlfaTech we believe in more than just engineering solutions; we believe in promoting a culture of agility, collaboration, and inclusion. As a leading consulting engineering firm, we provide thoughtful engineering design that is technologically forward thinking, innovative, and environmentally conscious, ensuring that our contribution to our built environment is flexible, sustainable, and lasting across all the market segments we serve.

If you're driven by a passion for engineering, innovation, and making a difference, if you thrive on challenges and adapt quickly to change, and if you are looking to be part of a dynamic team of empowered, smart, energized, professionals, then AlfaTech is the place for you.

Job Summary

In this role, the Associate Principal is directly responsible for the profitability and productivity of the projects assigned to them. They will have primary responsibility for the overall supervision of those projects assigned to you to ensure that the project conforms to the commitments the firm has made to the client and that the project is completed within the schedule and monetary budget assigned. They will assume additional roles in support of project delivery, including project management, lead engineering of your projects, development of design standards, etc. Participation in marketing and business development activities are also an important part of this role.  

This position reports directly to the department head or the Profit Center Manager(s) and requires exceptional leadership ability, communication, and project management skills. The Associate Principal will work on a variety of projects on various project teams. They will represent the firm in all interactions with clients, employees, contractors, architects, and other project team members and have the authority to write proposals and request change orders or revisions in the project scope according to company procedures and in line with company’s levels of authority.

Core Responsibilities

• Work closely with project PIC and lead engineering design of his/her projects including mechanical system selection, analysis, layouts and overall execution of the project.  


• Develop and achieve project scopes, budgets, and schedules as project manager or as managing effort of your discipline.


• Schedule and track project milestones and deliverables; ensure adherence to contract.


• Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.


• Schedule and conduct internal kick-off meeting with all disciplines present.


• Ensure that all mechanical designs are compliant with Building/Energy Codes, and LEED standards.


• Develop mechanical system designs for a wide variety of building types with a keen emphasis on value add, efficiency and sustainability.


• Develop and maintain positive client relationships; respond promptly to inquiries and initiate contact when information is needed, or delays are imminent.


• Communicate directly with clients and act as the primary point of contact for AlfaTech.


• Attends and is an active participant in the design and construction project team meetings.


• Ensure that the preparation of project drawings, specifications, and reports meet the project schedule and are consistent with client requirements and standards.


• Ensure that ATCE quality assurance procedures are implemented during the mechanical design process (design criteria submission, the basis of design narrative, design checklists, interdisciplinary coordination schedules, etc.).


• Understand the limits of the contract and/or ATCE’s proposal; ensure all provisions are met.


• Coordinate with department heads to select project team members.


• Assign duties and schedules within the project team and instruct project team members.


• Check all technical work for accuracy within his/her discipline—review technical content with team leaders from each discipline involved in the project.


• Must exhibit technical competency and be able to design projects and direct/train/mentor junior engineers and designers.


• Coordinate, support, and communicate with colleagues across disciplines.


• Maintain good relationships with external stakeholders to ensure securing future work.


• Participate in the proposal process and presentations to clients.


• Ensure proper execution of proposals and contracts prior to commencement of work.


• Prepare start-up documentation, notify marketing, and submit to accounting.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

This is meant to summarize the role’s responsibilities and provide some information and structure. At AlfaTech we encourage our staff to think outside the box and explore opportunities beyond the confines of one’s stated responsibilities to bring new thoughts, ideas, and innovations to our company.

Ideal Candidate

• Minimum 8 – 15 years of experience in technical design and/or project management of engineering systems for various project types


• Demonstrated experience as a self-directed, pro-active, and highly motivated team leader.


• Highly knowledgeable of codes, standards, and construction/engineering processes.


• Ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.


• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external business partners.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment with multiple project deadlines.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, Revit, and other engineering analysis and compliance software.


• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.


• Professional Engineer’s (P.E.) License.


• LEED Accreditation.

Essential Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of energy simulation tools


• Strong knowledge of State and local Building Codes

Salary Range

This is a hybrid role. It is anticipated that the working days in the office will be done at our San Jose, CA office. The expected salary range for candidates who will work in San Jose, CA is $135,000 - $175,000. The final offer to our new team member will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the length, breadth, and depth of experience within the job and the industry, education, etc. ATCE is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.