Lead Professional Engineer, Mechanical

About the role

Tkda operates as a 100% employee-owned entity specializing in engineering, architecture, and design services. The firm is actively pursuing an expansion strategy focused on the California market and the broader West Coast region. To support this growth, Tkda is recruiting for a hybrid role titled Project Manager / Senior Mechanical Engineer / Regional Client Service Lead. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and project management within the Riverside office. This position is tasked with cultivating engineering business, specifically within the manufacturing and food and beverage sectors. The role emphasizes client relationship development and business expansion rather than purely technical design execution. Tkda maintains its current operations in San Bernardino and plans a strategic relocation to Downtown Riverside by October 2026. Specific details regarding the new Riverside location will be released officially in the near future.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Conduct intake sessions to clarify objectives and align stakeholder expectations for new manufacturing and food and beverage projects in the Riverside area.
• Shape system layouts and coordination strategies throughout the construction phase for complex mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
• Design and coordinate mechanical systems for manufacturing and food and beverage industry clients, ensuring all deliverables adhere to strict quality standards.
• Manage HVAC, plumbing, and related facility systems to meet project specifications while maintaining rigorous schedule adherence.
• Orchestrate collaboration with national market leaders and regional Vice Presidents to identify and secure new opportunities across California.
• Forge relationships with key accounts in targeted sectors to foster organic growth and expand Tkda's market presence.
• Ensure project delivery by conducting design review sessions where calculations, code compliance, and constructability are rigorously evaluated.
• Oversee the transition of projects upon completion, ensuring smooth handover of all documents and systems to operations and clients.
• Provide technical leadership and project management within the Riverside office, guiding concurrent assignments without compromising quality.
• Navigate the firm's long-term strategy by preparing for the Downtown Riverside relocation scheduled for October 2026.

Requirements

• Must possess a professional engineering license and demonstrate extensive experience in mechanical engineering.
• Must have a verified background in HVAC and plumbing system design, as this is mandatory for the role.
• Must manage concurrent assignments efficiently while maintaining the high quality standards expected at Tkda.
• Must exhibit strong judgment when interfacing with clients to uphold the Tkda brand and reputation.
• Must display exceptional project management capabilities to guide tasks from planning through execution and closure.
• Must be prepared to commit to relocating to the Downtown Riverside area by October 2026 as part of the firm's strategic growth plan.
• Must navigate the office transition seamlessly, integrating into the evolving Riverside operational environment.
• Must adhere to the eligibility criteria and hard bars outlined Nice to have

Practical notes

This listing names Riverside, California. You must The standard work week is 40 hours, and the compensation range is between one hundred thirty thousand and one hundred sixty thousand dollars annually. Exact remuneration will be determined based on qualifications and experience. This role represents a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to influence the direction of engineering services on the West Coast. The position offers exposure to high-profile sectors within manufacturing and food and beverage production. It is an ideal career path for someone seeking to blend technical acumen with leadership in business development. The successful applicant will play a pivotal role in establishing Tkda's footprint in the Riverside market.

Application and Timeline

Candidates are encouraged to apply through the official portal to ensure full consideration. The firm is actively building its Riverside team and welcomes inquiries regarding the transition timeline. Detailed information regarding the new Downtown Riverside location will be released officially as plans develop. This is a full-time position requiring consistent availability during standard business hours. The selection process will involve interviews with national market leaders and regional stakeholders. Successful candidates will demonstrate a clear alignment with Tkda's employee-owned culture and growth objectives. The hiring timeline is structured to accommodate a smooth onboarding process before the anticipated office move. Applicants should prepare supporting documents that validate their engineering licensure and relevant project experience. Documentation of past work in the food and beverage or manufacturing sectors will be heavily weighted during review. This role requires a commitment to long-term client development and operational excellence in the Riverside region.