Associate Principal

Description:

A highly respected building engineering firm, in partnership with Engtal, is seeking an Associate Principal to lead their healthcare market sector in Chicago. This is a senior-level, strategic leadership position focused on guiding a growing team of engineering professionals and delivering technically advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design solutions for healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and other complex institutional environments.

This is a pivotal opportunity to influence the future of healthcare engineering design in a fast-paced, quality-driven studio environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee daily operations and long-term planning of the healthcare division.

• Manage end-to-end design and delivery of MEP systems for healthcare projects, ensuring technical quality, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction.

• Collaborate with firm leadership in strategic planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and studio operations.

• Spearhead client development initiatives including proposal development, strategic pursuits, and relationship building.

• Mentor and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and project leaders, promoting a culture of growth and technical excellence.

• Coordinate across disciplines—mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and sustainability—to ensure seamless project integration.

• Implement and improve QA/QC processes, driving operational efficiency and standardization across the studio.

• Serve as the primary technical expert on complex projects, acting as a strategic advisor to clients.

What You Bring:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in building systems design, particularly for healthcare or complex institutional facilities.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.

• Proven leadership skills with a track record of building successful teams and expanding a market sector.

• Deep understanding of healthcare-specific design standards, building codes, and best practices.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, both internally and externally with clients.

• Business acumen to balance design integrity with project performance and profitability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required); MBA is a plus.

Why This Role?

• Lead one of the Midwest’s most dynamic healthcare MEP design practices.

• Influence culture, strategy, and the future direction of a highly regarded studio.

• Collaborate with a diverse, technically strong team in a company that prioritizes quality and long-term client partnerships.

• Enjoy a competitive compensation package and a clear pathway to executive-level growth and influence.