Lead Mechanical Engineer (HVAC Projects)

Location: Stuttgart or Bad Homburg, Germany

Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent

Languages: B2 German & English (Professional Working Proficiency)

About the Role

An established engineering and technology organisation is seeking an experienced Group Lead – HVAC, Heating, Cooling & Sanitary to lead a multidisciplinary engineering team delivering mechanical building services design for some of Europe's most advanced semiconductor, life sciences, pharmaceutical and high-tech manufacturing facilities.

This is a senior engineering leadership position responsible for managing a team of engineers while ensuring technical excellence, quality, resource planning and successful project delivery across multiple complex projects. Working closely with Project Managers, Discipline Leads, Architects and clients, you will provide technical leadership from concept design through detailed engineering, construction support and commissioning.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with exceptional leadership skills, driving engineering innovation, mentoring teams and ensuring the delivery of world-class building services solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of HVAC, Heating, Cooling and Sanitary engineers.
• Manage resource planning, team utilisation and engineering workloads across multiple projects.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching and career development discussions.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and succession planning within the engineering team.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing and innovative engineering culture.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership for all HVAC and sanitary engineering activities.
• Review and approve engineering calculations, technical reports, specifications and design documentation.
• Ensure engineering solutions comply with project requirements, client standards and applicable regulations.
• Resolve complex technical issues and provide expert engineering guidance.
• Establish and maintain engineering best practices and technical standards.

Design & Project Delivery

• Lead the design and coordination of HVAC, heating, cooling and sanitary systems for complex facilities.
• Oversee equipment selection, system sizing and mechanical design optimisation.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Coordinate with Electrical, Process, Structural, Architectural and BIM teams.
• Participate in design reviews, value engineering and constructability workshops.
• Support construction teams during installation, testing and commissioning phases.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Develop strong relationships with clients, consultants and project stakeholders.
• Represent the mechanical engineering discipline during client meetings and technical workshops.
• Present engineering solutions and provide technical advice throughout project delivery.
• Support business development activities, technical proposals and tender submissions.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction through proactive communication and technical excellence.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with German building regulations, European standards and company quality procedures.
• Maintain high engineering quality across all design deliverables.
• Lead internal design reviews and technical audits.
• Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes and standards.
• Ensure all documentation complies with company quality management systems.
• Promote innovative engineering solutions and sustainable building design principles.
• Support the implementation of digital engineering tools and BIM methodologies.
• Encourage knowledge sharing and continuous professional development within the team.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency, quality and project delivery.
• Contribute to the development of discipline standards and technical guidance.

Technical Environment

The successful candidate will have experience working within environments including:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities
• Life Sciences Facilities
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plants
• High-Tech Manufacturing Facilities
• Cleanrooms
• Research & Development Facilities
• Laboratories
• Advanced Industrial Facilities
• Mission Critical Buildings
• Controlled Environment Facilities

Technical Expertise

Extensive experience in the design and delivery of:

• HVAC Systems
• Heating Systems
• Cooling Systems
• Chilled Water Systems
• Hot Water Systems
• Air Handling Units (AHUs)
• Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
• Cleanroom HVAC Systems
• Process Cooling Systems
• Sanitary Systems
• Domestic Water Services
• Drainage Systems
• Pressurisation Systems
• Building Management System (BMS) Integration
• Energy-Efficient Mechanical Building Services

Candidate Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in Mechanical Building Services Engineering.
• Previous experience leading engineering teams within high-tech, pharmaceutical, semiconductor or industrial projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, Heating, Cooling and Sanitary system design.
• Experience delivering multidisciplinary engineering projects from concept through detailed design.
• Strong understanding of German building regulations, DIN standards and European engineering codes.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and engineering resources.
• Proficiency with engineering design software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluent English and German language skills (minimum B2 German).
• Experience delivering semiconductor or life sciences facilities.
• Previous experience within EPC, engineering consultancy or design organisations.
• Knowledge of BIM and digital engineering workflows.
• Experience using Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD and Navisworks.
• Familiarity with IES VE, HAP, or similar HVAC calculation software.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional registration.
• Experience supporting international engineering projects.
• Knowledge of sustainable building design and low-carbon HVAC technologies.

Qualifications & Certifications

Preferred

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng), Eur Ing or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Membership of VDI, CIBSE, ASHRAE or other recognised engineering institutions.
• BIM or Autodesk Revit Certification (advantageous).

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary of €100,000 – €120,000 per annum
• Company pension scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Professional development and technical training
• Support for professional memberships and certifications
• Career progression within a global engineering and technology organisation
• Opportunity to work on world-leading semiconductor, life sciences and high-tech manufacturing projects
• Modern collaborative working environment
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Company laptop and mobile phone
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)