Central Utility Plant and Infrastructure Group Leader - SmithGroup : Job Details

SmithGroup is an award-winning, integrated design firm that blends research, data and technology with innovation and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and move us closer to a carbon-free future. Care to join us?The Houston office of SmithGroup is looking for a Central Utility Plant and Infrastructure Group Leader to join our team. Working with us, you will:

• Establish and nurture relationships with institutional, commercial, and academic stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of sustainable thermal plants/infrastructure.
• Design geothermal exchange, sanitary waste heat exchange, and thermal storage systems including campus and district, building upgrades and distribution systems.
• Lead efforts for operational integration of building systems with electrical power grids.
• Provide expert guidance and solutions on central plant/infrastructure design, in particular for decarbonization, to internal teams, clients, and partners.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends related to energy integration and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.
• Manage projects related to central plant/infrastructure design, from conception to implementation, ensuring they align with sustainability goals.
• Oversee and direct mechanical engineering design teams in planning, analysis, and delivery of construction and specification documents. Familiarity with energy modeling, geothermal exchange modeling, equipment selection, and field observations.
• Ensure all projects adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, and collaborate with regulatory bodies as needed.

An ideal candidate has:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in central plant/infrastructure design, with significant experience in design for electrification/decarbonization.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Professional license required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Proven track record of successful engagement with institutional, commercial, and academic communities.
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment selection, geothermal exchange, sanitary waste energy exchange, and thermal storage system design.
• Strong leadership and people skills, as required to build a team and develop cross discipline/market/region and client relationships.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and net-zero building principles.

SmithGroup's competitive compensation and benefit package is designed to meet the needs of a diverse staff. It includes flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 401(k), parental leave, wellbeing resources, PTO immediately available to new hires, plus 15 extra Fridays off - on top of holidays. Join us and see first-hand how these and other programs - like one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities - build culture, enhance collaboration and yield richer, more inclusive solutions.If you are not sure that you meet all of the suggested qualifications described above, please don't leave this page. Your talents and attributes could be just what we're looking for - and we strongly encourage you to apply. If you need additional accommodations to complete the application process, please contact [email protected]