Process & Mechanical Design Team Lead

At Re:Build Optimation, we specialize in delivering custom-engineered process equipment and automated systems to clients across the globe. With nearly 40 years of experience in complex chemical process systems, we have built a reputation for precision, reliability, and innovation. Our multidisciplinary team of 70+ engineers, designers, and programmers, combined with 150,000 square feet of fabrication space and over 70 skilled tradespeople, allows us to provide full turnkey solutions—from initial concept through fabrication, installation, and commissioning. 

As part of Re:Build Manufacturing, we leverage the strength of a national industrial powerhouse while maintaining the agility and personalized service of a specialized firm. We serve industries ranging from traditional and green energy to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, glass, and advanced manufacturing, offering tailored solutions that optimize efficiency and performance. 

At Re:Build Optimation, we believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to develop solutions that align with their unique operational goals. Our deep industry expertise and end-to-end capabilities make us the ideal partner for companies seeking cutting-edge automation, process control, and engineered systems. 

Who we are looking for

The Process and Mechanical Design Team Lead maintains a dual focus on high-level project execution and departmental leadership, reporting to the Director of Process & Mechanical Engineering & Design. The Team Lead provides the primary interface & day-to-day management of the process & mechanical design team. They are also a critical connection with the Optimation leadership team and lead ongoing improvement efforts within the team. The Team lead is responsible for providing hands-on design support to the drafters & designers, making workload allocation decisions, and end-to-end talent management including performance management, professional development, hiring, and onboarding. The Team Lead is critical in cross-functional collaboration, estimating, design reviews, and other related tasks to support delivery of project work on-time, on-budget, with superior quality.

What you get to do

Team Leadership & Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the process and mechanical design team, including drafters and designers
• Manage team workload allocation to optimize resource utilization and meet project demands
• Lead all aspects of talent management, including performance management, coaching, and professional development
• Drive recruiting, hiring, and onboarding efforts to build and sustain a high-performing team
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and development-focused team culture

Technical & Design Leadership

• Provide hands-on design support and technical guidance to team members
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and quality across all process and mechanical design deliverables
• Lead and participate in build reviews to uphold engineering standards and guidelines
• Drive continuous improvement of design tools, standards, and workflows to increase efficiency and reduce rework

Project Execution & Support

• Collaborate with project managers and design & engineering leads to support successful project delivery; directly support project execution as needed when workload exceeds capacity
• Lead estimating efforts for process & mechanical design scopes of work, including scope definition and resource planning
• Ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Identify and mitigate risks related to design scope, schedule, and execution

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between the design team and other functional groups, including engineering, project management, and leadership
• Support alignment between design execution and broader business objectives
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across projects and internal operations
• Identify opportunities to standardize processes and improve overall team performance and scalability

What You Bring

Essential Qualifications

• 7-10+ years of experience in process and/or mechanical design, preferably in an engineering services or industrial environment
• Deep understanding of design workflows to ensure team workloads are balanced, deadlines are realistic, and departmental capacity is optimized
• Ability to identify & address potential bottlenecks before they occur and manage the group’s capacity to prevent burnout while meeting project schedules.
• Must have a high-level grasp of the labor hours required for varying stages of process building (from PFDs to 3D modeling and detailing). This knowledge is essential for providing upper management with accurate project bids and ensuring the team is shielded from unattainable delivery targets.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and team management skills
• Strong design skills using programs like AutoCAD 2D/3D and SolidWorks (preferred)
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience gathering, documenting, and communicating technical project requirements.
• Experience estimating engineering design project costs.
• Ability to be on-site at our offices in Rochester, NY and/or Rush, NY
• Willingness to travel to client sites and suppliers as needed (typically 25%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Experience interviewing, onboarding, and delivering performance assessments.
• Prior relevant experience with design of industrial equipment and/or automation solutions.
• Experience working with ISO9001 or similar quality system a plus.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement tools & methodologies a plus.

The base salary range for this position is $106,563 - $159,845. This range represents the Company’s good faith estimate of the base compensation for this role at the time of posting.  Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to hourly rate, this role may be eligible for annual incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives, subject to Company plans. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits.

The BIG payoff

Re:Build Optimation offers an opportunity to work on innovative industrial automation projects in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Our team values ingenuity, technical skills, and a dedication to excellence. If you are passionate about shaping the future of manufacturing systems, we encourage you to join us and have an impact.

All Re:Build employees will have ownership in the company and share financial rewards.

We want to work with people that reflect the communities in which we operate

Re:Build Manufacturing is pleased to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not differentiate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure, and life experiences. Or for any other cause.

Re:Build is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations.ta@ReBuildmanufacturing.com or you may call us at 617.909.6275.