Description

Technical Lead — Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Denver, CO or Remote
Type: Full-time

About Dake Collaborative
Dake Collaborative is a full service Architecture and Engineering firm focused on delivering buildings that are both beautiful and high-performing. Our integrated studio combines architecture, mechanical and plumbing design, and advanced building-performance consulting to ensure every system works in harmony. Core services include:

• Architecture Design
• Mechanical & Plumbing Design
• Energy, Daylighting & Building Analysis
• Net-Zero Energy Consulting

We apply rigorous analysis to reveal how each design decision influences comfort, energy use, system size, and views, then balance efficiency and inspiration in every solution. Our portfolio ranges from high-efficiency commercial projects and bespoke residences to one-of-a-kind environments such as research stations in Greenland and Antarctica. Operating as a small, flat-hierarchy team, we prize autonomy, efficiency, and impeccable technical execution so that, when occupants enter our spaces, they experience buildings that both perform and inspire. 

Role Description
Dake Collaborative is seeking a Technical Lead – Mechanical Design Engineer to own day-to-day mechanical and plumbing engineering for a growing portfolio of complex, high-performance projects. Reporting to the principal, a licensed architect and mechanical engineer, you will lead system design, mentor staff and outside contractors, and serve as a primary technical voice in client meetings.

Job Responsibilities 

• Lead Mechanical & Plumbing Design
  • Perform and oversee load calculations, equipment selection, and system layouts that comply with IMC, IPC, ASHRAE, and related codes.
• Quality Control & Mentorship
  • Provide first-pass technical review of internal and contract deliverables; coach other engineers and drafters on best practices, and manage appropriate routing of drawings between principal and drafting team within a structured review process.
• Client-Facing Engineering
  • Represent Dake Collaborative in customer meetings and clearly translate owner goals into actionable engineering solutions.
• Project Coordination
  • Partner with architects (internal and external) to deliver fully integrated documents on fixed-fee or T&M engagements, keeping tasks on schedule without hand-holding.
• Process & Tool Development
  
  • Refine Revit templates, calculation spreadsheets and computer tools, and QA/QC checklists to streamline repeatable, high-quality delivery.
• Growth & Business Development
  
  • As desired, expand into project or client ownership and help originate new work - eligible for profit-share incentives tied to successfully won projects.
     

Qualifications

• Mechanical Systems Expert
  
  • 5-10 years designing and developing HVAC and plumbing solutions for high performance commercial and high-end residential projects.
• Revit Power-User
  
  • Produces fully integrated 3-D mechanical and plumbing models.
• Problem-Solver
  
  • Applies sharp analytics to diagnose issues and optimise system performance.
• Clear Communicator
  
  • Translates complex engineering concepts into concise, client-friendly language.
• Collaborative
  
  • Works seamlessly with architects, contractors, and a lean, fast-moving team.
• Ethical & Accountable
  
  • Upholds safety, quality, and integrity on every project.
• Culture Fit
  • Thrives in a small, high-trust, outcome-focused studio that values autonomy and craft.
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Architectural, or related Engineering field (PE not required).

Compensation & Benefits

Salary -Competitive and commensurate with experience.
Benefits Allowance
Paid time off and additional stipends for retirement, medical, dental, and vision plans.