Senior Plumbing Engineer / Department Head

Lam+Tea Engineering is seeking an experienced Senior Plumbing Engineer / Department Head to lead and grow our plumbing design practice within our MEP consulting team.This is a high-impact role for someone who is technically strong, client-facing, and excited to take ownership of plumbing design standards, project delivery, and team development. The ideal candidate can lead plumbing scopes, coordinate across disciplines, mentor junior staff, and help shape the future of our plumbing department.This is a hybrid position based in Los Angeles, CA, with in-office presence required for collaboration and project needs.Key ResponsibilitiesPlumbing Leadership & Department GrowthLead and develop the plumbing design function within the firm.Establish plumbing design standards, workflows, QA/QC procedures, and best practices.Mentor junior and mid-level engineers/designers.Help identify staffing needs, technical gaps, and opportunities to expand plumbing services.Support a collaborative, quality-focused team culture.Project Management & Client CoordinationManage plumbing scopes across multiple projects from concept through construction.Serve as a key point of contact for clients, architects, consultants, and project stakeholders.Support project planning, staffing, scope development, fee management, and change management.Track project schedules, deliverables, budgets, and technical risks.Participate in client meetings, consultant coordination meetings, and internal project reviews.Plumbing Design & Technical OversightLead and review plumbing system design, including domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, gas, and specialty systems.Develop plumbing system concepts aligned with project requirements, codes, and client expectations.Perform and review plumbing calculations, sizing, fixture counts, equipment selections, and technical documentation.Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, including UPC/IPC, local amendments, and project-specific standards.Review construction documents, specifications, reports, and technical deliverables for quality and completeness.MEP Coordination & Construction AdministrationCoordinate plumbing systems with mechanical, electrical, fire protection, architectural, structural, and civil disciplines.Participate in multidisciplinary coordination and BIM/Revit workflows.Support efficient, constructible, and code-compliant MEP design solutions.Lead or participate in site surveys, field investigations, and construction administration.Respond to RFIs, submittals, and construction-phase questions.QualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field.PE license or CPD certification8+ years of plumbing design experience in an MEP consulting environment.Strong technical knowledge of plumbing systems, building codes, and design standards.Experience leading plumbing scopes on commercial, residential, mixed-use, education, healthcare, or similar building projects.Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit.Experience producing and reviewing coordinated construction documents.Strong communication, organization, and client-facing skills.Ability to manage multiple projects and mentor technical staff.PreferredPrior experience as a plumbing lead, senior project manager, team lead, or department leader.Working knowledge of mechanical/HVAC systems and broader MEP coordination.Experience contributing to proposals, scopes, fee estimates, and client relationship development.Familiarity with California building codes, local jurisdiction requirements, and sustainable design practices.Ideal CandidateThe right person for this role is a plumbing-focused professional who enjoys both technical leadership and team development. You are comfortable owning plumbing design quality, coordinating across disciplines, communicating with clients, and helping shape internal processes as the firm grows.You do not need to come from a large corporate environment. We are especially interested in someone who wants meaningful ownership, direct visibility, and the opportunity to help build a stronger plumbing practice within a growing MEP consulting firm.Why Join Lam+Tea EngineeringOpportunity to lead and shape a growing plumbing department.High-impact role with visibility across the firm.Diverse and meaningful MEP consulting projects.Collaborative, design-focused team culture.Room for professional growth, leadership, and long-term advancement.Hybrid work environment based in Los Angeles.Learn more about Lam+Tea Engineering at www.lamteaeng.comLam+Tea Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.