System Optimization Department Manager

At MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions (“MacMiller”) we make buildings work better. As the Northwest’s leading mechanical contracting firm, we design, deliver and service HVAC, plumbing and automation system solutions for commercial buildings. With our over 1,600 employees across 14 offices, there is a breadth and variety of work to keep you engaged and inspired. 

We enjoy a well-respected history of exceeding our customers’ expectations and executing with distinction. Our clients trust their toughest projects with our integrated teams, including: 

• New construction – Engineering, fabrication and install of mechanical systems for new projects following lean construction practices 
• Special projects – Retrofits and mechanical repairs for existing buildings for new efficiencies 
• Service - scheduled preventative maintenance ensuring tenant comfort, and 24/7 emergency response 
• Building performance – Control systems, fault detection, energy services and remote monitoring
• Energy & Sustainable Solutions: Acting as the Prime Contractor, we deliver design-build energy-efficient solutions in the built environment for private and public sector clients  

People love to work at MacDonald-Miller, and it’s because we all share the same Core Culture Values:

• Collaboration – Diverse players, one team, a common vision. Collaboration is our foundation and critical to the success of the company. Every team member is valued and brings a diversity of strengths to help us meet our common vision.
• Dedication – We are dedicated to personal and professional excellence. We execute with distinction by doing the right thing and following through on our commitments.
• Safety – Everyone deserves a safe workplace. Safety is more than hardhats and boots, it’s an attitude and the environment we create. Every day, everyone goes home to their families.
• Community – We are proud to be part of MacDonald-Miller. We actively seek to build relationships and know each other as individuals. Together we create an environment that is welcoming, caring, and trusting.
• Innovation – We are committed to continuous, creative problem solving. Innovation is how we stay an industry leader. We always strive to challenge and better ourselves.
• Fun! – Take the work seriously, but never taking ourselves too seriously. It’s possible to be both serious professionals and good-natured people you enjoy working with. We strive to be both.

Requirements

System Optimization Department Manager: This is where you come in.

We’re looking for a System Optimization Department Manager to lead the department responsible for company quality-control standards, commissioning, System Optimization Specialists supporting New Construction and Energy & Sustainable Solutions, and the Field Engineering/TAB group.

This role owns departmental performance, technical quality, people leadership, financial discipline, and cross-functional collaboration required to deliver verified, high-performing mechanical systems. The Manager serves as the department liaison to executive leadership and partner business units, translating company goals into actionable operating plans while preparing the organization for sustainable growth across geographies and markets.

The role also supports warranty reporting and leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality-control tools, processes, resources, and standards.

Top Deliverables in Your First Year

Department Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, balancing workloads, coaching performance, and building a culture of accountability and support.
• Develop technical talent and future leaders through mentoring, training, feedback, delegation, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture built on trust, collaboration, safety, continuous learning, empowerment, integrity, and excellence.

Strategy, Growth & Organizational Readiness

• Develop and execute departmental goals, strategies, and operating plans aligned with company objectives.
• Anticipate future market, technology, staffing, organizational, and geographic needs and prepare the department for long-term growth.
• Translate complex challenges into clear, actionable workstreams with defined ownership and measurable outcomes.
• Support expansion of the business across Washington, Oregon, and future markets.

Quality Control, Commissioning & Technical Standards

• Own and continuously improve company QA/QC standards, tools, processes, checklists, and training resources.
• Provide leadership oversight for commissioning, system startup, controls coordination, balancing, testing, corrective action, and turnover.
• Ensure systems perform as designed and meet contract requirements, sequences of operation, and company standards.
• Leverage lessons learned from warranty, commissioning, TAB, field engineering, and project execution to prevent recurring issues.

Operational & Financial Management

• Manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, resources, KPIs, and financial performance.
• Monitor workload, capacity, productivity, quality, schedules, and financial results, taking corrective action when needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, standardize processes, and make the department easier for internal teams to engage.
• Establish routine audits that provide meaningful feedback to project teams and leadership.

Cross-Functional & Executive Partnership

• Serve as the primary liaison between the department, executive leadership, and Operations, Project Management, Engineering, Estimating, Sales, Controls, Service, Energy, Warranty, and field teams.
• Improve interdepartmental handoffs, clarify accountability, and remove barriers impacting quality, schedule, cost, customer experience, or system performance.
• Provide leadership with clear reporting on priorities, risks, performance, resources, and business needs.
• Partner with Engineering, Estimating, and Sales to incorporate lessons learned into future project planning.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure departmental operations comply with applicable regulations, company policies, contractual requirements, and safety standards.
• Promote safe planning and execution across jobsites, mechanical spaces, startup, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Ensure issues are appropriately escalated, documented, assigned, corrected, and verified.

Your Background: What kind of person will thrive in this role?

You should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, construction management, management science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–10 years of project management or operational leadership experience, including experience leading mid-sized teams.
• Proven success leading teams and building a strong company culture.
• Strong knowledge of a broad range of mechanical systems, including VRF systems and central plants.
• Working knowledge of building management and automation systems, including experience with BMS interfaces.
• Experience with Microsoft 365, Procore, and other common industry software.
• Strong financial, organizational, communication, coaching, and change-management skills.
• The ability to break down complex problems into clear, actionable solutions.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

And everyone you work with should describe you as:

• Highly collaborative with strong communication skills
• Passionate with a can-do attitude
• Self-motivated with strong initiative
• A top-tier problem solver

And you should be motivated by:

• The opportunity to influence company culture and build a high-performing technical organization.
• Seeing major projects take shape and playing a key role in delivering successful outcomes.
• Taking ownership of your learning and growth without requiring constant direction or micromanagement.
• Thriving in a lean, results-driven environment where increased responsibility and continued growth are encouraged.
• Working in a transparent, supportive environment that welcomes fresh ideas.

Benefits

Compensation: Base salary of $142,000–$175,000 annually, plus a company-provided vehicle.

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions presently provides employee coverage for: 

• Medical, dental, vision for employees (coverage available for dependents for shared premium). 
• 401k retirement plan including Company matching. 
• Vacation and Sick Compensation (PTO), and Holiday Pay! 
• Disability income protection including short term and long-term disability. 
• Employee and dependent life insurance. 
• Wellness Program. 
• Employee Assistance Program. 

Where you will work 

Our Seattle Pre-Fab Shop is located at 3701 South Norfolk St., Seattle, WA 98118.

Interested in learning more?  

If you’re ready for an adventure and are interested in being considered for this role, click apply to start the conversation! Or if you know someone who currently works at MacDonald-Miller, reach out to them to get introduced to the team! 

MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.