Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Graduate Mechanical Engineer
Canberra | Major Defence Project | Tier I HVAC Contractor
$70,000-80,000 + Super
Are you a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate looking to kick-start your career in the building services and HVAC industry?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading Tier I HVAC Contractor working on a major defence project in Canberra. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across the design, coordination and delivery of complex HVAC systems, working closely with an experienced Engineering Manager, HVAC Design Manager and project delivery team.

This role is ideally suited to a graduate who is keen to move beyond university theory and develop a strong understanding of how mechanical designs are coordinated, constructed and delivered on site.

The Opportunity
Working as part of the project engineering team, you will be involved in the technical coordination and delivery of the mechanical/HVAC works.
You will work closely with the HVAC Design Manager and wider project team to ensure the design is practical, coordinated and can be successfully delivered on site.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing and interpreting mechanical/HVAC design documentation, specifications and consultant drawings.
• Working through design queries, RFIs, technical issues and design coordination matters with consultants and the project team.
• Coordinating mechanical design with other trades, particularly electrical, hydraulic, fire and architectural disciplines.
• Reviewing shop drawings, technical submittals and equipment selections from a constructability and compliance perspective.
• Assisting with the development and coordination of detailed installation and shop drawings.
• Identifying design discrepancies, clashes and opportunities for improvement before they become site issues.
• Providing technical support to the Project Manager, Site Manager and broader construction team.
• Liaising with consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and the client as required.
• Helping ensure installations comply with the design, specifications, relevant Australian Standards and project requirements.
• Supporting commissioning, testing and handover as the project progresses.
• Developing your understanding of HVAC systems, construction methodologies, project delivery and building services engineering.

About You
We are looking for a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate who is enthusiastic about developing a career within the building services and construction industry.
You will ideally have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A genuine interest in HVAC, mechanical building services and construction.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• A practical mindset and an interest in understanding how designs are actually constructed and delivered.
• A willingness to work collaboratively with engineers, project managers, site teams, consultants and subcontractors.
• Previous exposure to HVAC, building services or construction through university projects, internships or vacation work would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Defence Security Requirement –
Australian Citizenship Essential Due to the nature of this project, Australian Citizenship is mandatory for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV1 security clearance. Candidates must therefore be eligible to undertake the relevant security clearance process.

Please note: Australian Citizenship is a non-negotiable requirement for this position.

What’s On Offer?

• $70,000-$80,000 + Super, depending on experience.
• The opportunity to work on a major defence project in Canberra.
• Hands-on exposure to major HVAC and building services projects.
• Direct mentoring and development from an experienced Engineering Manager.
• Exposure to design coordination, construction, commissioning and project delivery.
• The opportunity to build a long-term career with a leading Tier I HVAC Contractor.
• A genuine pathway to develop into a Mechanical Project Engineer / Project Engineer within the business.

Apply Now
This is an excellent opportunity for a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate who wants to build a career in HVAC and building services project delivery rather than being restricted to a purely office-based engineering role.

If you're a motivated graduate, Australian Citizen, and keen to gain experience on one of Canberra's major defence projects, I'd be keen to speak with you.
Apply now or contact Dave Keegan at New Venture Recruitment for a confidential discussion.