Mechanical / HVAC Engineer – High-Performance Building Systems

High-Performance Building Systems - Mechanical/ HVAC Engineer | $120,000–$160,000

We’re partnering with a highly technical building-systems engineering consultancy looking to add an HVAC Engineer or Designer with approximately 3–8 years of experience .

This team has built its reputation around solving complex mechanical systems problems rather than simply producing drawings. Their work spans large commercial, institutional, residential and mission-critical facilities, with particular expertise in high-performance HVAC, central chilled-water plants, building controls, commissioning and energy performance .

For an engineer who enjoys understanding why a system works, how it should operate, and how it can perform better , this is an opportunity to work alongside some exceptionally experienced engineers while taking meaningful ownership of projects.

The Role

You’ll work across the design and performance of complex building mechanical systems, with responsibilities including:

• Developing HVAC concepts, performing engineering calculations and producing drawings and specifications.
• Designing and evaluating systems such as chilled-water plants, VAV systems and other high-performance HVAC solutions.
• Developing and reviewing sequences of operation and building-control strategies , considering how systems respond across different loads and operating conditions.
• Coordinating closely with architects, owners, contractors and other engineering disciplines.
• Investigating existing building systems and identifying opportunities to improve performance, reliability and energy efficiency.
• Supporting commissioning, troubleshooting and construction-phase problem solving.
• Reviewing system operation and performance data to diagnose issues and recommend improvements.
• Managing substantial portions of projects independently while recognising when senior input will improve the outcome.
• Clearly documenting engineering decisions, unresolved issues and technical recommendations.

What We’re Looking For

We’re less interested in somebody who simply knows how to follow an established design template and more interested in an engineer who is genuinely curious about how buildings work as complete systems .

Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Approximately 3–8 years of HVAC / mechanical building-systems experience .
• Strong fundamentals in HVAC design and engineering calculations.
• Working knowledge of building automation and HVAC controls .
• Experience taking meaningful portions of projects from concept through design, construction documentation and construction administration.
• Confidence communicating technical decisions with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary design teams.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• The initiative to investigate problems rather than simply escalate them.
• Good engineering judgement when the answer isn’t immediately obvious.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to challenge ideas, receive feedback and continue developing technically.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

You’ll be working directly with a small group of highly experienced Principals and senior engineers rather than disappearing into a large production hierarchy.

The business operates across several closely connected technical areas:

Advanced HVAC Design

Complex HVAC systems including central chilled-water plants, high-performance VAV systems and specialist building environments.

Controls Engineering

Detailed control-system design and sequences of operation, with a strong emphasis on making buildings perform as intended rather than treating controls as an afterthought.

Commissioning

Both design-phase and third-party commissioning, supported by engineers with hands-on HVAC and controls expertise.

Building Performance & Energy Analysis

Energy modelling, lifecycle analysis, measurement and verification, system optimisation and analysis of real-world building-performance data.

Technical Research & Innovation

The team has contributed to the development of industry standards and applies research directly to the design and operation of HVAC and BAS systems.

You’ll therefore have the opportunity to develop beyond traditional HVAC design and deepen your expertise across controls, commissioning, energy performance and advanced mechanical-system optimisation .

Compensation

$120,000–$160,000 , depending on experience and technical capability.