Graduate Mechanical Engineer

New Venture Recruitment; Canberra; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring

Defence project exposure

Career development

Job summary

New Venture Recruitment in Canberra is seeking a Graduate Mechanical Engineer to join a major defence project, focusing on the design, coordination and delivery of HVAC systems.

You will work closely with the Engineering Manager, HVAC Design Manager and project delivery team, gaining hands-on experience on site and a clear path to becoming a Mechanical Project Engineer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Interest in HVAC, building services and construction.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Willingness to learn and work collaboratively with engineers, project managers and site teams.

Responsibilities

• Review mechanical/HVAC design documentation, specifications and consultant drawings.
• Coordinate design with electrical, hydraulic, fire and architectural disciplines.
• Review shop drawings and equipment selections for constructability and compliance.
• Support development of detailed installation and shop drawings.
• Identify design discrepancies and opportunities for improvement before on-site issues arise.
• Provide technical support to the Project Manager, Site Manager and construction team.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Interpreting drawings

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

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.