Graduate Sustainability Consultant

Northrop Consulting Engineers; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor program

Career development

Professional accreditations support

Exposure to diverse projects

Annual salary reviews

Hybrid working

Paid parental leave

Wellbeing support

Social activities

Job summary

Northrop Consulting Engineers is seeking a motivated graduate in Australia to develop technical skills in sustainability, energy modelling and environmental design. You’ll own elements of real projects within a supportive Integrated Buildings division, working with experienced consultants.

You will test and improve building performance using DesignBuilder, NatHERS, eTool and Excel, and contribute to Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, and BASIX submissions.

Qualifications

• Degree in sustainability, environmental design, or engineering relevant to built environment.
• Experience or practical exposure to energy modelling and sustainability assessment tools.
• Interest in consulting and working across disciplines on projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory rating tools (Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, BASIX) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with energy, carbon, daylight, and LCA modelling for building projects.
• Use 3D modelling and rating software to test and improve performance.
• Support project submissions for Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, BASIX.
• Interpret drawings and prepare certification documentation.
• Research regenerative strategies for buildings and precincts.
• Collaborate with project managers and internal disciplines.

Skills

Sustainability knowledge

Energy modelling

Environmental design

3D modelling

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in Sustainability Studies / Sustainable Building Design / Environmental Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Architectural Engineering / Renewable Energy

Tools

DesignBuilder

NatHERS

eTool

Excel

Job description

We're looking for a motivated graduate with some practical experience in building sustainability, energy modelling or environmental design who is ready to develop their technical skills while taking ownership of real project deliverables!

Why Northrop

At Northrop, you’ll contribute to real-world projects from day one, work alongside experienced consultants, and be trusted with responsibility early in your career. You’ll join a team that is genuinely passionate about sustainable design, regenerative practices, and building a climate-resilient future.

We’re an employee-owned engineering and sustainability consultancy with over 500 people across NSW, ACT, QLD, and VIC. Because we are employee-owned, our leaders are accessible, decisions are made locally by people who understand the work, and good ideas can come from anywhere.

We’ve been recognised by Prosple as one of Australia’s Top 100 Graduate Employers, earning workplace awards across overall satisfaction, employee engagement, training, green initiatives, and social responsibility.

What We Provide

• A dedicated mentor and buddy, plus a strong graduate network
• Monthly career conversations and structured professional development
• Internal and external training, with financial support towards professional accreditations
• Exposure to different projects, sectors (health, education, commercial, industrial, residential, and precincts), and disciplines
• Industry-benchmarked salary with annual reviews
• Genuine flexibility, including hybrid working and flexible hours
• Paid parental leave and wellbeing support
• A supportive culture with regular social activities and company events

What You’ll Own

Support Northrop’s Climate Action goals! As part of our Integrated Buildings division, you will:

• Perform energy, carbon, daylight, thermal comfort, water balance, and life cycle assessment (LCA) modelling across diverse building projects.
• Utilise 3D modelling, simulation, and rating software—such as DesignBuilder, NatHERS tools, eTool, and Excel-based analytical tools—to test, verify, and improve building performance.
• Support project submissions for key benchmarks including Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, BASIX
• Read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings to identify opportunities for optimized sustainable performance and prepare certification documentation.
• Research best-practice regenerative strategies for buildings, precincts, and infrastructure.
• Work closely with external project managers and architects, as well as Northrop’s internal Building Services (Mechanical, Electrical, Hydraulic), Civil, and Structural teams.

What You Bring

We are seeking curious, collaborative, and analytical graduates who light up when talking about sustainable design and making the built environment better for people and the planet. You thrive in a vibrant office environment, valuing the rapid learning, mentorship, and everyday connection that comes from collaborating face‑to‑face with experienced team members.

Ideal Qualifications & Skills:

• Educational Background: Degree in Sustainability Studies, Sustainable Building/Design, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Renewable Energy. (Studies focusing directly on Sustainability and the built environment are strongly preferred).
• Technical & Modelling Aptitude: You enjoy technical modelling, possess strong software skills, or have direct exposure to tools such as DesignBuilder, NatHERS software, eTool, or similar 3D/energy simulation software.
• Consulting Mindset: Prior exposure or a strong interest in the consulting side of engineering—working fast-paced, communicating clearly with clients, and collaborating across disciplines.
• Industry Framework Familiarity: Exposure to regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and rating tools (NCC, Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, BASIX, Passivhaus, etc.).
• Work Ethic & Values: Strong communication skills, curiosity to challenge convention, a collaborative mindset, and readiness to work from our CBD office.

Who Can Apply?

• You have completed your university degree in Australia and are ready for an immediate (ASAP) start.
• Work Rights: Applicants must hold Full Working Rights in Australia (Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or New Zealand Citizen).

We strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in engineering and sustainability. We are committed to building a diverse team where everyone can thrive.

Northrop is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all genders, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.