Graduate Sustainability Consultant

Northrop; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentor program

Career development

Training support

Exposure to diverse projects

Hybrid work

Parental leave

Wellbeing support

Team social events

Job summary

Northrop is seeking a motivated graduate to develop skills in sustainability, energy modelling, and environmental design. You’ll own real project deliverables, work with experienced consultants, and benefit from a dedicated mentor network and structured professional development.

The role offers exposure to a range of sectors and hybrid working arrangements in a collaborative office culture. You should have a degree in Sustainability Studies or related engineering, with interest in DesignBuilder,

Qualifications

• Degree in Sustainability Studies or related field (Sustainable Building/Design, Environmental/Mechanical/Architectural Engineering, Renewable Energy).
• Experience or exposure to 3D/energy modelling tools such as DesignBuilder, NatHERS, eTool, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Support climate action goals across building projects.
• Test and improve building performance using 3D modelling and energy simulation tools.
• Assist with certification submissions (Green Star, NABERS, NatHERS, BASIX).
• Read drawings to identify opportunities for sustainable performance and prepare documentation.
• Research regenerative strategies for buildings, precincts, and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, and internal Building Services teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaborative

Consulting mindset

Education

Degree in Sustainability Studies or related (Sustainable Building/Design, Environmental/Mechanical/Architectural Engineering, Renewable Energy)

Tools

DesignBuilder

NatHERS software

eTool

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

There isn't one Northrop career path. We'll give you the experience, support, and opportunities to build one that works for you.

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.

Next Steps

If you're ready to kickstart your sustainability consulting career with real impact, we'd love to hear from you! Please hit apply now and submit:

1. Your CV
2. Your most recent Academic Transcript
3. A Cover Letter answering:
   Why would you like to start your sustainability career with Northrop?
   What technical and personal strengths would you bring to this role?
   What would you most like to learn or develop in your first few years as a Sustainability Consultant?

To find out more about working at Northrop, visit our Careers Page (northrop.com.au/careers).

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.