Senior Mechanical Engineer

Work Initiatives; North Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Work Initiatives is a well-established building services organisation delivering high-quality HVAC solutions across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects. We seek a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own the mechanical design and coordinate across construction and estimating activities.

You will report to the Engineering Manager, collaborate with Project Managers, subcontractors and clients, perform site inspections, commissioning support and provide practical engineering solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 8+ years' HVAC engineering experience in Australia.
• Hands-on HVAC design for commercial construction.
• Knowledge of Australian HVAC standards and codes.
• Experience with HVAC design software.
• Experience coordinating with PMs, construction teams, subcontractors and clients.
• Experience on new-build and fit-out projects.
• Strong communication, organisation, and time management.
• Attention to detail and multi-project management.
• Good commercial awareness of engineering cost impact.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate HVAC design across construction and estimating projects.
• Review designs against site conditions, standards, and codes.
• Perform engineering calculations for sizing, installation, and modifications.
• Provide technical guidance and resolve design and site coordination issues.
• Attend client, design and site meetings to advise on engineering matters.
• Support commissioning, system performance reviews, and handover.
• Identify design risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Prepare technical reviews and dilapidation reports as required.

Skills

HVAC design

Engineering software

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

HVAC design software

Job description

Join a well-established and growing building services organisation delivering high-quality HVAC solutions across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer with a strong HVAC background to take ownership of mechanical design and technical coordination across construction and estimating projects.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you will work closely with Project Managers, Estimating, subcontractors and clients to ensure HVAC designs meet project requirements, Australian standards, timelines and quality expectations.

This is a hands‑on role combining HVAC design, technical coordination, site inspections, commissioning support and client interaction, making it ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving technical problems and turning designs into practical outcomes on site.

The Role

• Manage and coordinate HVAC design across construction and estimating projects.
• Review designs against site conditions, project requirements, Australian standards and relevant codes.
• Carry out engineering calculations for system sizing, equipment selection, installation, modifications and project requirements.
• Review technical selections and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Work closely with Project Managers and construction teams to resolve design and site coordination issues.
• Coordinate technical requirements with subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
• Attend client, design and site meetings to provide engineering advice and resolve technical issues.
• Conduct site inspections and tender inspections.
• Review installations against approved designs to ensure quality and compliance.
• Support commissioning, system performance reviews, troubleshooting and project handover.
• Identify design risks, value engineering opportunities and potential project variations.
• Prepare technical reviews, audits and dilapidation reports as required.
• Provide value engineering solutions throughout tender and project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance and support to members of the Construction Team.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with clients and project stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 8 years' mechanical engineering experience within the HVAC industry in Australia.
• Strong hands‑on experience in HVAC design for commercial construction projects.
• Strong understanding of Australian HVAC standards, codes and regulatory requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant HVAC engineering and design software.
• Proven ability to review designs, identify technical issues and develop practical solutions for site conditions.
• Experience working closely with Project Managers, construction teams, subcontractors and clients.
• Experience across commercial construction projects, including new‑build and fit‑out environments.
• Strong communication, organisation and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple project priorities.
• Good commercial awareness, with an understanding of the cost and project impacts of engineering decisions.

What's on Offer

• $140K–$170K + Super, based on experience.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and technically challenging HVAC construction projects.
• Work across projects from design through to commissioning and completion.
• Support from experienced construction and engineering professionals.
• Genuine career development opportunities within a leading building services organisation.
• Opportunity to play a key technical role across major commercial HVAC projects.
• Mobile phone and laptop provided.