Subject Matter Expert/Specialist-HVAC

Jacobs; Pune District; Hybrid; INR 2,500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in Pune, India, seeks an HVAC Subject Matter Expert to lead the design, validation, and operation of HVAC systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring compliance with cGMP, WHO, USFDA, and EU-GMP standards. The SME provides strategic leadership and oversees cross-functional teams, quality assurance, and energy-efficient solutions.

The role requires high-level planning, risk mitigation, and broad technical expertise in HVAC, automation, validation, and related disciplines, with

Qualifications

• B.Tech Mechanical (Full time) degree required.
• 20+ years of experience in HVAC for pharma/lifescience.
• Experience with global regulatory standards (cGMP, USFDA, EU-GMP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead HVAC system design and engineering across pharma projects.
• Ensure compliance with ASHRAE/ISHRAE/NBC/EU GMP Annex 1 and WHO standards.
• Perform CFD analysis and energy modelling to optimize airflow.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and multidisciplinary resources.
• Lead commissioning and qualification activities (DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and change control.

Skills

HVAC design leadership

Regulatory compliance

Project management

CFD analysis

Education

B.Tech Mechanical (Full time)

Tools

CFD software

CMMS

BMS/EMS

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Job Summary

The HVAC Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides strategic and technical leadership in the design, validation, and operation of HVAC systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. This role ensures compliance with global regulatory standards (cGMP, WHO, USFDA, EU-GMP) and supports cross-functional teams in delivering robust, compliant, and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. The SME is recognized as an expert with deep, specialized knowledge of HVAC systems, providing technical leadership for complex design, operation, and maintenance projects. His role involves high-level strategic planning, problem-solving, and quality assurance, within the organization, contributing to functional strategy, solving complex problems, and leading initiatives that have a broad impact on business operations. Manage the activity as assigned by Group Lead / DM.

HVAC Technical Expertise & Design Leadership

• Serve as the go-to expert for all HVAC-related technical matters.
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on HVAC-related infrastructure planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory readiness.
• Recognized as an expert within the company with in-depth expertise in HVAC and broad knowledge of related disciplines (e.g., automation, quality, validation).
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all HVAC-related technical matters across pharmaceutical projects.
• Lead HVAC system design and engineering, ensuring compliance with ASHRAE, ISHRAE, NBC, EU GMP Annex 1, USFDA 21 CFR Part 11, WHO, ISPE, and ISO 14644.
• Design and validate HVAC systems for sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing areas, including cleanroom classification, pressure cascade zoning, and HEPA filtration.
• Review and validate complete HVAC design packages including heat load calculations, AHU zoning, pressure zoning, and equipment selection.
• Perform CFD analysis and energy modelling to optimize airflow, thermal zoning, and system efficiency.
• Develop and maintain HVAC design standards, specifications, and best practices across regulated environments.

Project & Performance Management

• Lead HVAC project execution across pharmaceutical facilities, managing timelines, budgets, and multidisciplinary resources.
• Oversee HVAC scope definition, procurement strategy, and contractor coordination to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans for HVAC-related project risks including compliance delays and equipment failures.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure HVAC deliverables align with overall facility design and operational goals.
• Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor HVAC system reliability, compliance, uptime, and energy efficiency across multiple sites.
• Implement performance tracking systems for HVAC assets using CMMS and BMS/EMS integrations.
• Lead commissioning and qualification activities, ensuring HVAC systems meet design intent and regulatory requirements.
• Manage change control processes for HVAC scope modifications, ensuring documentation and validation are updated accordingly.
• Conduct post-project reviews and lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement in HVAC project execution.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation including meeting minutes, hold lists, comment logs, assumption registers, and technical clarifications.

Regulatory Compliance & External Representation

• Ensure HVAC systems meet global regulatory standards and inspection readiness criteria.
• Prepare and review HVAC validation protocols (DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ), risk assessments, and change control documentation.
• Represent the organization in regulatory audits, external forums, and industry working groups.
• Develop internal HVAC audit frameworks and conduct periodic gap assessments for GMP and Pharmaceuticals standards.
• Anticipates internal and external business challenges, vendor and regulatory issues, and recommends improvements to processes, products, or services.

Here’s what you'll need

• Qualification - B.Tech Mechanical (Full time)
• Experience - 20+ years of experience
• Experience in Pharma/Lifescience projects

AtJacobs we value people. Having the right balance of belonging, career and lifestyle enables us to consistently deliver and exceed clients’ expectations.

Working alongside industry leaders, you will have the opportunity to develop your career working on key projects in an environment which encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation.

• To support your professional growth, Jacobs flexible working arrangements, extended leave options and a host of social, health and wellbeing events and initiatives will underpin our commitment to you.

At Jacobs it’s all about what you do, not where you are, which counts!

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.