Heating and Cooling Systems Engineer

Sterling St James LLC; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in the Fox Valley / Northeast WI area is seeking an HVAC Project Engineer & Systems Designer to blend technical system design with active client consultation. This direct-hire role offers visibility and growth while shaping complex industrial refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, and custom metal fabrication projects.

You will perform load calculations, develop CAD/Revit models, coordinate plan reviews, and present engineering concepts to owners and contractors, reporting to the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or equivalent and PE or state-licensed HVAC designer status.
• 3+ years of hands-on commercial/industrial HVAC design experience within a fast-paced setting.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, HVAC load calculation software, and Excel.
• Strong client-facing communication and ability to present engineering concepts to executives and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Analyze inquiries and site requirements to determine project scope and propose HVAC solutions.
• Design high-performance HVAC systems for commercial/industrial facilities and plants.
• Perform load calculations, distribution sizing, and plant design work.
• Develop CAD/Revit models during bidding and coordinate plan reviews with authorities.
• Present engineering concepts to building owners, general contractors, and managers.

Skills

Client-facing

System design

Engineering calculations

Communication

Education

BSME

PE license / State-licensed HVAC designer

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC load software

Excel

Job description

HVAC Project Engineer & Systems Designer

$120,000 - 160,000/yr Fox Valley / Northeast WI Area (Up to 1-hour commute radius) Flexible 1st Shift (40-45 hrs/wk) Full-Time / Direct Hire

• Compensation & Growth: Base salary up to $160,000 plus a full corporate benefits package, with clear advancement pathways to Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Management.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible 1st-shift schedule (6:00 AM - 5:00 PM core window) averaging 40-45 hours per week with minimal overtime.
• Role Dynamics: High-visibility, customer-facing role blending technical system design with active client consultation rather than sitting isolated behind a drafting screen.
• Corporate Stability: Direct-hire position with a debt-free, financially independent industry leader boasting a 7 to 10-year average employee tenure.
• Strict Requirements: BSME, PE, or Licensed HVAC Designer status required; minimum 3 years of commercial/industrial HVAC design experience.

If you are a Mechanical Engineer or HVAC Design Engineer who thrives on active client collaboration, this direct-hire seat is tailored for your career growth. Our client is a financially independent, debt-free leader specializing in complex industrial refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, and custom metal fabrication systems. Reporting directly to the Director of Business Development, you will serve as a key technical liaison - working alongside sales, estimating, and fabrication teams to engineer custom HVAC solutions while building lasting client relationships in a stable, employee-centered culture.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Scope & Feasibility Analysis: Analyze customer inquiries and site requirements to determine project scope, conduct feasibility assessments, and propose custom technical HVAC solutions.
• System Engineering & Design: Design high-performance HVAC systems for commercial and industrial facilities, including manufacturing plants, laboratories, corporate offices, and warehouses.
• Engineering Calculations: Execute load calculations, air distribution sizing, boiler/chiller plant design, pump and piping layouts, and steam routing.
• Bid Support & Modeling: Develop schematic designs and CAD/Revit models during the bidding phase to help estimating teams establish precise labor and material costs.
• Client Presentation & Scope Drafting: Draft technical proposal letters and present engineering concepts directly to building owners, general contractors, and plant managers.
• Plan Review & Compliance: Coordinate construction drawings and arrange state/local plan reviews, ensuring full compliance with regional mechanical and energy codes.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Education & Professional Credentials: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Registered Professional Engineer (PE), or a State-Licensed HVAC Designer.
• Industry Experience: 3+ years of hands-on commercial/industrial HVAC design experience, ideally developed within a fast-paced mechanical contractor setting.
• Software Fluency: Proficiency using AutoCAD, Revit, specialized HVAC load calculation software, and Excel.
• Client-Facing Presence: Outstanding presentation skills and comfort collaborating directly with project executives, facility managers, and vendor partners.
• Site Mobility: Valid driver's license and ability to execute site walkthroughs (climbing ladders, accessing mechanical spaces) within ~1 hour of the Fox Valley area.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Mechanical Contractor Background: Prior experience working directly for an industrial or commercial mechanical contracting firm.
• Industry Certifications: Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or LEED AP accreditation.
• Cross-Functional Knowledge: Familiarity with industrial ventilation, steam systems, heavy ammonia refrigeration, or commercial plumbing codes.