HVAC Project Engineer & Systems Designer

Software Placement Group, SPG; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full corporate benefits package

Job summary

Software Placement Group, SPG in Appleton, WI seeks an HVAC Project Engineer & Systems Designer to blend technical design with client consultation. You will work with sales, estimating, and fabrication teams to engineer custom HVAC solutions and foster lasting client relationships.

The role requires a BSME (or PE/licensed designer), 3+ years HVAC design, and proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and engineering software. On-site, full-time, with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of commercial/industrial HVAC design experience.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, HVAC load calculation software, and Excel.
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to engage with project executives, facility managers, and vendors.
• Valid driver's license; ability to perform site walkthroughs within ~1 hour of Fox Valley area.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer inquiries and site requirements to determine project scope and propose HVAC solutions.
• Design high-performance HVAC systems for commercial/industrial facilities.
• Perform load calculations, air distribution sizing, boiler/chiller plant design, pump and piping layouts, and steam routing.
• Develop schematic designs and CAD/Revit models for bidding and cost estimation.
• Draft technical proposal letters and present concepts to owners, general contractors, and plant managers.
• Coordinate construction drawings and ensure plan reviews comply with regional codes.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC load calculation software

Excel

Presentation skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)

Professional Engineer (PE) or State-Licensed HVAC Designer

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC load calculation software

Excel

Job description

Location: Appleton, WI (Fox Valley / Northeast WI Area, up to 1-hour commute radius) | Schedule: Full-Time / Direct Hire, flexible 1st shift (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM core window), averaging 40–45 hrs/wk | Compensation: $120,000 - $160,000/yr

Overview

An established, financially independent industry leader specializing in complex industrial refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, and custom metal fabrication systems is seeking an HVAC Project Engineer & Systems Designer. This direct-hire, client-facing role blends technical system design with active customer consultation, working closely with sales, estimating, and fabrication teams to engineer custom HVAC solutions and build lasting client relationships in a stable, employee-centered culture.

What you'll do

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

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), Registered Professional Engineer (PE), or a State-Licensed HVAC Designer
• Minimum 3 years of commercial/industrial HVAC design experience (3+ years of hands-on experience preferred)
• Proficiency using AutoCAD, Revit, specialized HVAC load calculation software, and Excel
• Outstanding presentation skills and comfort collaborating directly with project executives, facility managers, and vendor partners
• Valid driver's license and ability to execute site walkthroughs (climbing ladders, accessing mechanical spaces) within approximately 1 hour of the Fox Valley area

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience working directly for an industrial or commercial mechanical contracting firm, ideally in a fast-paced setting
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or LEED AP accreditation
• Familiarity with industrial ventilation, steam systems, heavy ammonia refrigeration, or commercial plumbing codes

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary up to $160,000 ($120,000 - $160,000/yr) plus a full corporate benefits package
• Clear advancement pathways to Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Management

Why this role

This is a high-visibility, customer-facing role with a debt-free, financially independent industry leader known for a 7 to 10-year average employee tenure, offering flexible 1st-shift hours and minimal overtime.