Senior HVAC Project Engineer – Commercial / Industrial Systems (BSME / PE)

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

H.T. Prof Executive Search is recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer/HVAC Design Engineer in Appleton, WI. This direct-hire role blends technical HVAC design with client consultation and proposal support.

You will perform load calculations, system design for commercial/industrial facilities, and develop CAD/Revit models for bids while collaborating with sales, estimating, and fabrication teams. A PE/BSME or licensed HVAC designer credential is required, with US work authorization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or similar professional credential.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or State-Licensed HVAC Designer.
• 3+ years of hands-on commercial/industrial HVAC design experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze customer inquiries and site requirements to determine project scope and feasibility.
• Design high-performance HVAC systems for commercial/industrial facilities.
• Perform load calculations, air distribution sizing, and piping layouts.
• Develop schematic designs and CAD/Revit models for bids.
• Draft technical proposal letters and present concepts to clients.
• Coordinate drawings and plan reviews to ensure code compliance.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC load calculation software

Excel

Education

BSME

PE

Licensed HVAC Designer

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC load calculation software

Job description

Location Appleton, WI
No Remote

Type Direct Hire

• Pay & Incentives: Base salary up to $160,000/yr depending on experience + full corporate benefits package, with clear advancement pathways to Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Management.
• Work Pattern/Schedule: Flexible 1st-shift schedule (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM core window) averaging 40–45 hours per week with minimal overtime.
• Environment & Company Profile: Direct-hire seat with a debt-free, financially independent industry leader boasting a 7 to 10-year average employee tenure and a collaborative, employee-centered culture.
• Core Functional Scope: High-visibility role blending technical HVAC system engineering (load calculations, boiler/chiller plant design, piping/air distribution) with direct client consultation, proposal drafting, and bid support.
• Strict Requirements & Authorization: Requires BSME, PE, or Licensed HVAC Designer status, 3+ years of commercial/industrial HVAC design depth, US work authorization, and ability to execute site visits within ~1 hour of Fox Valley, WI.

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. Stepping away from isolated drafting screens, this high-visibility position offers executive exposure, excellent work-life balance, and structured career advancement within a premier regional contractor.

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.