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

True North Consultants, Inc.; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior HVAC Project Engineer for commercial/industrial systems in the Fox Valley/Northeast Wisconsin area.

This direct-hire role blends hands-on design with direct client interaction, offering a clear career path and advantageous compensation. The position requires a BSME or PE (or licensed HVAC designer) with 3+ years of HVAC design experience, and willingness to perform on-site visits near Fox Valley, WI.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Analyze inquiries to determine project scope and propose HVAC solutions.
• Design HVAC systems for commercial/industrial facilities (load calcs, piping, air distribution).
• Perform load calculations, ductwork and piping layouts, boiler/chiller plant design.
• Develop schematic designs and revit models for bidding and costing.
• Draft technical proposal letters and present concepts to owners and contractors.
• Coordinate drawings and plan reviews to comply with codes.

Skills

Client-facing

Presentation skills

Site walkthroughs

Communication

Education

BSME

Professional Engineer (PE)

State-Licensed HVAC Designer

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

HVAC load calculation software

Excel

Job description

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

$120,000 - $160,000/yr Fox Valley / Northeast WI Area Flexible 1st Shift 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.