Senior HVAC Design Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global health, dental, vision

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Paid time off & flexible hours

Professional development budget

Remote work autonomy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior HVAC Design Engineer to lead the design of complex HVAC systems for global projects, working fully remotely from South Africa. You will perform load calculations, equipment selection, and energy modeling while coordinating with architects and engineers across time zones.

The role emphasizes sustainable building practices, adherence to ASHRAE and local standards, and mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years progressive experience in HVAC design and engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, and HVAC design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of complex HVAC systems for diverse buildings.
• Develop detailed designs, load calculations, equipment layouts, and control strategies.
• Use building energy modeling software to optimize performance and energy efficiency.
• Prepare design documents and drawings using CAD/BIM tools (Revit/AutoCAD).
• Collaborate with architects and engineers across time zones in a remote setting.
• Ensure compliance with ASHRAE, SANS, and certification standards (LEED/BREEAM).
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical support during construction.

Skills

HVAC design expertise

Project management

Independent remote work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Revit MEP

AutoCAD MEP

HAP

TRACE 3D

EnergyPlus

eQUEST

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned international firm specializing in sustainable building design and energy efficiency, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior HVAC Design Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute your expertise to a wide array of green building projects globally, all from the convenience of your home office. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and optimization of advanced Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that prioritize energy performance, occupant comfort, and environmental responsibility. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of HVAC principles, thermodynamic cycles, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, and building energy modeling. You will work collaboratively with architects, sustainability consultants, and project managers across different time zones using advanced digital collaboration tools. Our client is at the forefront of sustainable design and offers a dynamic, intellectually stimulating work environment with significant opportunities for professional development. We seek a proactive individual with strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for creating environmentally conscious building solutions. This fully remote role supports our operations and client base originating from Upington, Northern Cape, ZA , enabling us to serve a global market while maintaining a strong operational connection.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of complex HVAC systems for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings.
• Develop detailed HVAC system designs, including load calculations, equipment selection, ductwork and piping layouts, and control strategies.
• Utilize building energy modeling software (e.g., EnergyPlus, eQUEST) to optimize system performance and energy efficiency.
• Prepare comprehensive design documents, specifications, and construction drawings using CAD and BIM software.
• Collaborate effectively with architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and other stakeholders in a remote setting.
• Ensure compliance with relevant building codes, energy standards (e.g., ASHRAE, SANS), and sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM).
• Conduct design reviews, value engineering, and provide technical support during the construction phase.
• Troubleshoot and resolve HVAC system performance issues encountered during commissioning or operation.
• Mentor and guide junior HVAC engineers and designers.
• Stay abreast of the latest HVAC technologies, sustainable design practices, and regulatory updates.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable HVAC solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in HVAC design and engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, psychrometrics, and HVAC system design principles.
• Proficiency with HVAC design software (e.g., Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP, HAP, TRACE 3D).
• Experience with building energy modeling and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of building codes and energy efficiency standards (e.g., ASHRAE 90.1, SANS 10400-XA).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects effectively in a fully remote environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly.
• Experience with sustainable building design and green building certifications is a significant advantage.
• Must be self-motivated and highly organized to succeed in a remote work setting.
• Access to a reliable high-speed internet connection and a suitable home office environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive global health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Significant budget for professional development, training, and conferences.
• Opportunity to work on impactful and award-winning sustainable building projects worldwide.
• Cutting-edge remote work technology and support infrastructure.
• A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
• Full autonomy and flexibility in a fully remote capacity.