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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.