HVAC Project Engineer

Silicon Valley Mechanical is seeking an HVAC Project Engineer to join the Sparks, Nevada team on site. In this role, you will drive design, scope development, estimating, and engineering for HVAC and plumbing projects, collaborating with design-build teams and vendors to resolve issues and advance project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Onboard to Silicon Valley Mechanical culture, mission, values, services, project history, and standard procedures within the first 30 days.
• Familiarize yourself with the engineering file structure from design through closeout and learn the technology used, including BuildingConnected, FastPIPE, and FastDUCT.
• Attend weekly BIM coordination meetings and project manager sync sessions; work with the PX/PM to visit job sites and establish rapport with field teams.
• Shadow a PX/PM on multiple projects to understand the role and how to communicate effectively with general contractors to build strong connections.
• Participate in kickoff meetings for new projects and Sunset wrap-up meetings, attend turnover discussions with the Engineering department, and debrief with PX or PM to capture learning.
• Learn to schedule wrap-ups and assist in building tentative deadlines for final closeouts.
• Shadow and assist on 2-3 projects under oversight, guiding kickoff calls with GCs and subcontractors as questions arise.
• Learn financial tasks related to estimating, work-in-process, and change orders; collaborate with purchasing to drive PO payments and address outstanding balances with vendors.
• Coordinate field tasks independently while checking in with the PX as needed and continually asking questions to deepen understanding.
• Begin to own project management elements on 1-2 projects under the supervision of a PX/PM.
• Around month 9, start learning the pre-construction process, negotiating pricing with vendors and GCs, and comparing proposals.
• By month 12, achieve 100% proficiency and autonomous performance with an annual review with the PX.
• During the 18-24 month window, become more involved in pre-construction and lead kickoff meetings for 2-3 projects with minimal oversight.
• Develop questions about new designs, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), code implications, and expand knowledge of chillers and cooling systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Mechanical Engineering with HVAC design (preferred).
• 2+ years’ experience with a design/build mechanical contractor, project engineer, construction, or a similar role (highly preferred).
• Knowledge of HVAC systems, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics (preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Bluebeam required.
• Excellent oral and written business communication skills with a proven ability to actively listen.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and multitask.
• Professional demeanor and commitment to high levels of customer service.
• EIT certification and/or professional engineer (P.E.) is a plus.

Technologies

• BuildingConnected
• FastPIPE
• FastDUCT
• Bluebeam
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Paid holidays
• Employee referral bonus
• Positive Pulse
• Volunteer opportunities
• Team building activities
• Employee activities

Physical Requirements

• Role may involve walking, standing, and driving while moving around the office and visiting construction sites.
• May be required to lift equipment, materials, or tools up to 50 lbs.
• May involve working at elevated heights and in various conditions when overseeing installations and other project processes.
• May require navigating confined spaces such as mechanical rooms, crawlspaces, or attics.
• May involve reviewing and interpreting architectural drawings, schematics, blueprints, and other technical HVAC documents.
• Work environments include construction sites and commercial buildings.
• May require PPE during job walks and site visits.