Associate Mechanical Engineer (Building Services)

 About Us

At HDR, we specialise in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. Our global team of over 14,000 employees is led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership. We network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way. 

The Role

We’re seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to join our Building Engineering group in Melbourne, providing technical leadership, discipline oversight and delivery excellence across a diverse portfolio of building services projects.

This is a discipline leadership role, where you’ll act as the technical lead and primary point of contact for your discipline, working closely with project leadership, clients and multidisciplinary teams. You’ll take ownership of technical quality, mentor and develop engineers, and remain hands-on in the delivery of complex and high-risk design elements.

The Associate role also provides a clear pathway into broader design management and project leadership responsibilities.

In the role of Associate Mechanical Engineer, you will:

• Act as technical lead for your discipline across assigned projects.
• Lead the delivery of discipline-specific design from concept through to construction.
• Develop, review and approve complex designs, calculations and technical solutions.
• Maintain hands-on involvement in complex, mission-critical or high-risk design activities.
• Take accountability for technical quality, compliance and coordinated outcomes.
• Ensure designs meet Australian codes, standards and statutory requirements.
• Lead discipline coordination within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Act as the primary technical interface with clients and key stakeholders.
• Support project delivery activities including resourcing, programme input and delivery planning.
• Demonstrate strong commercial awareness and contribute to repeat work and new opportunities.
• Lead, mentor and develop engineers across the discipline.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline.
• Typically, 12+ years’ experience in building services design within a consulting environment.
• Consulting experience is essential.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) – advantageous.
• Strong track record in leading discipline delivery on complex building services projects across all design stages.
• Significant demonstrated experience in building services design of data centers, commercial, industrial, health, defence, education, sports and aquatic or mixed-use projects.
• Data Centre / Mission Critical project experience (highly desirable / preferred).
• Familiar and hands on with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Visio and Autocad.
• Proficient in writing specifications, reports & technical documentation.
• Proficient in performing heat load calculations for HVAC systems. Ideally using Camel software.
• Proficient with pipe sizing and ductwork sizing for HVAC systems.
• Strong understanding of relevant Australian codes, standards, and regulatory requirements including AS 1668 and the NCC.
• Experienced with design coordination tools such as Revit, Navisworks or ACC.
• Good knowledge designing multiple types of HVAC systems from concept to construction.
• Proficient with HVAC suppliers and equipment.
• Proven experience maintaining hands-on technical involvement while leading teams and projects.
• Experience coordinating within multidisciplinary (MEP) project teams.
• Client-facing experience with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Commercial awareness, including exposure to project financials and resourcing.

About You

• Strong demonstrated technical leadership capability with the ability to influence and guide project teams.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and add value.
• Accountable, organised, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaborative approach when working within project teams.
• Curious and growth-oriented with a willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions and continuously learn.
• Interest in developing into broader design management or project leadership roles.
• Committed to continuous professional development and technical excellence.
• Alignment with HDR’s values, including quality delivery, continuous improvement, and HDR’s employee-owned culture.

Why HDR 

• Opportunity to work on complex, high-quality projects locally and internationally.
• A role with real technical ownership and influence.
• Career pathways towards technical leadership or project leadership roles.
• Supportive, employee-owned culture focused on quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.

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What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Our Commitment

HDR is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified and/or experienced candidates, regardless of gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or religious and political beliefs. This includes encouragement for veterans.

HDR acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and communities live and work. As part of our commitment to reconciliation and diversity, we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Join us in making a meaningful impact and contributing to an inclusive community.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.