Project Manager - Mechanical (HVAC)

Job Description

Job Description

Project Manager – Mechanical (HVAC)

Wall Township, NJ, US

French & Parrello Associates (FPA) is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our growing Mechanical Engineering Department at our headquarters in Wall Township, NJ. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished mechanical engineering professional to lead complex HVAC projects, strengthen client relationships, mentor engineering teams, and build a long-term career with one of the Northeast’s fastest-growing engineering consulting firms.

Recognized year after year as one of NJBIZ’s Best Places to Work in New Jersey, FPA is committed to creating a culture where talented professionals are empowered to grow, collaborate, and succeed. In 2026, FPA was ranked #49 on Zweig’s Hot Firm List, recognizing the firm among the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in the United States and Canada. Our continued growth is driven by our investment in our people, technical excellence, and commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the communities we serve.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience designing HVAC systems and managing complex mechanical engineering projects in a consulting environment. Working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, this individual will provide technical leadership, oversee project budgets and schedules, manage project risks, and ensure designs meet applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to lead projects throughout design and construction, develop innovative and energy-efficient HVAC solutions, and help guide the continued growth of FPA’s mechanical engineering practice. The Project Manager will cultivate client relationships, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to proposals and new business opportunities.

Mechanical Engineering Expertise & Project Experience

FPA’s Mechanical Engineering Department provides comprehensive HVAC design and engineering services for diverse building projects. Our professionals develop coordinated, efficient, and sustainable building systems that respond to each client’s operational needs and project goals.

The Project Manager – Mechanical (HVAC) will oversee projects from initial planning and system design through documentation, bidding, and construction. This role requires strong HVAC design expertise and the leadership and project management skills needed to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and successfully deliver multiple assignments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage mechanical engineering projects with a focus on HVAC design for a wide range of building types, including commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential.

• Develop and oversee the design, coordination, and execution of HVAC systems, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Provide technical expertise in HVAC system design, including load calculations, system sizing, equipment selection, ductwork, piping, controls, and energy efficiency solutions.

• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including design drawings, specifications, and reports.

• Work closely with clients to understand their project needs, provide recommendations, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical, plumbing, structural) to integrate HVAC designs with other building systems and ensure seamless project coordination.

• Conduct regular site visits to monitor project progress, resolve issues, and ensure proper installation of HVAC systems.

• Mentor and lead junior engineers, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities.

• Oversee the preparation of cost estimates, bids, and proposals for new projects.

• Maintain knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and best practices in HVAC design, and apply this knowledge to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions.

• Foster and maintain strong client relationships to ensure repeat business and positive project outcomes.

• Actively manage project risks, identify issues early, and implement effective solutions to mitigate any potential challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on HVAC design and systems. Experience in managing large, complex projects in a consulting engineering environment is required.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of New Jersey required (LEED certification or similar sustainability credentials;  Preferred but not required).

• Proven expertise in HVAC design, including knowledge of HVAC codes, standards, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices.

• Advanced proficiency in HVAC design software such as Trane Trace, Carrier HAP, EnergyPlus, AutoCAD, Revit, and Microsoft Project. Experience with BIM is a plus.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources (PMP certification;  Preferred but not required).

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to clients and stakeholders.

• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and mentoring teams of engineers.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address design challenges and project issues effectively.

• In-depth understanding of sustainable building practices and energy-efficient HVAC system design.

• Experience with green building certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL, BREEAM).

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

• Client-focused with the ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship for U.S. employment authorization is not available for this position.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Don't meet every qualification? At FPA, we recognize that great candidates bring diverse experiences and perspectives. If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every listed requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your experience may be exactly what we need for this role or another opportunity within our growing team.

The FPA Difference

Large firms offer scale. FPA offers opportunity.

For more than 50 years, French & Parrello Associates (FPA) has been delivering innovative engineering solutions that shape communities, improve infrastructure, and support regional growth. As an employee-owned, mid-sized engineering and consulting firm, FPA combines the technical capabilities and expertise of a larger organization with the collaboration, accessibility, and personal investment of a close-knit team.

At FPA, engineers are empowered to take ownership of their work, collaborate across disciplines, and experience the full project lifecycle. Your career is not defined by one task or limited to one area of expertise. Instead, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your technical skills, work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful infrastructure projects, and develop the experience needed to grow into future engineering leadership roles.

Our multidisciplinary approach allows team members to see the bigger picture, collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines, and understand how their work impacts the communities we serve. We invest in our people through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for advancement because we believe the success of our employees drives the continued success of our firm.

At FPA, you are not just designing infrastructure, you are helping build a growing organization while contributing to projects that make a lasting impact.

Benefits

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement plans. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

Compensation

The projected compensation range for this position is $115,000 to $180,000. Actual compensation will depend on factors including experience, education, qualifications, and skill set. FPA recognizes and rewards performance through an annual bonus program.