Marine HVAC Design Engineer – Ducting, Cooling, and Heating Systems

The Mid-Level Marine HVAC Design Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end design, coordination, and documentation of HVAC systems—including ducting, cooling, and heating—for marine and offshore platforms. This role supports engineering development through design calculations, layout preparation, equipment specification, and cross-discipline integration while ensuring compliance with maritime classification and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Design and develop HVAC system layouts, including ductwork routing, chilled water piping, and ventilation schematics for machinery, accommodation, cargo, and control spaces.

  • Perform detailed thermal load calculations, space conditioning analysis, and system balancing across shipboard compartments.

  • Select HVAC components such as chillers, AHUs, fan coil units, exhaust fans, dampers, and filtration systems, ensuring suitability for marine environments.

  • Develop 2D and 3D CAD drawings using AutoCAD, Revit, ShipConstructor, or similar tools.

  • Coordinate with naval architects, structural, piping, and electrical engineers to ensure system compatibility and optimal space utilization.

  • Ensure integration of fire dampers, smoke/fire zoning, and ventilation shutdown logic per SOLAS and IMO regulations.

  • Prepare and review technical specifications, equipment datasheets, BOMs, duct/piping schedules, and installation guidelines.

  • Support vendor selection and equipment evaluation during the procurement process.

  • Conduct design reviews, shipyard coordination, and field verification as needed to ensure quality installation and alignment with design intent.

  • Ensure all HVAC designs meet the standards of classification societies (ABS, DNV, BV, Lloyd’s, USCG) and environmental compliance.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Marine HVAC Layout & Equipment Sizing
   – Execute precise duct and chilled water system designs, perform equipment sizing, and ensure balance between thermal efficiency and space constraints.

2. Interdisciplinary Coordination
   – Collaborate across departments to resolve conflicts in congested zones and align HVAC design with vessel safety and performance requirements.

3. Code Compliance & Ventilation Safety
   – Design systems in compliance with fire boundary separation, redundancy guidelines, and environmental safety (e.g., toxic gas extraction, engine room ventilation).

4. Technical Documentation & Support
   – Prepare detailed design packages for approval and production, assist in system troubleshooting, and support construction queries (RFIs, redlines).

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Naval Architecture.

  • 3–6 years of experience in HVAC system design, preferably in the marine, offshore, or shipbuilding sector.

  • Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, or marine-specific software (e.g., ShipConstructor, FORAN, AVEVA Marine).

  • Solid understanding of marine HVAC components, airflow principles, cooling/heating loads, and duct design methods.

  • Familiarity with marine regulatory frameworks (SOLAS, IMO, ABS, DNV, USCG) and HVAC-related fire zoning practices.

  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and lead design packages with minimal supervision.

Preferred:

• • Experience with engine room ventilation, hazardous space HVAC, or HVAC system redundancy and noise control.

  • Exposure to 3D clash detection and model coordination in a shipyard or design review setting.

  • Involvement in HVAC commissioning or shipboard system troubleshooting is a plus.