HVAC Design Development Trade Specialist

The HVAC Design Development Trades Specialist will be responsible for supporting the Design Management Team in developing functional, high-performance hydronic and steam systems. This role will focus on ensuring that piping layouts are optimized for performance and ease of installation, working closely with VDC and site teams to bridge the gap between engineering and execution.

Why This Role Matters to Modern Niagara

This role is important to Modern Niagara because it brings hands-on HVAC piping expertise into the design phase, helping ensure systems are efficient, constructible, and aligned with field realities before installation begins. By connecting engineering, VDC, and site execution, it reduces coordination issues, supports better cost and schedule outcomes, and strengthens project delivery. It also enhances Modern Niagara’s ability to deliver high-value design-assist and design-build solutions across complex mechanical projects.

Key Impact / Purpose

• Drive early-stage HVAC piping design decisions that improve constructability, coordination, and installation efficiency.


• Reduce risk, cost, and schedule impacts by identifying clashes, routing challenges, and value engineering opportunities before construction starts.


• Support high-performance, code-compliant hydronic, steam, and refrigeration systems through close collaboration with engineering, VDC, and field teams.


• Improve delivery certainty by aligning design intent, material planning, and field execution across the full project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Leadership: Provide leadership in HVAC piping design, focusing on hydronic heating/cooling, steam, and refrigeration systems.


• Pre-Construction: Participate in estimating turnover and pre-construction meetings to provide trade-specific insights on piping routes and equipment placement.


• Design Review: Review consultant submissions for pipe sizing / layouts, pumping arrangements, and valve configurations to ensure system efficiency.


• Value Engineering: Propose alternative piping materials or routing strategies (e.g., Victaulic vs. Welded vs. Press) to optimize cost and schedule.


• Coordination: Lead design development meetings to ensure piping systems do not conflict with ductwork, electrical trays, or structural elements.


• VDC/BIM Support: Interface with VDC teams to ensure 3D models account for pipe insulation thickness, expansion loops, and maintenance clearances.


• Clash Detection: Proactively identify and resolve conflicts between piping systems and other building components during the design phase.


• Change Management: Assist in scope development and pricing for Design Revision Requests (DRRs) related to mechanical piping.


• Quality & Safety: Ensure design compliance with ASME standards, TSSA requirements, and project-specific pressure testing protocols.


• Field Alignment: Conduct page-turn reviews to ensure design documents meet the practical needs of the field installation crew.


• Procurement: Assist in developing material take-offs and schedules for long-lead items like chillers, boilers, and custom pump packages.


• Cross-Trade Coordination: Coordinate with sheet metal and electrical teams regarding equipment hookups, control sensor locations, and shared supports.

Must haves:  

• Certified Journeyperson Steamfitter or equivalent experience.


• 10+ years of experience in HVAC piping construction, specifically in large-scale commercial, institutional and healthcare projects.


• Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of hydronic systems, chilled water, steam, heat pumps, and chiller/boiler plant layouts.


• Design-Build Experience: Experience in design-assist or design-build projects is an asset.


• Drawing Interpretation: Proficiency in reading and redlining mechanical P&IDs, floor plans, and section drawings.


• Software: Proficiency in Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, Navisworks (or other BIM software).


• Communication: Effective communicator able to bridge the gap between engineers and field trades.

This is a new position. Expected annual compensation; $100,000 - $130,000

Modern Niagara offers a competitive total compensation package including: 

• Performance based bonus opportunities 


• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with a generous employer contribution


• Flexible Health and Dental benefits with tiered options to meet the needs of you and your family


• An annual health spending account to support your overall wellness


• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program with access to comprehensive resources and professional services


• A competitive vacation package with additional vacation granted throughout your tenure with the organization.


• Employer Paid Parental Leave Top Up


• Annual Community Day dedicated to volunteering and giving back to the communities where we live and work


• Corporate Discounts through various vendors across Canada for programs such as fitness, mobile phones, travel, home and auto insurance and many others

Here at Modern Niagara, because we know our people are the best in the industry, we pride ourselves on providing a total compensation package that rewards employees for their hard work and supports employees and their families in their overall wellbeing.  

About Modern Niagara

Who We Are

Modern Niagara helps building owners, managers, and general contractors meet the mechanical, and electrical needs of their buildings across Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Southwestern Ontario, and Ottawa. We are committed to having a positive and meaningful impact on Canada’s infrastructure — and on the communities where we live, learn, work, and heal. We build for life.

Our Culture & Values

We value passion, initiative, determination, professionalism, and teamwork. Health and safety are embedded in everything we do, and our award-winning safety culture consistently performs well above industry standards.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Modern Niagara

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone has access to opportunity, feels a sense of belonging, and can thrive. We actively work to remove barriers faced by members of equity-seeking groups (including women, Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada) in the construction industry. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are committed to a barrier-free hiring process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected] so we can make appropriate arrangements.

We appreciate every applicant’s interest in joining Modern Niagara. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.