HVAC Commissioning / Startup Project Engineer – National Accounts

Custom Mechanical Solutions delivers energy-efficient HVAC systems across the Pacific Northwest, with deep expertise in healthcare, education, data centers, and retrofit projects. We work with top manufacturers to meet performance and sustainability goals—always focused on quality, care, and progress.

If you're ready to grow your career, we're glad you found us. At CMS, you'll join a team that supports your development and gives you space to make an impact. We review every application carefully and appreciate your interest in growing your career with our team.

(Early Career | Project Engineer | Senior Project Engineer)

CMS is seeking a Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer to support the startup and commissioning of HVAC systems for national account projects. In this role, you'll coordinate technicians, contractors, customers, and manufacturers to ensure systems are installed, started, and operating as intended.

Projects are large, fast-paced, and span multiple locations nationwide. You'll take ownership of execution—resolving real-world challenges related to equipment, scheduling, procurement, and cost impacts—while keeping projects on track from startup through completion.

This is a strong opportunity for mechanically inclined, field-oriented professionals who enjoy solving problems and coordinating complex projects.

Experience Levels

Associate Project Engineer (Early Career)

• 2 years of HVAC service, controls, installation, or mechanical experience
• Supports commissioning activities, project coordination, and documentation
• Assists with tracking cost impacts and gathering inputs for change orders; escalates as needed
  
  

Project Engineer

• 3–6 years of relevant HVAC or commissioning experience
• Coordinates field activities, contractors, and customer communication
• Evaluates scope and cost impacts; prepares and submits change orders with supporting documentation
• Tracks and follows up to ensure timely approval
  
  

Senior Project Engineer

• 7 years of HVAC or field engineering experience
• Leads projects and serves as primary point of contact for customers and stakeholders
• Owns project financials, including review and approval of change orders
• Drives timely execution, approval, and collection of change orders while maintaining project scope, schedule, and performance
• Mentors junior team members
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Execute startup and commissioning plans across national account projects
• Verify installation and system performance to company, manufacturer, and customer standards
• Coordinate technicians, contractors, and factory teams
• Troubleshoot HVAC equipment and control systems
• Manage service providers during startup and warranty phases
• Track progress, communicate updates, and resolve issues
• Identify scope changes and manage associated cost impacts
• Ensure change orders are accurate, well-documented, and submitted in a timely manner without impacting jobsite requirements
• Provide customer training and support
• Promote job site safety
  
  

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of HVAC systems and controls
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and schematics
• Effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Experience coordinating field teams or third-party providers
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license; ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  
  

Travel

• Up to ~30% overnight travel
• Ability to support extended on-site project visits
  
  

Growth & Compensation

CMS's National Accounts team offers clear paths to increased responsibility in project ownership, financial management, and technical leadership.

Select roles may be eligible for variable compensation aligned with project performance, including successful execution and collection of change orders and overall financial outcomes.

Why Join CMS

• Lead large, multi-site HVAC projects
• Work directly with manufacturers and field teams
• Solve complex, real-world challenges
• Grow within a rapidly expanding national team
  
  

Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

Salary ranges listed are dependent upon a candidate's qualifications, experience, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the specific role and location.