HVAC Principal Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: HVAC Principal Designer

Company: Omega Technical Services

Location: Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Design Operations

Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for overseeing and executing complex HVAC design projects, ensuring adherence to stringent federal and local codes within highly regulated environments like nuclear infrastructure.

• The Principal Designer will leverage advanced CAD and 3D modeling skills to produce detailed drawings and models, directly impacting the successful execution of mission-critical government contracts.

• A key aspect of this position involves project management responsibilities, including developing estimates, schedules, and staffing plans, alongside directing and reviewing the work of junior designers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Originate and produce moderately to highly complex HVAC design drawings and 3D models using advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, with a preference for S3D.

• Interpret engineering direction and field conditions to develop detailed design drawings, modify existing plans, and create new documentation with minimal supervision.

• Conduct field system walkdowns to accurately assess existing conditions and gather necessary information for design modifications and new installations.

• Direct, check, and approve the design work of other drafters and designers, ensuring adherence to technical standards and project requirements.

• Develop comprehensive project documentation, including estimates, schedules, staffing requirements, progress reports, and scope of services, to support project planning and execution.

• Ensure all designs comply with applicable federal (including Department of Energy Orders), state, and local codes and standards relevant to specialized engineering fields, particularly in nuclear or similar environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: An Associate's degree in drafting, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred. A combination of education and fifteen (15) years of relevant experience may be considered.

Experience: Fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in drafting and design related to Engineering and Construction, with a strong preference for experience within the nuclear industry.

Required Skills:

• Highly skilled in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software for originating and producing drawings and 3D models of moderate to advanced complexity.

• Demonstrated proficiency in 3D modeling, with specific experience in S3D preferred.

• Ability to read, interpret, and generate complex design drawings with minimal supervision.

• Proven capability to perform field system walkdowns, interpret field direction, and translate requirements into detailed design documentation.

• Experience in developing project estimates, schedules, staffing requirements, and progress reports.

• Thorough working knowledge of federal (including Department of Energy Orders), state, and local codes and standards applicable to specialized engineering design.

Preferred Skills:

• Possession of an active DOE/DoD security clearance within the past two (2) years.

• Previous work experience with the Department of Energy (DOE) or the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

• Experience in the nuclear infrastructure or national security sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job lists 15 years of experience, the AI-generated experience level is 10+. This suggests that candidates with 10-15 years of highly relevant experience, particularly in nuclear design and S3D, might still be considered strong candidates. The "Principal Designer" title strongly implies a senior-level role requiring extensive practical knowledge and leadership capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing complex HVAC design projects, including detailed drawings, 3D models, and system schematics.

• Highlight projects where you developed comprehensive project documentation, such as estimates, schedules, and staffing requirements, showcasing your project planning capabilities.

• Include examples of designs that successfully met stringent federal (DOE Orders) and local code compliance, particularly in regulated environments.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your experience in documenting design processes, from initial concept and field assessment through to final drawing production and approval, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

• Provide examples of how you have guided and checked the work of other designers, demonstrating your ability to manage and mentor junior team members within a design workflow.

• Illustrate your understanding of quality assurance processes in design, including how you ensure designs are reviewed, approved, and meet all project and regulatory standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal Designer role, a portfolio should emphasize leadership, complex problem-solving, and adherence to strict regulatory frameworks. The focus should be on the impact of their designs and their ability to manage the entire design lifecycle and team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $145,000.00 - $190,000.25 / Year

Explanation of Salary Range:

The provided salary range of $145,000.00 to $190,000.25 USD per year reflects the senior and specialized nature of the HVAC Principal Designer role. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for principal-level engineering and design positions requiring extensive experience (10-15+ years), advanced technical skills (CAD, 3D modeling, S3D), and specialized knowledge in regulated environments like nuclear infrastructure. Factors influencing the range include:

• Location: Greenville, SC, has a moderate cost of living, which is factored into the base salary.

• Experience Level: The "Principal" title signifies a senior-level expert, commanding a higher compensation.

• Industry Specialization: Experience in nuclear or government sectors (DOE/DoD) is highly valued and commands a premium due to the complexity, security requirements, and criticality of these projects.

• Skills: Proficiency in specific software like S3D and a strong understanding of DOE Orders are specialized skills that increase earning potential.

• Responsibilities: The role includes project management, team leadership, and direct impact on mission-critical operations, justifying the upper end of the salary range.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay, reflecting the senior level and specialized skills required.

• Comprehensive benefits package, typically including health, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off, and potentially life insurance and disability coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development and training, especially related to DOE compliance and advanced design technologies.

• Support for obtaining and maintaining necessary DOE security clearances.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the specific shift schedule determined by customer site discretion, indicating potential for varied operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided in the raw data ($190,000.25 - $145,000.00) appears inverted. Standard practice is to list the minimum first, then the maximum. This enhancement has corrected it to $145,000.00 - $190,000.25. The note clarifies the methodology behind this estimate, incorporating AI insights and industry benchmarks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Government Contracting, National Security, Nuclear Infrastructure. Omega Technical Services operates within the critical sector of supporting government agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DoD), focusing on national security and technological innovation. This industry demands high levels of precision, compliance, and security.

Company Size: Omega Technical Services is described as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). This classification suggests a company that is agile, potentially fosters a close-knit team environment, and is strategically positioned to work on government contracts.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the company's mission-driven approach and focus on supporting vital national missions imply a history rooted in providing specialized technical expertise to government entities. Their emphasis on "honoring the past, powering today's progress, and accelerating the most vital missions of tomorrow" suggests a company with a strong sense of purpose and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The operations team, including designers, likely consists of highly specialized subject matter experts (SMEs) and elite professionals.

• The reporting structure is probable to involve clear lines of command, with Principal Designers overseeing and directing the work of other designers and drafters, reporting up through engineering management.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with designs informed by engineering principles, site assessments, and regulatory requirements.

• Workflow optimization is a continuous effort, aiming for efficiency in design processes, particularly in complex projects with strict timelines and budgets.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed through advanced CAD/3D modeling tools to streamline the design process and reduce errors.

Company Website: www.omegatechserv.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's classification as an SDVOSB is significant. It implies a culture that may value military experience, discipline, and a strong sense of mission. This also impacts the types of projects they undertake and their operational focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the highest individual contributor level within the design function, denoted by "Principal Designer." It signifies a senior expert responsible for the most complex design challenges, setting technical direction, and mentoring others. The scope involves direct contribution to mission-critical projects for government clients, demanding a high degree of technical acumen and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Designer likely reports to an Engineering Manager or Director of Engineering. They are responsible for guiding and overseeing the work of other designers and drafters within their specialized area (HVAC), ensuring their output aligns with project engineering requirements and overall company standards.

Operations Impact: The HVAC Principal Designer's work directly influences the safety, efficiency, and operational capability of critical infrastructure, particularly within nuclear facilities. Their designs are integral to maintaining secure, compliant, and functional environments, directly supporting national security objectives and the sustained operations of government agencies like the DOE and DoD. Accurate and compliant designs minimize project risks, cost overruns, and operational failures.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced HVAC design for specialized environments (nuclear, high-security facilities) or become a recognized SME in specific design software like S3D.

• Leadership Track: Transition into roles such as Lead Designer, Engineering Manager, or Project Manager, leveraging design experience to oversee larger teams and projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Development: Gain exposure to other engineering disciplines or project management methodologies, broadening skill sets for more comprehensive project oversight.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop formal training programs or mentorship initiatives for junior designers, solidifying leadership capabilities and contributing to team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" designation strongly suggests this is not an entry-level or mid-level role. Growth opportunities should reflect advancement beyond this senior individual contributor path, often into management or highly specialized technical expert roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. Given the nature of the work with government agencies and potentially secure facilities, the office setting is likely to be professional and adhere to security protocols.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 100 Fluor Daniel Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. This specific address suggests a potentially dedicated office space or facility managed by Omega Technical Services or a client site where they have a significant presence.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, fostering interaction between designers, engineers, and project teams to tackle complex design challenges.

• Access to advanced CAD workstations, relevant software (including S3D), and potentially secure network environments will be standard for design operations.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the HVAC design team and other engineering disciplines will be frequent, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the note "Shift will be dependent upon customer site discretion" implies that work hours may need to adapt to client operational needs, which could include non-standard hours or shifts, especially when working at secure government facilities or on critical project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "customer site discretion" for shifts is important. It suggests that flexibility and willingness to adapt to client operational schedules are key requirements for this on-site role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess your experience against the core requirements, particularly your years of experience, CAD/3D modeling skills, and any prior DOE/nuclear experience.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve in-depth discussions about your HVAC design experience, proficiency with CAD/S3D, knowledge of codes (DOE Orders), and problem-solving approaches for complex design challenges. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and your contributions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss your portfolio. Focus on showcasing complex HVAC designs, 3D models, project planning documentation (estimates, schedules), and examples of compliance with regulated standards. Emphasize your role and impact.

• Security & Background Check: Due to the requirement for a DOE Security Clearance, expect a thorough background investigation, drug screening, and Motor Vehicle Record check.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with hiring managers or senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful and relevant projects that best demonstrate your skills in complex HVAC design, 3D modeling (S3D), and work within regulated environments.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency improvements, cost savings, compliance achieved, risks mitigated). Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Highlight S3D: If you have S3D experience, showcase specific examples of its application and the benefits it brought to the design process.

• Demonstrate Code Knowledge: Be ready to discuss how you incorporated DOE Orders and other relevant codes into your designs and ensured compliance.

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project complexity or by skill demonstrated. Practice your narrative to ensure clarity and conciseness.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for technical questions that might involve hypothetical design scenarios related to HVAC systems in specialized facilities.

• Anticipate questions about your approach to managing design teams, reviewing work, and ensuring quality control.

• Practice articulating your thought process for problem-solving, especially when dealing with constraints like limited space, existing infrastructure, or stringent safety regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a DOE Security Clearance and working within regulated environments means interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also highly responsible, detail-oriented, and trustworthy.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Advanced proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) applications is essential for originating and producing drawings.

• 3D Modeling Software: Specific requirement for 3D modeling experience, with S3D (SmartPlant 3D) being highly preferred. This indicates a need for expertise in creating detailed, integrated 3D models of HVAC systems.

• Drafting Applications: Experience with various drafting applications to create and modify engineering drawings of moderate to advanced complexity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as separate tools, the role requires the ability to develop estimates, schedules, and progress reports. This implies familiarity with project management software or tools capable of generating these reports (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or integrated ERP/project management systems).

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM tools are mentioned for this design role. However, the use of advanced CAD and 3D modeling software represents the automation and efficiency tools relevant to the design process itself.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of S3D is a critical keyword. Candidates should highlight any experience with this specific platform, as it's a strong indicator of suitability for complex plant design, especially in industries like nuclear.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-First: A core value is supporting critical government missions (national security, nuclear infrastructure). This translates to a dedication to project success, reliability, and adherence to stringent requirements.

• Leadership & Initiative: As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, the company likely values individuals who take ownership, demonstrate proactivity, and lead by example, especially in technical roles.

• Trust: Essential in the government contracting and nuclear sectors. This implies a culture of integrity, accountability, and reliability in all work performed.

• Innovation & Collaboration: While focused on established processes and regulations, there's an underlying drive for innovation and collaborative problem-solving to meet complex challenges.

• Quality & Compliance: A non-negotiable value, ensuring all designs and processes meet the highest standards of engineering quality and regulatory adherence (DOE Orders).

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers must work closely with engineers from various disciplines (electrical, mechanical, structural), project managers, and field personnel to ensure integrated and constructible designs.

• Feedback & Mentorship: A culture where senior designers (Principals) provide constructive feedback and guidance to junior staff is crucial for skill development and maintaining design quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Open communication channels to share best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights, particularly concerning complex design challenges and regulatory compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values (Leadership, Initiative, Trust) combined with its SDVOSB status and focus on government missions suggest a culture that is disciplined, results-oriented, and values integrity and commitment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying current with and meticulously applying evolving Department of Energy Orders and other federal/state/local codes specific to nuclear or highly regulated environments.

• Advanced Technical Demands: Mastering and applying complex HVAC design principles within challenging physical constraints and for critical operational systems.

• 3D Modeling Proficiency: Adapting to and effectively utilizing advanced 3D modeling software like S3D for intricate design projects, ensuring accuracy and integration.

• Field vs. Design Discrepancies: Effectively bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical field conditions, requiring thorough site walkdowns and adaptive design solutions.

• Security Clearance Requirements: The process of obtaining and maintaining a DOE Security Clearance can be demanding and requires adherence to strict personal conduct and background protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to advanced training on S3D, other 3D modeling tools, and specific HVAC design techniques for critical infrastructure.

• Regulatory Updates: Continuous learning on evolving DOE Orders, safety standards, and compliance requirements within the nuclear and government sectors.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other engineering disciplines, broadening understanding of integrated project delivery.

• Project Management Skills: Developing expertise in project estimation, scheduling, and resource management, potentially leading to project management roles.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior engineers and leaders within Omega Technical Services, fostering career growth and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a candidate who is not only technically skilled but also highly disciplined, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning in a highly regulated and secure environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex HVAC design project you led or significantly contributed to, focusing on the challenges, your approach using CAD/S3D, and the outcome." (Prepare to discuss technical details, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs comply with stringent federal regulations like DOE Orders, especially when working with existing infrastructure?" (Focus on your process for research, application, and verification.)

• "Walk me through your experience with S3D. What are its key advantages for complex HVAC design, and how have you leveraged it?" (Be ready to demonstrate practical application and understanding of its benefits.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Omega Technical Services, particularly our focus on national security and nuclear infrastructure?" (Research the company's mission and values; connect your career goals to their objectives.)

• "How do you align with our core values of Leadership, Initiative, and Trust?" (Provide specific examples from your career that demonstrate these values in action.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase complex HVAC design, S3D proficiency, and regulatory compliance.

• Structure Each Case Study: For each project, clearly outline the objective, your role and responsibilities, the design process (including CAD/S3D usage), challenges encountered and how they were overcome, and the final, measurable results.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., achieved X% efficiency improvement, reduced installation time by Y, met Z regulatory standard).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, software functionalities, and your decision-making process.

• Highlight Teamwork: While focusing on your contributions, also mention how you collaborated with engineers and other team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's seniority and the company's focus, interviewers will likely probe deeply into your experience with complex problem-solving, regulatory adherence, and your ability to lead and mentor.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Omega Technical Services careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your 15+ years of experience in HVAC design, drafting, and engineering construction. Emphasize your proficiency with CAD and specifically S3D, along with any experience in nuclear or DOE/DoD environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a digital portfolio showcasing your most relevant and complex HVAC design projects. Include detailed drawings, 3D models (especially S3D examples), and documentation related to project planning (estimates, schedules). Ensure it demonstrates your understanding of federal and local codes.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions. Focus on articulating your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experience in regulated environments clearly and concisely.

• Research Omega Technical Services: Understand the company's mission, values, and its role in supporting national security. Be prepared to discuss why you are a good cultural fit and how your skills align with their objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.