Technical Director-HVAC

Job Description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

The HVAC Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides strategic and technical leadership in the design, validation, and operation of HVAC systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. This role ensures compliance with global regulatory standards (cGMP, WHO, USFDA, EU-GMP) and supports cross-functional teams in delivering robust, compliant, and energy-efficient HVAC solutions. The SME is recognized as an expert with deep, specialized knowledge of HVAC systems, providing technical leadership for complex design, operation, and maintenance projects. His role involves high-level strategic planning, problem-solving, and quality assurance, within the organization, contributing to functional strategy, solving complex problems, and leading initiatives that have a broad impact on business operations. Manage the activity as assigned by Group Lead / DM.

HVAC Technical Expertise & Design Leadership

- Serve as the go-to expert for all HVAC-related technical matters.
- Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on HVAC-related infrastructure planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory readiness.
- Recognized as an expert within the company with in-depth expertise in HVAC and broad knowledge of related disciplines (e.g., automation, quality, validation).
- Serve as the subject matter expert for all HVAC-related technical matters across pharmaceutical projects.
- Lead HVAC system design and engineering, ensuring compliance with ASHRAE, ISHRAE, NBC, EU GMP Annex 1, USFDA 21 CFR Part 11, WHO, ISPE, and ISO 14644.
- Design and validate HVAC systems for sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing areas, including cleanroom classification, pressure cascade zoning, and HEPA filtration.
- Review and validate complete HVAC design packages including heat load calculations, AHU zoning, pressure zoning, and equipment selection.
- Perform CFD analysis and energy modelling to optimize airflow, thermal zoning, and system efficiency.
- Develop and maintain HVAC design standards, specifications, and best practices across regulated environments.

Strategic Planning & Innovation

- Advise senior leadership on HVAC infrastructure planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory readiness.
- Develop long-term HVAC roadmaps aligned with business growth, sustainability goals, and evolving compliance landscapes.
- Drive innovation by integrating smart sensors, AI-based predictive maintenance, and energy optimization tools.
- Spearhead adoption of digital twin technology and smart building solutions for predictive HVAC performance.
- Evaluate ROI and payback periods for HVAC retrofits and green building certifications (LEED, IGBC).

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Problem Solving

- Lead cross-functional collaboration with QA, Validation, Manufacturing, Automation, and IT teams.
- Solve complex HVAC issues including temperature excursions, pressure drops, and contamination risks.
- Lead RCA and CAPA planning for HVAC deviations with cross-functional impact.
- Collaborate with automation and cybersecurity teams to ensure HVAC data integrity and compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and DCIM platforms.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with QA, Validation, Manufacturing, Automation, IT, and Facility Engineering teams to ensure HVAC systems meet operational, compliance, and business objectives
- Partner with sustainability and energy teams to align HVAC operations with corporate ESG goals and energy reduction targets
- Lead HVAC impact assessments during facility expansions, retrofits, and technology transfers
- Provide HVAC expertise during cross-functional audits, mock inspections, and regulatory readiness assessments.

Here's what you'll need

Technical and Development

- Strong experience on design of pharmaceutical / Life Science /Biotech facility / Speciality Chemical in terms of HVAC design.
- Sound knowledge of pharmaceutical / Life Science /Biotech facility architectural layout and process sequence and pharma regulatory requirement.
- A proven understanding of relevant industry standards, such as ASHRAE, OSHA, and NFPA.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
- Selection of HVAC Equipment / Items
- Sound experience of Hazardous Area Classification
- Design and selection of LAFs, fume hoods, and biosafety cabinets.
- Design and calculation of dust extraction systems, sound, static pressure, and acoustic parameters.
- HVAC system design for low RH applications (as low as 5%).
- Cold room and freezer design up to -40C.
- HVAC design for OEL-5 category potent and BSL facilities.
- Good knowledge in terms of carrying out detailed heat load calculations.
- Good knowledge in terms of carrying out pump head and Fan static pressure calculations
- Sound knowledge of engineering code and standard including, ASHRAE, SMACNA, ISO & clean room guidelines
- Sound knowledge of designing of ducting, piping and HVAC controls & PIDs review / AFD reviews.
- MTO/BOQ Preparation.
- Sound knowledge of Preparation of HVAC tender documents and Technical Bid Evaluation HVAC High side / Low side
- Strong knowledge of current pharma standards, ASHRAE, SMACNA, ISO, Singapore standards, and cleanroom guidelines is must.
- Deep understanding of HVAC systems, energy modelling, and building physics.
- Certifications such as LEED AP, PMP, or equivalent are a plus.
- Experience in semiconductor and data center projects is an advantage.

Construction engineering deliverables.

People and Team

- Contributes to a culture of excellence in quality work and successful projects
- Build appropriate relationships with relevant project stakeholders
- Works towards achieving best for project outcomes
- Provide feedback and coaching to junior team members
- Supports internal learning and development / knowledge sharing in area of expertise within Jacobs
- Supervise and mentor junior HVAC engineers and designers. Facilitate training and development programs.
- Develop working relationships across various disciplines
- Strong communications skills
- Strong negotiation skills

Client and Industry

- Maintain and build on client relationships, internal and external, through an understanding of client needs and effective communication.
- Strong skill in writing effective email
- Client liaison and attendance at external project meetings

Project Delivery and Performance

- Experience on major and multidisciplinary pharma projects within India or abroad
- A desire to achieve high quality outputs and deliver excellent service
- Support to achieve best for project outcomes
- Identify and address issues that would impact on desired project outcomes.
- Right First Time in delivery with adoption of zero defect and beyond zero approach

AtJacobs we value people. Having the right balance of belonging, career and lifestyle enables us to consistently deliver and exceed clients expectations.

Working alongside industry leaders, you will have the opportunity to develop your career working on key projects in an environment which encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. To support your professional growth, Jacobs flexible working arrangements, extended leave options and a host of social, health and wellbeing events and initiatives will underpin our commitment to you.

At Jacobs it's all about what you do, not where you are, which counts

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.