Sheet Metal Design Development Trade Specialist
About The Position
The Sheet Metal Design Development Trades Specialist will support the Design Management Team in developing functional, coordinated, and cost-effective ductwork and air distribution designs. This role works closely with project managers, engineers, VDC teams, and site teams to ensure constructability, airflow performance, and installation efficiency, while reducing coordination issues and supporting successful execution across complex mechanical projects. This role is important to Modern Niagara because it brings practical sheet metal and airside expertise into the design phase, helping ensure duct systems are coordinated, buildable, and efficient before fabrication and installation begin. By connecting design intent with shop, field, and VDC execution, it reduces rework, improves installation sequencing, and supports stronger cost and schedule performance. It also strengthens Modern Niagara’s ability to deliver high-quality design-assist and design-build solutions across complex HVAC projects.
Requirements
- Certified Journeyperson Sheet Metal Worker or equivalent experience.
- 10+ years of experience in commercial, institutional, or healthcare sheet metal construction, with a focus on ductwork coordination and pre-construction.
- Strong understanding of HVAC air distribution systems, duct design principles, airside coordination, and installation practices.
- Experience in design-assist or design-build mechanical projects is a significant asset.
- Ability to interpret and review mechanical, reflected ceiling, architectural, and structural drawings.
- Proficiency in Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and Navisworks (or other BIM software).
- Strong ability to identify constructability, coordination, and fabrication challenges early in the design phase.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in sheet metal design and construction, ensuring ductwork systems align with project goals, constructability requirements, and installation best practices.
- Participate in estimating turnover and pre-construction meetings to provide trade-specific input on duct routing, equipment layout, and installation sequencing.
- Review consultant submissions for duct sizing, air distribution layouts, and mechanical room arrangements to ensure performance and buildability.
- Propose alternative duct routing, fabrication approaches, or material strategies to optimize cost, schedule, and installation efficiency.
- Lead and participate in design development meetings to ensure duct systems are coordinated with piping, electrical, architectural, and structural elements.
- Interface with VDC teams to ensure 3D models and shop drawings reflect duct dimensions, access requirements, insulation allowances, and installation clearances.
- Proactively identify and resolve conflicts between ductwork and other building systems during the design phase before fabrication and installation.
- Support scope development and pricing for Design Revision Requests (DRRs) related to ductwork and air distribution systems.
- Ensure designs support applicable code requirements, SMACNA standards, and project-specific performance criteria.
- Conduct page-turn reviews with project execution teams to confirm design documents meet fabrication and field installation requirements.
- Assist in developing material take-offs, equipment connection details, and fabrication planning for long-lead or custom airside components.
- Work closely with piping, electrical, controls, and structural teams to coordinate equipment connections, ceiling space, supports, and access requirements.
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
