Senior Hydraulic & Wet Fire Services Design Engineer

HIP V. HYPE is a multidisciplinary consultancy committed to delivering commercially grounded, evidence-based solutions for a better built environment. We are ambitious yet pragmatic — and where an evidence base doesn't exist, we seek to create it.

Our work spans three integrated teams:

• Better Business - advisory for built environment businesses seeking to mitigate risk and maximise opportunity related to ESG and climate change.
• Better Cities & Regions - research, strategy and advisory to develop and respond to policy for more sustainable, integrated and prosperous cities and regions.
• Better Buildings - management, engineering and design services to optimise the delivery and operation of better buildings.

Role Summary

• Permanent full time position
• Based in Melbourne or Hobart, with hybrid working arrangements available

We are looking for a guru on all things Water, Sewer & Wet Fire Protection, responsible for end‑to‑end Hydraulic Engineering design and delivery across Better Buildings projects.

We expect this role to excel in unpacking client briefs, managing authority liaison and connection applications, leading all Hydraulic calculations and documentation, reviewing and contributing to Revit models, preparing cost estimates, and supporting construction and post‑occupancy phase services.

This role requires someone who has a genuine commitment to designing better, not just what's been done before.

Experience & Attributes

Must Haves

• Demonstrated alignment with HIP V. HYPE values, with a strong and visible commitment to design excellence and sustainability outcomes.
• 7+ years relevant technical design experience in Australia.
• Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
• A formal qualification in Engineering or Building Services Design.
• Senior-level technical skills in Hydraulic & Wet Fire Engineering including: Authority engagement, pressure & flow assessments, Potable water reticulation, metering and filtration, Roof and Stormwater drainage, rain water capture and reuse, Sewer reticulation, trade waste and waste water treatment systems, Domestic Hot Water Systems and Mechanical Integration, Fire Water storage & pumping, Design for Passivhaus including minimisation of services-related thermal bridging and air‑barrier penetrations.
• Deep familiarity with NCC 2022 and discipline‑relevant Australian Standards, Local Authority requirements (Water Authorities, FRV, TasFire, FRNSW etc.).
• Logical reasoning, risk assessment, opportunity identification, and problem‑solving capabilities, underpinned by design thinking principles and evidence‑based decision making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including attention to detail on presentation, spelling, scope clarity etc. for drawings and other technical documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams and Bluebeam, plus an enthusiasm for tech upskilling.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in the use of Revit MEP, sufficient to design and model own designs.
• Advanced skills in discipline‑specific engineering calculation and design software including Geberit ProPlanner, HYENA, SPRINK etc.
• An enthusiastic and positive attitude, and a commitment to personal improvement and Cultural / Team development.

Nice to Haves

• Chartered with Engineers Australia.
• Data Centre, Laboratory and Medical design experience.
• Bushfire and Off‑Grid Buildings design experience.
• Intermediate knowledge across all other Building Services Disciplines.
• Competence in utilising AI‑driven tools to improve operational efficiency and quality of output.

Key Responsibilities

Administration

• Continuously review and enhance internal processes for efficiency and quality assurance to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain Hydraulic and Wet Fire Calculation templates, Design Standards, QA checklists and internal inter‑discipline workflows.
• Manage resource planning for the Hydraulic & Wet Fire Team.
• Support the Head of Better Buildings (Building Services Engineering) with input into fee submissions, and autonomously quote single‑discipline technical engagements.
• Collaborate with the Leadership Team to deliver agreed goals regarding technical capability, project delivery, optimisation, quality and efficiency, and support the focus on these goals throughout the broader team.
• Take initiative in thought leadership and technical acumen, maintaining HIP V. HYPES position as technical leader in the Construction Industry.

Communication

• Uphold excellence in verbal and written communication within HIP V. HYPE, and with our Clients, Consultant Partners, Contractors etc.

Our People

• Mentor and empower more junior staff, promoting a collaborative culture that values curiosity, technical excellence, and clear communication.
• Support team members with structured training from time to time, and foster an environment of knowledge sharing and continual learning.
• Uphold workplace safety by maintaining a risk‑aware culture, adhering to safe work procedures, and ensuring products and systems meet stringent safety standards.

Business Development

• Together with the Head of Better Buildings (Building Services Engineering), occasionally represent HIP V. HYPE at Industry events, including attendance as Subject Matter Expert at University Lectures, Local Government and Community Stakeholder Workshops etc.
• Maintain strong relationships with key clients through excellence in project delivery and a collaborative mindset.

Project Delivery

• Lead Hydraulic & Fire aspects of all projects including Authority Liaison, Documentation, Tender, Construction and Post‑occupancy.
• Personally model / document designs in Bluebeam and Revit
• De‑risk projects by forward planning of barriers to delivery including: Infrastructure Authority Engagement and Connection Applications including Sydney Water Water Services Coordinator engagement, Fire Brigade interaction and Water and Sewer Connections etc.
• Coordination across other design team participants (both for internal Projects by HIP V. HYPE and for external client projects)

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