Sheet Metal Design Development Trade Specialist

Sheet Metal Design Development Trades Specialist

Support the Design Management Team in developing functional, coordinated, and cost‑effective ductwork and air distribution designs. Work 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.

Bringing practical sheet metal and airside expertise into the design phase ensures duct systems are coordinated, buildable, and efficient before fabrication and installation begin. This reduces rework, improves installation sequencing, and strengthens schedule and cost performance across complex HVAC projects.

• Drive early‑stage ductwork and air distribution design decisions that improve constructability, coordination, and installation efficiency.
• Reduce project risk, cost, and schedule impacts by identifying routing conflicts, space constraints, and value engineering opportunities before fabrication begins.
• Support efficient, code‑compliant HVAC airside systems through close collaboration with engineers, VDC teams, project managers, and field leaders.
• Improve delivery certainty by aligning design intent, prefabrication needs, and field execution requirements across the project lifecycle.

• Leadership:
  Provide leadership in sheet metal design and construction, ensuring ductwork systems align with project goals and installation best practices.
• Pre‑Construction:
  Participate in estimating turnover and pre‑construction meetings to provide trade‑specific input on duct routing, equipment layout, and installation sequencing.
• Design Review:
  Review consultant submissions for duct sizing, air distribution layouts, and mechanical room arrangements to ensure performance and buildability.
• Value Engineering:
  Propose alternative duct routing, fabrication approaches, or material strategies to optimize cost, schedule, and installation efficiency.
• Coordination:
  Lead and participate in design development meetings to ensure duct systems are coordinated with piping, electrical, architectural, and structural elements.
• VDC/BIM Support:
  Interface with VDC teams to ensure 3D models and shop drawings reflect duct dimensions, access requirements, insulation allowances, and installation clearances.
• Clash Detection:
  Proactively identify and resolve conflicts between ductwork and other building systems during the design phase.
• Change Management:
  Support scope development and pricing for Design Revision Requests (DRRs) related to ductwork and air distribution systems.
• Compliance:
  Ensure designs support applicable code requirements, SMACNA standards, and project‑specific performance criteria.
• Page‑Turns:
  Conduct page‑turn reviews with project execution teams to confirm design documents meet fabrication and field installation requirements.
• Procurement & Fabrication Planning:
  Assist in developing material take‑offs, equipment connection details, and fabrication planning for long‑lead or custom airside components.
• Cross‑Trade Coordination:
  Work closely with piping, electrical, controls, and structural teams to coordinate equipment connections, ceiling space, supports, and access 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 problem‑solving skills to identify constructability, coordination, and fabrication challenges early in the design phase.

New position. Expected annual compensation: $100,000 - $130,000.

• Performance‑based bonus opportunities
• Defined contribution pension plan with generous employer contribution
• Flexible health and dental benefits with tiered options
• Annual health spending account
• 24/7 confidential support through Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Competitive vacation package with additional days earned during tenure
• Employer‑paid parental leave top‑up
• Annual community volunteer day
• Corporate discounts across various vendors

Modern Niagara is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, Black, racialized, 2

SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada. Contact us at  for accommodations during the recruitment process.