I am a results-driven Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer with over 10 years of experience delivering sustainable energy, HVAC, and mechanical projects across New Zealand, Sweden, and Norway. I hold a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Systems and have a strong track record of managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, budgets, and end-to-end project delivery in technical and safety-critical environments. My technical strengths include CAD, CFD, and system optimisation. I am a New Zealand permanent resident and will soon be relocating to my newly built home in Kaiapoi. I excel at turning complex challenges into practical, buildable solutions, leading diverse teams, and communicating clearly with stakeholders at all levels. I bring hands-on engineering and maintenance experience across propulsion, electrical, and safety systems, combined with a strong focus on indoor climate optimisation. I am motivated to apply my blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and educational experience to energy and HVAC projects that deliver long-term value and measurable impact.

Christian Walldén

I am a results-driven Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer with over 10 years of experience delivering sustainable energy, HVAC, and mechanical projects across New Zealand, Sweden, and Norway. I hold a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Systems and have a strong track record of managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, budgets, and end-to-end project delivery in technical and safety-critical environments. My technical strengths include CAD, CFD, and system optimisation. I am a New Zealand permanent resident and will soon be relocating to my newly built home in Kaiapoi. I excel at turning complex challenges into practical, buildable solutions, leading diverse teams, and communicating clearly with stakeholders at all levels. I bring hands-on engineering and maintenance experience across propulsion, electrical, and safety systems, combined with a strong focus on indoor climate optimisation. I am motivated to apply my blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and educational experience to energy and HVAC projects that deliver long-term value and measurable impact.

Available to hire

I am a results-driven Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer with over 10 years of experience delivering sustainable energy, HVAC, and mechanical projects across New Zealand, Sweden, and Norway. I hold a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Systems and have a strong track record of managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, budgets, and end-to-end project delivery in technical and safety-critical environments. My technical strengths include CAD, CFD, and system optimisation.

I am a New Zealand permanent resident and will soon be relocating to my newly built home in Kaiapoi.

I excel at turning complex challenges into practical, buildable solutions, leading diverse teams, and communicating clearly with stakeholders at all levels. I bring hands-on engineering and maintenance experience across propulsion, electrical, and safety systems, combined with a strong focus on indoor climate optimisation. I am motivated to apply my blend of technical expertise, project leadership, and educational experience to energy and HVAC projects that deliver long-term value and measurable impact.

See more

Work Experience

Project Leader & Captain – New Zealand Circumnavigation Self-Directed Project at Self-Directed Project / New Zealand Circumnavigation
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Led a self-initiated sailing expedition around New Zealand, managing full project lifecycle logistics, engineering, and risk mitigation. Responsibilities included budgeting, procurement, navigation planning, risk assessments, contingency planning, and emergency preparedness for solo and crewed operations. Performed maintenance on propulsion, electrical, and safety systems; improved onboard indoor climate by optimizing ventilation and insulation. Trained crew in navigation, seamanship, and safety procedures, and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
Production & HVAC Design Engineer at DHM, Hamilton
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Designed and delivered energy-efficient HVAC systems for residential and commercial clients; managed workshop operations. End-to-end delivery across design, quotation, installation, and commissioning; produced technical drawings using AutoCAD and iZone. Improved delivery lead times from 2–3 weeks to 24 hours through process streamlining. Strengthened stakeholder relationships through clear technical communication and responsive service.
Educational Consultant & Teacher at Ackebrink
January 1, 2021 - Present
Delivering specialised training and consulting within energy and construction disciplines, with current focus on Smart Grid and solar power.
Development Engineer at Superheat, Christchurch
July 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Focused on heat transfer performance and energy optimization in domestic hot water systems. Feasibility & Testing: verified and maintained a test rig for performance testing and certification; Data Analysis: supported product development through data-driven testing; Compliance: contributed to improved product efficiency and EECA regulations.
Sales Engineer – Marine HVAC at Novenco AS, Bergen, Norway
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2016
Specialised in designing and selling energy-efficient HVAC systems for specialised vessels including hospital boats and battery-operated ferries. Managed complex project delivery under energy and space constraints; closed retrofit project deals during recession; led cross-border training for Shanghai office on OceanComfort software; designed HVAC systems for retrofit projects and new vessel builds using AutoCAD and OceanComfort.
High School Teacher (Math/Science) at Ystad Fria Läroverk
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2021
Taught mathematics, science, and technology with a focus on leadership and communication.
High School Teacher (Math/Science) at Teach for Sweden
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Taught mathematics and science at secondary level with emphasis on leadership and communication.
Plumbing & HVAC Teacher at Polytechnic School, Malmö
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Taught plumbing and HVAC with focus on real-world applications in multi-storey buildings.
Project Manager (Volunteer) at Engineers Without Borders, Tanzania
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Led a student team in the installation of water pumps, managing logistics and civil works.

Education

Master of Science in Engineering (Sustainable Energy Systems) at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2014
Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education (Technology) at Karlstad University / Halmstad University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Behavioural Insights for Sustainable Resource Management
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
Certification in Leadership – Teach For Sweden
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Driver's License (NZ/Sweden)
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026
Forklift License (NZ)
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Education, Real Estate & Construction