Job brief
We are looking for a dedicated HVAC Engineer to lead the design and optimization of climate control systems for our diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial projects. You will act as the technical lead for MEP coordination, ensuring that every system we install is energy-efficient, code-compliant, and built for long-term sustainability. You will collaborate with architects, contractors, and building owners to transform complex requirements into functional, high-performance mechanical designs. If you are passionate about innovative thermal engineering and want to make a measurable impact on building infrastructure, we invite you to join our engineering team.
Key highlights
- Design and engineer complex HVAC systems, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and chilled water systems, ensuring optimal climate control.
- Perform rigorous heat load and energy modeling analysis using industry-standard software like TRACE 700 or Carrier HAP for large-scale projects.
- Draft comprehensive mechanical construction drawings and P&IDs using AutoCAD MEP or Revit to facilitate precise installation by field crews.
- Ensure all HVAC system designs strictly adhere to ASHRAE, NFPA, and local mechanical code requirements for safety and regulatory compliance.
What is a HVAC Engineer?
An HVAC Engineer is a specialized mechanical engineer focused on the design, installation, and management of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems. By applying thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer principles, an HVAC Engineer ensures buildings maintain optimal air quality and thermal comfort. Their expertise is critical in reducing energy consumption through sophisticated automation and sustainable building practices, directly influencing the long-term operational costs and environmental impact of industrial and commercial infrastructures.
What does a HVAC Engineer do?
An HVAC Engineer performs heat load calculations using software like TRACE 700 or HAP to determine the precise requirements for diverse building envelopes. They produce detailed mechanical blueprints in AutoCAD or Revit, coordinate the integration of piping and ductwork with structural engineers, and conduct site inspections to verify compliance with ASHRAE standards. Additionally, an HVAC Engineer troubleshoots complex control systems and works alongside facility managers to calibrate Building Management Systems (BMS) for peak performance and system reliability.
Key responsibilities
- Design and engineer complex HVAC systems, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and chilled water systems, ensuring optimal climate control.
- Perform rigorous heat load and energy modeling analysis using industry-standard software like TRACE 700 or Carrier HAP for large-scale projects.
- Draft comprehensive mechanical construction drawings and P&IDs using AutoCAD MEP or Revit to facilitate precise installation by field crews.
- Select and specify high-efficiency mechanical equipment, including AHUs, chillers, and boilers, based on project load requirements and budgetary constraints.
- Conduct thorough site surveys to evaluate existing mechanical infrastructure and identify opportunities for energy retrofits and system upgrades.
- Ensure all HVAC system designs strictly adhere to ASHRAE, NFPA, and local mechanical code requirements for safety and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborate with the Building Management System (BMS) controls team to program sequences of operation that maximize energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
- Provide technical oversight during the equipment commissioning phase to resolve installation issues and verify performance metrics meet design intent.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline from an ABET-accredited program.
- EIT certification or a professional Licensed Mechanical Engineer (PE) credential preferred for senior-level project management roles.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit MEP for creating 2D/3D mechanical system models and construction documentation.
- Strong technical knowledge of psychrometrics, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics as applied to modern commercial HVAC systems.
- Experience working with Building Management Systems (BMS) and DDC controls to monitor and optimize mechanical plant operations.
- Familiarity with LEED certification requirements and sustainable design strategies to improve overall building energy performance ratings.
- Demonstrated ability to translate technical engineering specifications into actionable instructions for contractors and trade partners during construction.
- Strong analytical mindset to troubleshoot mechanical failure modes and implement permanent corrective engineering solutions in existing facilities.
FAQs
What does an HVAC Engineer do on a daily basis?
An HVAC Engineer spends their time balancing design work, calculation modeling, and field coordination. Daily tasks often include drafting blueprints, calculating airflow requirements, selecting equipment like chillers or boilers, and attending project meetings to resolve clashes with other building trades. They also spend significant time ensuring their designs meet strict building codes and energy standards.
What are the essential HVAC Engineer skills?
Key skills include proficiency in HVAC design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and energy modeling programs (TRACE 700/HAP). A successful HVAC Engineer must also possess a deep understanding of thermodynamics, psychrometrics, and local building/mechanical codes. Furthermore, they need strong project management abilities to coordinate mechanical systems with architectural and electrical components during the construction lifecycle.
Who does an HVAC Engineer work with during a project?
An HVAC Engineer is highly collaborative and works closely with architects, structural and electrical engineers, and general contractors. They also engage with building owners to define project needs, equipment vendors to source specific machinery, and commissioning agents to verify that systems operate as intended once installed. This multidisciplinary teamwork is vital for a successful construction project.
Why is an HVAC Engineer important for modern construction?
An HVAC Engineer is essential because they are directly responsible for the health, safety, and comfort of a building's occupants. Beyond thermal comfort, they play a critical role in energy conservation; efficient mechanical designs significantly lower a facility's operational costs and carbon footprint. As green building certifications like LEED become more common, the role of an HVAC Engineer in designing sustainable, high-performance systems is more valuable than ever.