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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HVAC Design Engineer

💰 $85,000 - $125,000

EngineeringMechanical EngineeringConstructionBuilding SystemsMEP

🎯 Role Definition

As an HVAC Design Engineer, you will be the creative and technical force behind the building systems that provide comfort and safety to occupants. You will take projects from initial concept through to final commissioning, applying your deep knowledge of mechanical engineering principles to design efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This role requires a blend of technical mastery, creative problem-solving, and collaborative communication, as you will work closely with architects, clients, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-quality, code-compliant designs that shape the built environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Mechanical/HVAC Engineer
  • Mechanical Designer (EIT)
  • Mechanical Engineering Graduate

Advancement To:

  • Senior HVAC Design Engineer
  • Lead Mechanical Engineer
  • MEP Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Energy Engineer / Analyst
  • Commissioning Engineer
  • Technical Sales Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop comprehensive HVAC system designs for a variety of building types including commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities, from initial schematic design through construction administration.
  • Perform detailed heating and cooling load calculations using industry-standard software like Trane TRACE 3D Plus or Carrier HAP to accurately size equipment and systems.
  • Design and lay out complex ductwork and piping systems, ensuring optimal airflow and hydronic performance while coordinating with architectural and structural elements.
  • Select and specify major HVAC equipment, such as air handling units (AHUs), chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and rooftop units, based on performance requirements, energy efficiency, and project budget.
  • Create detailed construction documents, including mechanical plans, sections, details, and schedules, using AutoCAD and Revit MEP with a high degree of precision.
  • Develop and edit comprehensive mechanical specifications outlining material quality, installation standards, and functional requirements for all system components.
  • Ensure all designs comply with relevant building codes (IBC, IMC), energy codes (IECC), and industry standards, particularly those from ASHRAE (e.g., 62.1, 90.1, 55).
  • Coordinate extensively with other engineering disciplines, including electrical, plumbing, and fire protection, as well as with architects and structural engineers to deliver a fully integrated building design.
  • Participate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination meetings, resolving clashes and collaborating with the project team to maintain a constructible 3D model.
  • Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and life cycle cost analyses to support design decisions and provide value-driven recommendations to clients.
  • Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from contractors during the construction phase, providing timely and accurate clarifications to the design documents.
  • Review contractor submittals and shop drawings for HVAC equipment and systems to ensure compliance with contract documents and design intent.
  • Conduct periodic site visits and field inspections to monitor construction progress, verify installation quality, and resolve field-related issues as they arise.
  • Provide engineering support for the testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) and commissioning processes to ensure systems operate as designed.
  • Interface directly with clients, architects, and project stakeholders to understand project goals, present design concepts, and manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and designers, assisting in their professional development and reviewing their work for quality and accuracy.
  • Research and evaluate new HVAC technologies, materials, and design methods to foster innovation and enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of our projects.
  • Assist project managers with the development of project schedules, budgets, and engineering fee proposals.
  • Analyze existing HVAC systems in renovation projects to assess conditions, identify deficiencies, and develop effective retrofit and upgrade strategies.
  • Design sophisticated HVAC control systems and develop sequences of operation to optimize system performance, energy usage, and occupant comfort.

Secondary Functions

  • Support proposal development by contributing to the technical scope of work and estimating engineering hours required for new project opportunities.
  • Participate in internal quality control and peer review processes to ensure the consistency and excellence of all mechanical engineering deliverables.
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of company-wide engineering standards, details, and best practices.
  • Engage in continuous professional development by attending industry seminars, workshops, and training to stay current with emerging trends and technologies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • HVAC System Design: Expertise in the design of various HVAC systems (VAV, VRF, Chilled Water, Geothermal).
  • Load Calculation Software: Proficiency with Trane TRACE 3D Plus, Carrier HAP, or similar energy modeling software.
  • CAD/BIM Software: Advanced skills in Autodesk Revit MEP and AutoCAD for creating and managing design documents.
  • ASHRAE Standards: In-depth knowledge of key ASHRAE standards, including 90.1 (Energy), 62.1 (Ventilation), and 55 (Thermal Comfort).
  • Code Compliance: Strong understanding of International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Building Code (IBC), and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
  • Psychrometrics: Ability to perform detailed psychrometric analysis for air-side system design and troubleshooting.
  • Equipment Selection: Experience selecting and specifying a wide range of mechanical equipment from various manufacturers.
  • Duct & Pipe Sizing: Competency in sizing ductwork and hydronic piping systems using manual calculations and software tools.
  • Control Systems: Knowledge of DDC control systems and developing effective sequences of operation.
  • Construction Administration: Experience with the RFI, submittal review, and field observation process.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to resolve complex technical challenges.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, colleagues, and contractors.
  • Collaboration: A team-oriented mindset with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough approach to design and documentation to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage time, tasks, and priorities effectively to meet project deadlines and budgets.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on thermal-fluid sciences or building systems.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Architectural Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in HVAC design for commercial, institutional, or healthcare facilities.

Preferred:

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or an active Engineer in Training (EIT) certification with a clear path toward licensure.
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