Role Description

Engineering > HVAC Designers

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
46340.0000 60090.0000 77400.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+5%

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Candidate Supply: 21 Job Openings: 750

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Short Description:

HVAC design engineers create and develop refrigeration and heating systems for commercial and residential properties. Travel is an essential element of this job, as HVAC design engineers must go to various construction sites and properties to assess heating and cooling needs and design various systems to address these needs.

Duties / Responsibilities:

HVAC design engineers perform various job duties based on the size of the heating and cooling projects they work on, the type of property where systems are needed, and the heating and cooling needs of customers. However, these core job tasks are the same despite these differences:

  • Design HVAC Systems - HVAC design engineers create heating and cooling systems and their controls.
  • Calculate Heating and Cooling Needs - HVAC design engineers make load calculations to determine how much heating and cooling power various equipment must put out in order to heat or cool spaces when needed.
  • Interpret and Draft Plans - HVAC design engineers read and interpret construction plans, schematics, and blueprints for new construction projects. They also draft new plans to design ductwork and piping systems.
  • Calculate Ventilation Requirements - HVAC design engineers calculate ventilation requirements based on the types of systems needed.
  • Determine Budget Costs - HVAC design engineers determine costs for heating and cooling systems and write up detailed budget estimates.
  • Coordinate with Others - HVAC design engineers coordinate and collaborate with architects and engineers when designing heating and cooling systems.
  • Adhere to All Building Codes - HVAC design engineers follow all building codes and obtain proper building permits when necessary.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Time management – HVAC design engineers use time management skills to work within tight deadlines and finish projects on time
  • Mathematics – because HVAC design engineers make numerous calculations, excellent math skills are essential for this job
  • Communication skills – HVAC design engineers use communication skills to write budget estimates and speak with customers and other designers
  • Mechanical expertise – HVAC design engineers use their mechanical abilities to design complicated heating and cooling systems
  • Analytical thinking – HVAC design engineers use analytical skills to determine how much heating and cooling power is needed for a specific space, then turn these estimates into design concepts
  • Multitasking – HVAC design engineers may work on many different heating and cooling projects at once, which requires a talent for multitasking
  • Customer service – HVAC design engineers answer questions, present budget bids, and make recommendations about heating and cooling systems to customers

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
  • Related Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
  • SVP Range: (6.0 to < 7.0)

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