HVAC engineer is a professional who is engaged in providing specialized engineering services in the areas related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The HVAC engineer responsibilities comprise designing, testing, and manufacturing the systems related to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation so that they are properly fitted to meet the required specifications for the old buildings as well as the newly constructed buildings. Thus, he/she plays a vital role in leading, managing, and overseeing the functioning of the HVAC engineering department.
Key Responsibilities of an HVAC Engineer
The HVAC engineer is responsible for taking into account the clients' needs and designing the system wherein these requirements will be fulfilled by carrying out these duties within the given budget standards. He/she determines the scope of the clients' project and makes sure that it is completed within the given deadline. His/her work may include replacing and upgrading the current system to meet the newly developed system requirements and may require to do some repairing work as well. The system is installed only after the approval from the management. His/her work includes installing the ductwork, tubing all the mechanical and electrical components and other related tasks like troubleshooting, repairing, recycling, etc. He/she is also involved in managing thef team, estimating the cost, and communicating with the other departments to ensure successful completion. Here are some points mentioned below which will help you in giving a clear picture about the key responsibilities that need to be shouldered by an HVAC engineer:
The HVAC engineer makes sure that all the HVAC engineering deliverables are in compliance with the project and other relevant regulatory requirements and that it meets with the approved specifications and data. He/she attends and monitors the regular schedule of the engineering deliverables and keeps a track on its progress. He/she participates in the meetings and may provide technical consultation to the clients. Thus, he/she is involved in completing all the responsibilities that are associated with the relevant position like designing, preparing the project specifications and its scope, ensuring that the junior staff members are mentored in the right direction, and that the assigned technical work is being completed accurately.
Essential Skills
The individual aspiring to make a career in this field must have an engineering aptitude and must be creative to develop innovative HVAC designs. Excellent communication skills, good understanding and interpretation of the project requirements, delivering it on the given deadline and within the given budget standards, excellent organization, time management, and supervisory skills are some of the qualities that will help in ensuring success.
Educational Requirements
The most basic eligibility criteria is that an individual should have completed a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or an electrical degree or diploma. Previous work experience related to HVAC systems designing, production, or service related work experience would definitely prove to be an advantage while applying for the desired job. Any other professional certification or licensure would be beneficial.
Work Schedule
Though the work schedule is standard, i.e., requiring him/her to work for forty hours weekly, he/she may need to work overtime in case the project needs to be completed on time.
Salary Details
The professional in this field earns a minimum starting salary of $56,000, which may go up for an experienced professional in the range close to $112,000. It is also dependent on the size, type, location, and the level of responsibilities that one needs to handle in that organization.
Career Prospects
In the recent years, there is a huge growth for the HVAC engineering professionals and those who have proven their skills and abilities have definitely got better scope for growth to senior positions.
Thus, in order to ensure success and become a complete professional, the HVAC engineer responsibilities must be carried out effectively and efficiently.