An HVAC application engineer is, in effect, a problem solver who finds out customer needs on a project, and then selects the correct products most suited to that building.

This includes working as a technical advisor to help both colleagues (in customer service, sales and manufacturing) and clients understand what a particular HVAC product is and how it can be applied.

Day-to-day activities

The role of an HVAC application engineer can be extremely varied.

daily activities can include selecting HVAC products and preparing quotations for them that meet clients’ requirements and budgets. An application engineer will also provide technical support, specialist product information and training to both staff and customers.

Other activities could include attending meetings with clients to establish their needs and propose design solutions, as well as writing white papers, and installation and maintenance instructions. .  As a technical expert they could be called upon to present CPD’s to specifiers.

Qualifications

Each employer will be looking for slightly different qualifications and experience depending on their priorities and markets. Most will look for an NVQ in a relevant HVAC field or a degree, HNC or HND in mechanical engineering, computer science or IT.

Skills and attributes

An HVAC application engineer needs to have an understanding and / or experience of HVAC systems and services. Experience of HVAC software selection tools and IES software is essential, while skills in AutoCAD and Revit, Excel and PowerPoint are also desirable.

The role also demands technical, numeracy, analysis and sales skills, as well as a strong understanding of industry developments, regulations and legislation. Also essential for the role is an excellent knowledge of both the company’s and competitors’ products.

The ideal candidate for the role would be someone who pays attention to detail, is flexible, confident and able to work as part of a team or on their own initiative. They would also have excellent communications skills, not just to explain technical information varying levels of detail, but also to listen to a client’s requirements.

Customer relationships are important in this role, so an HVAC application engineer will also need be able to build and maintain strong relationships.

Earning potential

HVAC application engineers typically earn between £35,000 and £45,000 basic salary, with a range of additional benefits.

Job satisfaction

Career development can be good, and if you’re working for an international company there can be the opportunity to work abroad.

The variety of tasks involved in carrying out the role means that the job remains interesting and challenging, and the role itself can require creativity and innovation.

Find out more

If there’s something you’d like to know about the role of an HVAC application engineer that we haven’t covered here, we’d be happy to help further. Or we could point you in the direction of HVAC application engineer roles available right now. Call us on 0115 8714 777.