An HVAC technician is trained to carry out specific tasks, an HVAC engineer develops the machinery, invents new technology, and designs new products. From winter hockey to summer baseball, ice cream to silicon wafers, mechanical engineering affects your daily life in more ways than you realize. If you have ever gotten a flu shot, flown on an airplane, eaten ice cream or frozen waffles, worked on a computer at school, swam in a heated pool, visited the penguins in the zoo, gone ice skating or even just stood under an air conditioning vent in your house to cool off you’ve experienced a special kind of mechanical engineering called heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating (HVAC&R) engineering. Additionally, the HVAC engineer must excel in communication and teamwork to ensure effective collaboration with various stakeholders.
They are skilled in the design and sizing of HVAC systems and are proficient in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and thermal simulation software. To become an HVAC engineer, it is generally necessary to obtain an engineering degree in climate engineering, energy engineering, or mechanical engineering. A master's degree specialized in HVAC systems, energy efficiency, or sustainable building can also be considered. The HVAC engineer supervises installation and commissioning, develops maintenance and upkeep plans, and ensures compliance with current standards and regulations.
The HVAC engineer is responsible for designing and sizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. At the beginning of their career, an HVAC engineer can expect a gross monthly salary ranging from 3,000 to 3,500 euros. In collaboration with other construction trade professionals, they coordinate interventions for harmonious integration of HVAC solutions. With experience, an HVAC engineer can progress to positions such as HVAC project manager, head of design office, technical director, or energy performance consultant.
An HVAC engineer (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) is a professional specialized in the design, installation, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
