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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HVAC Application Manager

💰 $95,000 - $145,000

EngineeringSales SupportProduct ManagementHVAC

🎯 Role Definition

The HVAC Application Manager is a subject matter expert responsible for the technical success of our HVAC product applications. You will be the go-to resource for analyzing project requirements, selecting the right equipment, and ensuring our solutions meet and exceed customer expectations. This position requires a unique blend of deep engineering knowledge, commercial acumen, and exceptional communication skills to support the sales process from initial inquiry to post-installation. You will act as the technical conscience of the sales organization, ensuring integrity and accuracy in every proposed solution.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior HVAC Application Engineer
  • Senior Sales Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer (with extensive HVAC experience)

Advancement To:

  • Director of Application Engineering
  • Senior Product Manager
  • Regional Sales Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Manager
  • Technical Training Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide expert-level technical support and application guidance to sales engineers, contractors, consulting engineers, and end-users for the complete portfolio of commercial HVAC products.
  • Analyze customer requirements, project specifications, mechanical plans, and building loads to select and configure the optimal HVAC equipment and system solutions.
  • Develop comprehensive technical submittals, including equipment schedules, performance data, psychrometric charts, wiring diagrams, and dimensional drawings to support project bids and approvals.
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison between the sales team, factory engineering, and manufacturing to resolve complex application challenges and ensure product suitability for unique projects.
  • Utilize and maintain expert-level proficiency in proprietary and industry-standard software for equipment selection, energy modeling (e.g., Trane TRACE, Carrier HAP), and system performance simulation.
  • Review and interpret complex engineering drawings, sequence of operations, and building codes (e.g., ASHRAE, Title 24, IECC) to ensure proposed solutions are compliant, efficient, and effective.
  • Lead the technical review of large-scale or non-standard project opportunities to assess risk, feasibility, custom requirements, and overall profitability before quotation.
  • Act as the subject matter expert for key product lines, such as centrifugal/screw chillers, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), and advanced building automation systems.
  • Assist in troubleshooting complex field installation issues, system performance problems, and controls integration challenges, providing advanced remote or on-site support as required.
  • Collaborate closely with the Product Management team to provide detailed market feedback and voice-of-customer insights that influence new product development, roadmaps, and product enhancements.
  • Manage the application engineering support queue, effectively prioritizing requests from various sales channels to meet critical project deadlines and support strategic sales initiatives.
  • Drive the adoption of new or underutilized products by identifying suitable applications and championing their value proposition through targeted training and project-specific recommendations.
  • Provide direct, high-touch application engineering support for key strategic accounts, building strong technical relationships with major clients and consulting firms.
  • Translate complex technical concepts and product features into clear, concise, and persuasive communications for both highly technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Guide customers and sales partners through energy efficiency rebate programs and lifecycle cost analyses to demonstrate the long-term financial value of proposed solutions.

Secondary Functions

  • Develop and maintain an extensive library of technical documentation, application guides, best practice documents, case studies, and selection tools to empower the sales force.
  • Create and deliver high-impact technical training programs and presentations for internal sales teams, channel partners, and customers on product features, benefits, and application best practices.
  • Conduct in-depth competitor product analysis and maintain a current knowledge base of market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive positioning strategies.
  • Participate in and represent the company at industry trade shows, technical seminars, and professional organizations (such as ASHRAE) to network and stay abreast of industry developments.
  • Support the pricing and quotations team with cost and price buildup for complex, custom-configured, or large-scale HVAC systems.
  • Evaluate and recommend third-party components or ancillary products to create fully integrated and optimized HVAC system solutions for specialized customer needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep technical knowledge of commercial HVAC systems, including chillers, air handlers, rooftop units, VRF, and heat pumps.
  • Strong understanding of fundamental engineering principles including thermodynamics, psychrometrics, and fluid mechanics.
  • Proficiency with HVAC system selection and energy modeling software (e.g., vendor-specific tools, Trane TRACE 3D Plus, Carrier HAP).
  • Expertise in reading and interpreting architectural, mechanical, and electrical blueprints, specifications, and control schematics.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of industry standards and building codes, particularly ASHRAE 90.1, 62.1, and 15.
  • Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and controls integration protocols such as BACnet, LonWorks, and Modbus.
  • Ability to perform detailed equipment performance calculations and system analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical topics clearly and persuasively.
  • Superior analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a methodical approach to troubleshooting complex system-level issues.
  • Strong customer-centric mindset with a dedication to providing outstanding service and building lasting client relationships.
  • Excellent presentation and training skills, comfortable delivering technical content to diverse audiences.
  • High-level organizational and time-management skills to effectively manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively across different departments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7-10+ years

Preferred: Extensive and progressive experience in a senior application engineering, systems design, or technical sales support role within the commercial HVAC equipment manufacturing industry. A proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and supporting a high-performance sales team is essential.

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