Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Mobile HVAC Engineer

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

Facilities ManagementEngineeringSkilled TradesBuilding Services

🎯 Role Definition

The Mobile HVAC Engineer is a field-based technical specialist responsible for delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service across a designated geographical area. The core purpose of this role is to ensure the operational integrity, safety, and efficiency of our clients' heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This involves conducting planned preventative maintenance (PPM), responding to reactive service calls, performing complex diagnostics, and executing repairs. The role requires a high degree of autonomy, technical expertise, and a commitment to health and safety, directly impacting client satisfaction, contract retention, and our reputation for technical excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • HVAC Apprentice / Improver
  • Static Site HVAC Engineer
  • Newly Qualified Refrigeration or Gas Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Lead HVAC Engineer / Technical Lead
  • HVAC Supervisor / Field Service Supervisor
  • Contracts Manager / Account Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • BMS (Building Management Systems) Engineer
  • Technical Compliance Manager
  • Project Engineer (HVAC Installations)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules on a wide range of commercial HVAC assets, including VRV/VRF systems, split and multi-split units, air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units (FCUs), chillers, and associated controls.
  • Carry out comprehensive diagnostic and fault-finding procedures on complex HVAC systems to accurately identify electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration-related issues and determine the most effective resolution.
  • Respond to reactive and emergency breakdown calls in a timely manner, adhering to strict service level agreements (SLAs) to minimize client operational downtime and disruption.
  • Perform service, repair, and remedial works on all types of air conditioning, ventilation, and commercial heating systems, ensuring all work is completed to the highest standard.
  • Conduct installation and commissioning of new HVAC plant and equipment, ensuring systems are installed according to manufacturer guidelines, design specifications, and industry best practices.
  • Uphold stringent health and safety standards on every job, conducting point-of-work risk assessments and adhering to all company and client-side safety protocols.
  • Complete refrigerant leak checks and handle refrigerants in full compliance with F-Gas regulations, maintaining accurate and detailed F-Gas logs and records for all activities.
  • Provide detailed and accurate written reports, job sheets, and service records for all work undertaken, utilizing a PDA or mobile device to ensure real-time updates to the CAFM system.
  • Communicate effectively with clients on-site, providing clear and concise updates on work progress, explaining technical issues, and offering professional advice on system performance.
  • Identify opportunities for system improvements, upgrades, or remedial works, preparing and providing information to support the generation of quotations for additional works.
  • Manage and maintain your assigned company vehicle, ensuring it is well-stocked with essential van stock, specialist tools, and testing equipment to achieve a high first-time fix rate.
  • Participate in an out-of-hours emergency call-out rota, providing critical support to clients as required on a rotational basis.
  • Perform minor plumbing and electrical tasks when they are directly associated with an HVAC system fault, within the scope of your qualifications and competency.
  • Systematically test the performance of HVAC systems post-repair or service to verify correct operation and ensure the initial fault has been fully resolved.
  • Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical, plumbing) and subcontractors to deliver a seamless and integrated service on multi-faceted jobs.
  • Read and interpret technical schematics, wiring diagrams, and building plans to aid in diagnostics and installation projects.
  • Keep abreast of new industry technologies, legislative changes, and manufacturer updates to ensure continuous professional development and the application of modern techniques.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to apprentices or junior engineers who may be assigned to work with you.
  • Ensure all specialist tools and test equipment are calibrated and maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.
  • Liaise with the service desk and scheduling team to provide updates on job status, report any delays, and plan your daily workload efficiently.

Secondary Functions

  • Complete detailed digital and paper-based job sheets, service reports, and compliance documentation accurately for submission in a timely manner.
  • Provide technical advice and support to clients, explaining faults and proposed solutions in a clear, non-technical manner to ensure understanding and build rapport.
  • Identify opportunities for system upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, or further remedial works and provide clients or the account manager with the necessary information for quotations.
  • Maintain adequate van stock levels of essential parts and consumables, ensuring efficient inventory management to support a high first-time fix rate.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • F-Gas 2079 Category 1 Certification: Essential for legally handling refrigerants.
  • NVQ Level 2/3 or City & Guilds in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: Demonstrates foundational, certified training.
  • Strong Diagnostic and Fault-Finding Skills: Proven ability to systematically diagnose issues on VRV/VRF, splits, AHUs, and chillers.
  • Multi-skilled Competency: Experience across a diverse range of HVAC equipment from various manufacturers (e.g., Daikin, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Carrier).
  • Commercial Gas Qualifications (Optional but highly valued): COCN1, CIGA1, CORT1, and TPCP1/1A for engineers working on gas-fired appliances.
  • 18th Edition Wiring Regulations: Beneficial for understanding and safely working on the electrical aspects of HVAC systems.
  • Understanding of BMS/Controls: Familiarity with building management systems and HVAC control panels is a significant advantage.
  • Chiller Experience: In-depth knowledge of servicing and repairing water and air-cooled chillers (e.g., screw, scroll, reciprocating).
  • Safe Handling of Refrigerants: Deep knowledge of regulations, recovery, and charging procedures.
  • Installation and Commissioning: Ability to install and set up new systems from start to finish.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent Customer-Facing Skills: Ability to communicate professionally and build rapport with a diverse range of clients.
  • Strong Problem-Solving Mindset: A logical and methodical approach to overcoming technical challenges.
  • Autonomy and Self-Management: Capable of working independently, managing own workload, and making sound decisions in the field.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in both practical work and the completion of all required documentation.
  • Safety Conscious: A proactive and unwavering commitment to health and safety for oneself and others.
  • Time Management: Effective planning and organization to meet multiple appointments and deadlines throughout the day.
  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt to different site environments, equipment types, and client requirements.
  • Team Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with office-based teams and other engineers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Formal apprenticeship in a relevant trade.
  • City & Guilds 2079 F-Gas Category 1.
  • NVQ/City & Guilds Level 2 in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

Preferred Education:

  • NVQ/City & Guilds Level 3 in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
  • Manufacturer-specific training certificates (e.g., Daikin D-CHECK, Mitsubishi Electric, etc.).
  • Relevant commercial gas certifications (ACS).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of post-qualification experience working as a mobile service engineer in a commercial or industrial environment.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience working across a portfolio of commercial properties such as offices, retail spaces, data centres, or healthcare facilities. A stable and consistent employment history is highly regarded as it demonstrates reliability and commitment.

Explore More Careers