Mechanical Application Engineer

Description

The Mechanical Applications Engineer will serve as Carolina Chillers' internal technical resource supporting both Project Sales and Construction Fulfillment. This position is responsible for developing practical, technically sound HVAC and mechanical solutions from initial concept through construction, with a focus on complex retrofit, replacement, renovation, and design-build projects.

The role bridges sales, engineering, and field execution by validating system concepts, developing design and installation drawings, resolving technical ambiguity on awarded projects, preparing shop drawings, and researching applicable code requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with practical knowledge of HVAC construction and can translate field conditions, customer requirements, equipment data, and incomplete design information into clear, buildable solutions.

Requirements

Preconstruction

•  Partner with Project Sales representatives to develop technically sound mechanical solutions for complex retrofit, replacement, renovation, and design-build opportunities.
• Evaluate existing HVAC systems, field conditions, customer requirements, and equipment limitations to determine appropriate replacement or modification strategies.
• Perform engineering calculations necessary to validate proposed solutions, including heating and cooling loads, airflow and ventilation requirements, duct sizing, static-pressure evaluation, hydronic flow, pressure drop, pump sizing, piping sizing, and equipment capacity.
• Assist with equipment selections and evaluate manufacturer performance data, application limitations, and system compatibility.
• Identify technical, code, constructability, operational, and installation risks prior to proposal submission or project execution.
• Develop conceptual layouts, sketches, equipment schedules, schematics, technical narratives, and design criteria to support project proposals.
• Participate in customer meetings, project-development discussions, and site surveys when engineering or technical support is required.

Project Fulfillment

• Provide technical support to Project Managers, Superintendents, and field personnel on awarded projects.
• Develop detailed installation drawings when contract documents, existing conditions, or project scope do not adequately define the required installation.
• Resolve mechanical layout conflicts and installation ambiguities before they affect field productivity, schedule, or project cost.
• Assist project teams in evaluating RFIs, equipment substitutions, field modifications, unforeseen conditions, and proposed deviations from contract documents.
• Develop and maintain mechanical drawings using AutoCAD and/or Revit, including HVAC plans, piping plans, duct layouts, sections, details, schematics, and equipment layouts.
• Prepare contractor shop drawings and coordinated installation drawings for larger or more complex projects.
•  Incorporate field measurements, existing-condition information, vendor drawings, submittals, and contract documents into coordinated construction drawings.

General 

• Research and interpret applicable requirements of the International Mechanical Code, International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, NFPA standards, ASHRAE standards, local amendments, and other applicable requirements.
• Maintain awareness of changes in codes, refrigerants, equipment technologies, and industry standards affecting HVAC construction.
• Develop standard details, engineering calculation tools, drawing templates, design guidelines, and other repeatable technical resources for recurring project applications.
•  Perform technical reviews of complex project designs prior to procurement and construction to improve constructability and reduce design-related rework.  

  Skills Required:

• Strong understanding of commercial and industrial HVAC systems, including chilled-water systems, hot-water systems, hydronic pumping, packaged rooftop equipment, air-handling units, VRF and split systems, duct systems, exhaust and ventilation, mechanical piping, and HVAC controls integration.
• Strong mechanical system design, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to perform HVAC and hydronic calculations and apply engineering judgment to existing-building and retrofit conditions.
• Strong understanding of mechanical construction methods, installation practices, and constructability.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable mechanical, building, energy, and life-safety codes and the ability to research unfamiliar requirements.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD required; Revit/BIM experience preferred.
• Experience with HVAC load-calculation, equipment-selection, and engineering software preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, equipment submittals, technical standards, and manufacturer documentation.
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to clearly explain engineering concepts to sales personnel, project managers, field teams, customers, engineers, manufacturers, and vendors.
• Ability to balance technical accuracy with practical field execution and project schedule requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple technical requests and project priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across sales, operations, service, controls, electrical, and field teams.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• Five or more years of experience in HVAC/mechanical design, applications engineering, consulting engineering, design-build construction, or a closely related field preferred.
• Commercial and industrial HVAC experience required; experience with retrofit and existing-building projects strongly preferred.
• Experience developing mechanical design drawings, construction details, shop drawings, or coordinated installation drawings.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in South Carolina is highly desirable but is not required for the position as currently structured.
• Candidate must recognize situations requiring review, design responsibility, or sealing by a licensed Professional Engineer and coordinate with the appropriate Engineer of Record or outside engineering resource.