The Chief Mechanical Engineer – HVAC Systems is the principal technical authority responsible for leading the mechanical design, development, and performance optimization of advanced HVAC products and systems. This role combines deep subject matter expertise with technical leadership to drive innovation, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver high-performance, energy-efficient solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC applications. The Chief Engineer collaborates cross-functionally with R&D, product management, controls, testing, manufacturing, and quality teams to oversee product integrity from concept through lifecycle support.
Serve as the lead authority on mechanical engineering aspects of HVAC system design, including heat exchangers, compressors, fans, air distribution, and refrigerant circuits.
Develop and guide system architectures and performance specifications to meet product requirements for energy efficiency, capacity, noise, and cost.
Lead thermal, structural, and airflow simulations and validation using advanced CAE tools (e.g., CFD, FEA, thermodynamic modeling).
Oversee mechanical design execution through all phases of the product lifecycle, including concept, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and release.
Champion development of next-generation technologies, including low-GWP refrigerants, variable-speed systems, and compact/high-efficiency designs.
Ensure integration of mechanical components with controls, electronics, and smart system features.
Define and enforce mechanical engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines across projects and teams.
Maintain adherence to industry codes and regulatory requirements, including AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, ISO, and DOE.
Review and approve key engineering deliverables (e.g., design specifications, drawings, DFMEA, test plans).
Partner with electrical, controls, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, and product robustness.
Collaborate with sourcing and supplier development teams to specify and validate key mechanical components and assemblies.
Support field operations and service engineering in root cause analysis and design improvements.
Mentor mechanical engineering teams across multiple projects and disciplines.
Drive technical excellence through coaching, design reviews, and ongoing skills development.
Lead efforts to develop internal capabilities in advanced simulation, prototyping, and materials engineering.
HVAC system architecture and thermomechanical design
Heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and refrigerant system engineering
Advanced simulation, CAD/CAE, and design validation techniques
Regulatory compliance and industry standard conformance
Product innovation and technology integration
Cross-functional technical leadership and collaboration
Mentorship and technical team development
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent (required)
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Sciences (preferred)
PE (Professional Engineer) license preferred
Certification in HVAC design or energy modeling tools (e.g., HAP, TRACE, CFD) is a plus
12+ years of experience in mechanical design and engineering of HVAC products
Significant experience in new product development and engineering validation
Track record of technical leadership on complex, cross-functional engineering programs
Hands-on experience with component and system-level testing and failure analysis
Expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics applied to HVAC systems
Proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and CAE tools (e.g., ANSYS, Fluent, MATLAB/Simulink)
Familiarity with manufacturing processes including sheet metal, plastics, brazing, and assembly
Understanding of HVAC industry standards and regulatory codes
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to lead design reviews, resolve technical conflicts, and influence technical direction
High attention to detail, quality, and engineering rigor