Job Title: HVAC Project Engineer / Sales Engineer
Job Location: Greater Chicago Area, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Overview
We are an established and growing mechanical services organization specializing in commercial, industrial, healthcare, institutional, manufacturing, and mission-critical HVAC solutions. Our team delivers innovative engineering, design-build, retrofit, energy efficiency, and facility improvement projects for clients throughout the Greater Chicago market. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, long-term customer relationships, and a culture focused on integrity, accountability, and results.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced HVAC Project Engineer / Sales Engineer to drive project development, engineering, estimating, sales, and execution activities throughout the Greater Chicago area. This position is ideal for a technically skilled professional who enjoys building client relationships, identifying opportunities, developing customized HVAC solutions, and managing projects from concept through completion.
The successful candidate will possess a strong background in commercial and industrial HVAC systems, exceptional customer-facing skills, and the ability to transform technical solutions into successful sales opportunities. This role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to work with a diverse client base including healthcare, education, manufacturing, commercial real estate, and industrial facilities.
Required Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with facility managers, building owners, engineers, contractors, consultants, and key decision-makers.
- Identify and develop new HVAC project opportunities within the Greater Chicago market.
- Conduct site surveys and facility assessments to identify system deficiencies and improvement opportunities.
- Perform heating and cooling load calculations.
- Design HVAC system solutions, including equipment, piping, controls, and ductwork systems.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, and project proposals.
- Select HVAC equipment including chillers, boilers, rooftop units, VRF systems, air handlers, pumps, cooling towers, and control systems.
- Generate professional and comprehensive customer presentations and proposals.
- Present value-driven solutions to building owners and facility leadership.
- Negotiate project scope, pricing, and contract terms.
- Manage projects through engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning, and closeout.
- Coordinate activities with internal engineering, operations, service, and project management teams.
- Monitor project schedules, budgets, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain accurate opportunity tracking and forecasting using CRM platforms.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, building codes, and safety requirements.
- Participate in networking, industry associations, and business development activities.
- Develop energy-efficiency and sustainability-focused HVAC solutions.
- Assist with mentoring junior engineers and project staff.
- Support strategic account management initiatives.
- Participate in design-build and performance contracting opportunities.
- Contribute to regional business growth planning and market development strategies.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of successful experience within the commercial, industrial, institutional, or healthcare HVAC market.
- Proven experience designing, estimating, selling, and managing HVAC projects.
- Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, equipment, and mechanical components.
- Experience performing heating and cooling load calculations.
- Ability to design and estimate ductwork and hydronic piping systems.
- Experience selecting HVAC equipment and preparing complete project proposals.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship skills.
- Experience utilizing CRM systems and sales tracking software.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability to pass criminal background screening and drug screening.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.