ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hvac Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Becks Heating and Air Conditioning

Be Seen First

HVAC Technician

Highland Park, IL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

On-Call optional HVAC Technician and Installer position available We are a second generation family HVACR shop looking for solid, hard working, and hungry HVAC technicians and installers. We are ...

Becks Heating and Air Conditioning

Be Seen First

HVAC Technician

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

On-Call optional HVAC Technician and Installer position available We are a second generation family HVACR shop looking for solid, hard working, and hungry HVAC technicians and installers. We are ...

Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning,

Be Seen First

Hvac Installers

Joliet, IL · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

ATTENTION ALL HVAC SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND INSTALLERS! Assurance Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased to offer outstanding career opportunities for residential and commercial HVAC Service Techs ...

Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning,

Be Seen First

Hvac Installers

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

ATTENTION ALL HVAC SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND INSTALLERS! Assurance Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased to offer outstanding career opportunities for residential and commercial HVAC Service Techs ...

Actalent

HVAC Project Manager

Aurora, IL

Manage RFIs and other project documentation required for design-build HVAC projects. * Support and collaborate with internal stakeholders including engineering, CAD, estimating, and operations to ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHvac Design Engineer JobsHvac Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Hvac Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$68K

$98.4K

$122.6K

How much do hvac design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for hvac design engineer in Chicago, IL is $98,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,600.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an HVAC design engineer?

HVAC Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings. They create plans and technical specifications to ensure systems provide comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Their work involves selecting appropriate equipment, calculating heating and cooling loads, and ensuring compliance with building codes and standards. HVAC Design Engineers often collaborate with architects, contractors, and other engineers throughout the design and construction process.

What does an HVAC design engineer do?

An HVAC design engineer designs and installs heating, venting, and air conditioning systems. This career is a mechanical engineering specialty, and responsibilities include engineering heating, venting, or air conditioning systems that fulfill a client’s needs. They oversee the installation and consider various factors, such as square footage of the space, hours per day of use, and energy costs when they design the system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HVAC design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HVAC Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, HVAC system design, and a relevant engineering degree, often with EIT or PE certification. Proficiency in CAD software, load calculation tools (like HAP or Trace), and building codes is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you deliver optimal designs and collaborate with clients and project teams. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and compliant HVAC systems in diverse building projects.

What are some common challenges faced by HVAC design engineers during project execution?

HVAC Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with architects and other engineering disciplines to ensure system compatibility and adherence to building codes. Balancing energy efficiency with project budget constraints is another frequent issue. Tight deadlines and managing changes in project scope can also add complexity, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills. Collaborating effectively with contractors and responding quickly to on-site issues are essential for successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Hvac Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHvac Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting companies, construction projectsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, construction
Industry UsageSpecialized in HVAC systems for buildingsBroader engineering applications including HVAC, machinery, and systems

Hvac Design Engineers focus specifically on designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings, requiring specialized HVAC knowledge and certifications. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. Both roles often require similar credentials but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

More about Hvac Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Hvac Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Hvac Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Hvac Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Hvac Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hvac Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Hvac Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Hvac Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hvac Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,355 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Associate Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site

Northern Impact
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Northern Impactexternal

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Overview
A nationally recognized building-systems engineering consultancy is seeking an Associate Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to help lead its Chicago practice. The organization delivers sophisticated, high-performance MEP solutions for complex buildings across healthcare, education, commercial, hospitality, transportation, and other markets.
This is an opportunity for an established mechanical engineering leader to shape a local team, deepen client relationships, and take ownership of technically challenging work from early planning through construction.
Position Description
The Associate Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will serve as a discipline leader across multiple MEP projects. This person will blend advanced HVAC design expertise with team leadership, business development, project delivery, construction-phase support, and exceptional client service.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing local MEP design team.
  • Develop and maintain trusted relationships with architects, owners, and other local clients.
  • Lead HVAC system selection, engineering, design, and interdisciplinary coordination.
  • Prepare and oversee HVAC drawings, analyses, specifications, calculations, and other technical deliverables.
  • Direct and support HVAC design staff while maintaining high standards for quality, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Provide construction administration and conduct site observations for assigned projects.
  • Communicate clearly with clients and project partners while providing responsive service to internal and external teams.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • At least 10 years of experience in MEP mechanical design and consulting.
  • Demonstrated team-leadership and staff-management experience.
  • Project management experience within the MEP industry.
  • Strong client-service, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes and HVAC design systems.

Desired Experience & Skills:
  • Professional Engineer license or equivalent depth of experience.
  • LEED accreditation.
  • Working knowledge of IES-VE.
  • A relationship-driven leadership style and the ability to support both technical delivery and practice growth.

Benefits:
Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000 annually, plus eligibility for a conditional bonus.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k), life insurance, disability coverage, and transportation benefits.
  • Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end office closure.
  • Professional development, mentorship, and opportunities for continued career growth.
  • Paid volunteer time and opportunities to contribute to the local community.

Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are ready to combine technical leadership, team development, and client partnership in a role with meaningful influence, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Help guide exceptional people and projects while building the next chapter of a growing Chicago practice-apply today.
This position offers a flexible hybrid schedule with a minimum of two days per week in the Chicago office.
The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Apply