Commercial HVAC/R Estimator / Applications Specialist

HVAC/Refrigeration Application Engineer

About Mr. C Refrigeration

Mr. C Refrigeration provides installation, emergency repair, and preventative maintenance services for commercial and industrial refrigeration, cold storage, and HVAC equipment. We partner with customers to develop reliable, efficient HVAC/R solutions designed around their facilities and operational requirements.

Position Summary

Mr. C Refrigeration is seeking an experienced HVAC/Refrigeration Application Engineer to support the design, equipment selection, estimating, and pre-construction planning of commercial and industrial refrigeration and HVAC projects.

This is a highly technical role requiring someone who can take plans, drawings, specifications, and customer requirements and turn them into a complete HVAC/R solution. The Application Engineer will calculate system requirements, select and specify equipment, develop project pricing, prepare technical information and submittals, and provide a complete project package for handoff to Project Management.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of commercial refrigeration systems and equipment and is comfortable working across engineering, estimating, vendors, sales, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Review architectural, mechanical, refrigeration, and construction drawings to determine HVAC/R and refrigeration requirements for proposed projects.

• Perform refrigeration and HVAC load calculations for applications including warehouses, cold-storage facilities, walk-in coolers/freezers, drive-in coolers/freezers, and other commercial or industrial refrigeration systems.

• Evaluate project requirements and determine the appropriate system design, equipment capacities, components, and refrigeration equipment needed to meet calculated loads.

• Select and specify equipment through established manufacturers and supplier partners based on project loads, customer specifications, efficiency requirements, applicable codes, availability, and budget.

• Develop equipment schedules and technical submittal information for incorporation into refrigeration drawings and MEP sets, including capacities, dimensions, weights, electrical requirements, refrigerant requirements, and other equipment specifications.

• Work with equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain technical information, equipment selections, lead times, and pricing.

• Develop detailed equipment and installation estimates for proposed projects, including equipment, materials, labor, freight, subcontracted work, and other project-related costs.

• Prepare complete project quotations for the Sales team to present to customers.

• Review vendor and subcontractor proposals to verify pricing, equipment selections, scope, and compliance with project requirements.

• Review refrigeration drawings, equipment schedules, and manufacturer production drawings for accuracy and ensure equipment selections match approved project specifications.

• Identify discrepancies, missing information, potential design issues, or scope gaps during the estimating and pre-construction process.

• Perform energy-use calculations and equipment comparisons to evaluate system efficiency, operating costs, and alternative equipment solutions.

• Stay current on changing HVAC/R codes, refrigeration regulations, refrigerant requirements, and industry standards, including A2L refrigerants, CO2 refrigeration, COMcheck, and applicable energy requirements.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and supplier partners to support competitive pricing, equipment availability, and technical resources.

• Identify and develop qualified subcontractor relationships in geographic areas or scopes not directly serviced by Mr. C Refrigeration.

• Support Sales with technical questions, equipment recommendations, system alternatives, and project-specific solutions during the proposal process.

• Provide a complete technical and financial project handoff to Project Management following award, including equipment selections and quotations, installation budget, subcontractor scope, anticipated construction duration, project assumptions, and preliminary schedule.

• Remain available as a technical resource to Project Management throughout the project when questions arise regarding equipment selections, specifications, or original project scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline preferred, OR equivalent professional experience working with commercial HVAC/Refrigeration systems and equipment.

• Strong understanding of commercial and/or industrial HVAC and refrigeration systems, including system components, equipment selection, and application.

• Experience reviewing and interpreting mechanical plans, refrigeration drawings, construction documents, specifications, and equipment schedules.

• Experience performing or interpreting HVAC/R load calculations and equipment sizing.

• Ability to select refrigeration equipment based on loads, application requirements, operating conditions, and project specifications.

• Knowledge of commercial refrigeration applications such as cold storage, warehouses, walk-in/drive-in coolers and freezers, condensing units, evaporators, and related refrigeration equipment.

• Familiarity with applicable HVAC/R codes and energy requirements, including COMcheck.

• Knowledge of evolving refrigerant regulations and technologies, including A2L refrigerants and CO2 systems, preferred.

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with the ability to evaluate multiple equipment and system options.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify potential design, equipment, or scope issues before a project reaches construction.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers, sales teams, project managers, engineers, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and subcontractors.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit is helpful but not required.

• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

About Smart Care

Smart Care is a national repair and service provider for commercial foodservice, refrigeration, and cold storage equipment. Our offering of comprehensive mechanical services includes hot side cooking equipment, stand-alone refrigeration, specialty coffee and beverage, complex rack refrigeration and HVAC.

Smart Care is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected class status.  All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation with respect to Smart Care’s application or hiring process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources department at HR@smartcaresolutions.com.