EBum
Mechanical
- May 21, 2015
- 4
Hello,
I've started a position at a global A&E firm doing HVAC design work on advanced facilities (semiconductor facilities, pharma buildings, datacenters). I intend to obtain my PE license within 4 years. I have a BSME and have no previous HVAC design experience, though I do have some facilities engineering experience.
Being that I am at the beginning of my HVAC career (though I've been an engineer in various other industries for about 8 years), I'd like to identify 'niche' areas within the HVAC industry that may be worth specializing in. At the moment, I am lucky enough that I have some say in which kind of work within HVAC engineering I'd like to focus on at the company I'm with. An example of a niche area I've come across already is duct/pipe vibration analysis that seems to be offered by few firms. My company subcontracts this work out.
I have no desire to work for a massive company (like I do now), but I am fully aware that this is the place where I'll cut my teeth, learn skills, and network. Rather, I envision working for myself and offering HVAC design-related services to large or small clients on a contract basis far down the road. I am curious to hear which niche areas within HVAC design engineering are worth specializing in to make this goal a reality.
And yes, I know "working for yourself" is much easier said than done and running a business is a job in and of itself.
I've started a position at a global A&E firm doing HVAC design work on advanced facilities (semiconductor facilities, pharma buildings, datacenters). I intend to obtain my PE license within 4 years. I have a BSME and have no previous HVAC design experience, though I do have some facilities engineering experience.
Being that I am at the beginning of my HVAC career (though I've been an engineer in various other industries for about 8 years), I'd like to identify 'niche' areas within the HVAC industry that may be worth specializing in. At the moment, I am lucky enough that I have some say in which kind of work within HVAC engineering I'd like to focus on at the company I'm with. An example of a niche area I've come across already is duct/pipe vibration analysis that seems to be offered by few firms. My company subcontracts this work out.
I have no desire to work for a massive company (like I do now), but I am fully aware that this is the place where I'll cut my teeth, learn skills, and network. Rather, I envision working for myself and offering HVAC design-related services to large or small clients on a contract basis far down the road. I am curious to hear which niche areas within HVAC design engineering are worth specializing in to make this goal a reality.
And yes, I know "working for yourself" is much easier said than done and running a business is a job in and of itself.