Convincing your Boss

[kepharda]

So here is the problem I have today. I am a Mechanical Engineer with about 5 years experience working for a consulting firm. Recently I oversaw the drawing for a installation of the HVAC Duct and fittings for a customer. We brought in a outside consultant to perform the calcs. as I nor anyone else at our office specializes in HVAC. Other than moving around a few ducts or installing a fan or two this was my first HVAC project ever.

Now a new project comes down the pipe and they have asked me to go onsite to look at the HVAC system. I am worried that I will be asked to do this project on my own. It looks to be about a ~$500,000 project with replacement of multiple Air Handlers and Chiller units.

What are the things I should bring up to the Boss after this visit to convince him that we will need a HVAC Specialist to Design this system properly.

thanks for the suggestions,

dave

 

[simsd]

Is he nuts?

I hope it's not your stamp going on the drawings.

I've got an idea. Why don't you get the outside HVAC guy to your type of engineering and see how that goes.

 

[kepharda]

No, he isn't nuts I am just trying to head off any problems before they start.

My plan is to present him with precise reasons why I am unable to do the work rather than a "I don't know HVAC." response.

 

[NCDesign]

Unfortunately for you I think the best response is the one you don't want to use. If your expertise and work has been in another discipline or application you should have no shame in that. That is unless you are leaving out a big chunk of information like HVAC is why you are there in first place.

Just be simple and straight forward. Tell him that the scope is outside of your expertise and that you will need outside support to complete the project. Sell him on the fact that you will be working with someone who is experienced in this aspect of work and that you will be able to gain valuable experience so the next time something like this comes down the pipe you and now his firm will have the necessary expertise in house.

There is nothing more dangerous than an ignorant-incompetent. That is someone who doesn't know what they don't know. At least you have an idea of what it is that you don't know.

 

[kepharda]

No, I am not here to do HVAC, one of the other experienced MEs that used to handle the HVAC has left the Company.

And that is the basis of the problem. With much of the stuff we do here (heavy industrial) there are a couple of people that are quite familiar with the different Industries/Specialties. With HVAC we don't have anyone. So there isn't really anyone to look over my work.

I don't mind using the "I don't know HVAC" but the boss is the owner and a fairly tough character and good engineer. So I know I need my arguments solid if I have any hope of getting this to go my way.

Well I will be on-site tomorrow, I will give an update of my HVAC Adventure then and maybe a clearer picture of the requirements.

 

[RossABQ]

I've been put in this situation and have used it to learn a new area. Your boss needs to understand that it will be a learning experience, and you may need help, but if you make the effort, you should be able to pick up a lot of knowledge from the tradesmen and thru self-study. Think of it as job security -- you'll now become the multi-talented guy when other HVAC work comes in.

The internet is brimming with good material on HVAC. You can't ever stop learning! Good luck!

 

[atlas06]

I am an HVAC guy who was asked to do industrial design one time, I was capable because I had 6 years of Machine design in the industrial world prior to HVAC, so I was able to point out the differences between the two trades to the boss and told him that this is not what I do for a living, that it is not our line of work, that we shouldn't even touch this kind of projects.
Unfortunately, he had already signed the contract and I had to do it. It was a simple project about lime feeding pipes failing, the HamerTek elbows solved the problem.

I suggest that you approach him with an "in-your face attitude" and he will understand quickly. He is a business man, he will understand liability.

What he needs is a moonlighter for this job.

 

[AbbyNormal]

Where I am from, the definition of unprofessional conduct includes doing that which you are not competent to do.

Take the "V" out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC(k) job.

 

[RossABQ]

Is the Boss asking you to design the systems, or oversee installation of someone else's design? I took your OP to mean you would be the field guy. Design would not be appropriate, services during construction is different.

 

[willard3]

Go to the site, take copious notes, draw diagrams.

Next day, go the boss with your papers and say:" I don't understand ANY of this and we'll get sued if I have to do it."

 

[simsd]

Thanks guys. You confirmed what I said.