Refrigeration and air conditioning engineer
Design, install and repair cooling systems in buildings. You'd make sure they're safe, effective and meet green standards.
Also known as: HVAC engineer
About the job
Career insights – HVAC engineer
What it's like
You'd design, install and repair cooling systems in buildings so they are safe and effective.
You could specialise in refrigeration. You’d then work on cooling systems in places such as:
supermarkets
restaurants
hospitals
food-processing plants
factories
If you specialise in air-conditioning, you'd install and maintain the systems that control the air quality, temperature and humidity in modern buildings. These include offices, schools and leisure complexes.
Whichever area you work in, you'd:
survey the buildings where cooling systems are to be fitted
discuss requirements with customers
produce quotes for work
design and install systems
run quality checks to make sure systems work properly and safely
diagnose and fix faults
do planned maintenance
You'd also advise customers on how to reduce their energy consumption. You’d be working with renewable energy technologies and the special types of gas used in systems that do not damage the Earth’s atmosphere.
You need to be able to follow technical drawings, building plans and other instructions. It would be important to understand and adopt safe working practices.
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You could:
advise customers on how to reduce their energy consumption
work with renewable energy technologies
use gas that doesn't damage the Earth’s atmosphere in systems
Hours
You'd normally work from 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may also be on a rota for out-of-hours emergency work, which could include evenings and weekends.
Environment
You'd work in all types of buildings, for example supermarkets, hospitals or shopping centres. You might also work on construction sites, which could be dusty and cold. You may have to work in cramped and uncomfortable conditions in order to access some air conditioning and refrigeration units.
Travel
You'd travel from one job to the next in your local or regional area. If you work for a big national company, you may have to work away from home at certain times. You may need a driving licence and access to a vehicle for many jobs.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- hvac
- refrigerant
- refrigeration
- hvac split systems
- air handler
- operational data store
- fan coil unit
- help desk support
- ice machines
- vapor-compression refrigeration
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- taking initiative
- attention to detail
- observation
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- resourceful
- verbal communication
- reading
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Design and Technology
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship leading to a relevant Scottish Vocational Qualification in Electrical Installation or Install, Commission and Maintain Refrigeration Systems (SVQ Level 2/3).
Or a National Certificate (SCQF Level 7), a National Qualification (SCQF Level 7), a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) in areas such as Electrical Engineering.
Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for up to four qualifications at SCQF Level 4/5. You usually have to pass an aptitude test before you can start training.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF Level 5).
Once in a job you must hold current F Gas Certification. You may achieve this as part of a relevant work-based qualification such as Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Install, Commission and Maintain Refrigeration Systems (SVQ Level 2/3) or City and Guilds Refrigerant Handling.
You'll need a driving licence for most jobs.
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