For more than 75 years, Air Equipment Company has been solving the toughest HVAC challenges with smart, reliable solutions. We partner with over 45 leading manufacturers to bring cutting-edge air systems to life—and we do it with a team that values agility, collaboration, and fresh thinking. From engineers to sales and support, every voice on our team plays a part in pushing the industry forward.
If you’re looking for your next move, we’re glad you found us. At AEC, you’ll join a company where local roots meet the strength of a national network—giving you the tools to grow, the space to innovate, and the chance to make a real impact from day one. We review every application carefully and appreciate your interest in growing your career with our team.
Applied Products: Project Manager & Estimator
Reports to: Senior Sales Engineer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Air Equipment Company (AEC) is a leading HVAC Equipment and Solutions provider serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Headquartered in Louisville, we operate three offices with a team of over 60 employees. Representing more than 50 manufacturers, we deliver innovative systems and flexible solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each application. From the conceptual stage to project completion, we collaborate with industry professionals and end-users to provide energy-efficient, value-added solutions to complex challenges. We are proud to have been recognized as one of Kentucky's Best Places to Work for three consecutive years and ranked among the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in Kentucky. These accolades reflect our commitment to fostering a positive work environment and delivering exceptional value to our customers.
The Opportunity
This role will require learning all aspects of AEC applied equipment products and systems to estimate and manage projects. As the Project Manager/Estimator, this individual will be responsible for equipment applications, project pricing, producing and managing submittals, equipment ordering, and project management. Must be detailed and customer service oriented and have excellent organizational skills. Position requires a high level of oral and written correspondence with the sales team, customers and manufacturers to ensure timely completion of assigned projects while maintaining customer satisfaction. Must be able to work well with others in a fast-paced & high-volume environment.
Responsibilities
- Create and maintain job files for each project throughout its duration
- Optimize the project through the stages of product selection, specifications, plans, estimates, proposals, value engineering and redesigns
- Ability to manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis and ensure projects stay within budget
- Updating project billing milestones and managing margin slip.
- Communicate with owners, architects, MEP Consultants and General, Mechanical and Temperature Controls Contractors
- Organize project related data for order entry
- Respond to and track IOM & Submittal requests
- Read, understand and interpret building plans & specifications
- Develop and grow relationships with customers, contractors, project engineers and manufacturers
- Determine project requirements, constraints, and sales team responsibilities to meet all the customer’s system design, installation and maintenance expectations
- Investigate concerns, implement corrective action and communicate with customers and co-workers as necessary to maximize customer satisfaction
- Develop a strong understanding of applied products, including rooftop units, air handling units, terminal units, humidifiers, and chillers, among others.
Measure of Success
1. Technical Proficiency:
a. Demonstrate expertise in applications engineering by independently creating accurate submittals, reviewing designs, and supporting the sales team within the first six months.
b. Complete at least 80 hours of product training on key product lines within the first year.
2. Customer Satisfaction:
a. Receive positive feedback from internal stakeholders and external customers, measured through quarterly feedback.
3. Operational Efficiency:
a. Maintain detailed and up-to-date records in Salesforce and Share Point, tracking all opportunity activities, customer interactions, and project progress.
Education, Experience and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or minimum of (5) years of field experience in mechanical or building controls applications.
- Working knowledge of MEP consulting, architecture, design, CAD, general contracting, mechanical contracting, engineering or construction industry.
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task, deal with ambiguity and manage high volume projects
- Strong PC skills in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Knowledge/Skill Set:
- Effective interpersonal and customer service skills
- Strong written, verbal, and presentational communication skills
- Must have the ability to switch quickly between tasks based on priority and timeline
- Works well within a team dynamic to ensure timely execution of tasks
- High computer proficiency (comfort with Word, excel, and using an internet browser)
- Critical thinking ability, willingness to learn
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit
- Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity and continually required to talk or hear
- Continually utilize visual acuity to read technical information, and/or use a keyboard
- Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items less than 25 pounds
Resources Provided
- On-boarding program with one-on-one support from Senior Sales Engineer and other team members
- Professional development opportunities through seminars, conferences, web-based training, and onsite manufacturer visits as well as custom Individual development plans
- This job description shall remain fluid and will be reviewed on an as needed basis.
Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.
Salary ranges listed are dependent upon a candidate’s qualifications, experience, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the specific role and location.
