How do you begin to define an engineer? Maybe they’re an innovator, a problem solver, an inquirer, or a connector. The possibilities are endless.
Every engineer has their own story that adds a layer to what the role truly means. This National Engineers Week, we’re exploring those experiences to uncover the meaning behind this career. In this edition of ThermoTalks: Real People, Real Impact, we unpack the journey of Project Engineer Jon May and Sales Engineer Kyle Edsey to understand what fuels their approach to engineering with impact.
In HVAC, engineers guide the decisions that affect the comfort and safety of the built environment we all rely on. At Thermosystems, they bring unique perspectives to projects and impactful solutions to life for our customers.
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Finding Their Way to the Field
With over a dozen specialties to choose from, engineering allows you to find a path that truly aligns with your career goals. “I had always liked math and science growing up,” Project Engineer, Jon May, shared. That passion led him to pursue mechanical engineering at Bradley University. Kyle Edsey, Sales Engineer, paired a similar interest with interpersonal skills at Iowa State University when studying industrial engineering with a minor in sales engineering. “I really enjoyed understanding how systems worked together and finding efficient solutions,” he explained.
Their education gave them the confidence to tackle complex challenges across numerous specializations. With a desire to transform technical knowledge into tangible results, they found their way to HVAC. “It was really motivating to know that the engineering decisions you make directly affected comfort for people every day,” Kyle noted.
At the intersection of mechanical expertise and highly collaborative work, both Kyle and Jon found that HVAC offers a unique engineering career experience.
Putting Their Expertise into Action
As a project engineer, Jon interprets plans and translates project needs into well-crafted documentation for equipment packages. He’s been able to translate the skills he developed in college directly into his professional workstyle. “As a student athlete, I built strong time management skills,” he mentioned, “and bringing that discipline into my work has helped me stay efficient as project loads fluctuate.” Several other skills have made a notable impact on his work:
- An Analytical Mindset: Reading and parsing plans in a strategic manner.
- A Foundation in Thermodynamics: Leaning on a range of engineering concepts to confidently work with numerous equipment types.
- Problem Solving: Understanding how to anticipate needs and locate unique solutions.
As a part of the sales team, Kyle partners with customers to understand their unique application and identify the best equipment solution for their building. His mix of engineering knowledge and active listening helps him form dependable relationships. “It’s extremely fulfilling to act as the bridge between customers and solutions that set them up for long-term success” he stated. Over time, he’s leaned on many skills, including:
- Big Picture Perspective: Understanding how airflow, acoustics, controls, and all aspects of a building work together to influence operations.
- Technical Translation: Leveraging equipment capabilities to craft tailored solutions and align with customer needs.
- Proactive communication: Being outspoken and wanting to help others.
When no day looks the same, there‘s a chance to create work with a new purpose. That’s something Jon and Kyle have both appreciated as part of the engineering teams at Thermosystems. “Combining perspectives with team members across the field, from engineers to service technicians, has deepened my learning,” Kyle emphasized.
Advice for Young Engineers Today
Throughout the conversation with Jon and Kyle, one thing was clear: to grow as an engineer in HVAC, you have to grow with industry.
From understanding new technologies to gaining field experience, impactful engineering starts with a single mindset: ‘How can I be better today?’ A willingness to learn, detail‑oriented work, and adaptability are just a few of the essential skills they emphasized for new engineers.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Jon said when asked what advice he’d give to engineers today. “Being part of a team that welcomed and encouraged curiosity helped me build momentum in my career.”
When asked what it felt like to be new in their roles, they shared insights applicable to today’s emerging engineers:
Tips for New
Project Engineers:
- Position yourself to understand and optimize workflows by creating checklists for yourself.
- If you’re stuck on a task, be proactive and ask for help instead of holding back.
- Always have good reference points on hand for long processes.
Tips for New
Sales Engineers:
- Take things day by day and remind yourself that learning takes time.
- Spend time on job sites to visualize and understand equipment.
- Never stop communicating. Effective communication elevates a good engineer to a great engineer.
The Impact of Engineering Is Everywhere
When engineering decisions are thoughtful and driven, their impact reaches beyond the walls of a building. Day by day, these ideas compound and help create safer environments for people to live and work in. That collective determination is something we are celebrating this National Engineering Week.
Our engineers, like Jon and Kyle, approach their work in a way unlike others. Every project, every relationship, and every solution is grounded in the goal of making a meaningful difference. Engineering isn’t just technical for our teams; it’s human. Because better buildings start with better partners.
For over 25 years, our engineering teams have been growing, innovating, and meeting every challenge with energy and purpose. Curious to learn more about our team?
