2025 Top Women in HVAC: Apurva Vijay Pitale

Apurva Vijay Pitale
How and when did you enter the HVACR industry?
I always wanted a career where I could apply my engineering knowledge to something that makes a real-world impact. HVACR stood out because it directly affects comfort, health, and energy use while also playing a big role in sustainability. This industry is a mix of innovation, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility, which felt like the perfect fit for my skills and values. I joined Daikin in 2022, and I have been learning something new every single day. The more I learned, the more I realized how the HVACR industry blends engineering, innovation, and sustainability in a way that keeps me learning and growing every day.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working in HVACR?
For me, the most rewarding part of working in HVACR has been seeing how my individual work directly contributes to systems that improve comfort, efficiency, and sustainability for people every day. At Daikin, I have had the chance to work on projects where even small design changes can make a big impact on performance and cost. Also, it has been incredibly rewarding to support and guide other women starting out in mechanical engineering, helping them grow in confidence and see just how far they can go in this industry.
Describe the proudest moment in your career.
One of my proudest moments was contributing to a new product launch as part of the design team. It was my first time being responsible for deliverables from start to finish, and successfully completing it gave me the confidence to take on more complex work. With guidance from senior engineers and persistence in finding the right solution, I learned that even early in my career, I could make a meaningful impact.
How can we increase the number of women in HVACR?
Early outreach through STEM programs, internships, and mentorship can make a big difference in increasing the number of women in HVACR. Equally important is fostering an inclusive workplace where women have access to mentorship, training, and clear opportunities for advancement, while ensuring hiring and promotion processes are free from bias. By highlighting the successes of women in the industry, we can inspire future talent and challenge outdated perceptions. To grow women’s representation in HVACR, we must break stereotypes, place more women in leadership roles, and make inclusion a standard across the industry.
What remains on your HVACR bucket list — what do you aspire to do that you haven’t accomplished yet?
One of my biggest goals is to reach a major leadership milestone, which is leading an HVAC project from the design phase all the way to a successful project launch. Over time, I hope to step into a role where I can help shape engineering strategies, guide important design decisions, and drive innovation in this industry. I believe in creating space for women in HVACR, sharing what I have learned, creating opportunities, and building a supportive network that helps them grow and succeed. My aim is to inspire more women to join, stay, and excel in this industry, creating a stronger, more inclusive future for HVACR.
What advice do you have for women who are considering entering the HVACR field?
My advice would be to go for it with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, as the opportunities are vast. Don’t be discouraged by being one of the few women in the room, but instead, make it an advantage by bringing your unique perspective to the table. Learn the technical side thoroughly, build a strong network, seek out mentors, and remember that your perspective brings value. Most importantly, remember that your voice matters, so use it to contribute, innovate, and lead.
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