Restaurant HVAC & Equipment Tech

Job Description Position Summary We are a multi-unit Papa John’s franchise operator serving the Greater Philadelphia region (PA, NJ, and DE). We are hiring a full-time HVAC & Equipment Technician to keep critical equipment running at our restaurants — refrigeration, HVAC, and commercial ovens. This is a dedicated in-house, field-based role: you will be a primary technician responsible for equipment uptime, performing preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs to keep stores operating and food safe. Experience across refrigeration and HVAC is required; training on our pizza ovens will be provided. Key Responsibilities Diagnose, repair, and maintain commercial refrigeration equipment: walk-in coolers and freezers, reach-in and prep-table units, ice machines, and beverage/cold-holding systems. Service and maintain rooftop HVAC package units (gas/electric RTUs), including filter changes, economizer checks, refrigerant charge, electrical, and seasonal start-ups. Maintain, calibrate, and repair commercial pizza ovens (e.g., conveyor and deck ovens) — training on our oven equipment will be provided . Run a preventive-maintenance program across the assigned territory on a recurring schedule to reduce breakdowns and extend equipment life. Respond to service calls and prioritize food-safety, oven-down, and comfort emergencies to minimize downtime and product loss. Recover, recycle, and charge refrigerants in full compliance with EPA Section 608 and maintain required refrigerant-handling records. Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, gas, and control issues; read wiring diagrams and manufacturer specs. Maintain accurate service logs, track parts and inventory on the company vehicle, and flag units that are candidates for replacement. Coordinate with outside contractors and equipment vendors for major repairs, warranty work, crane lifts, and new installs. Partner with store managers and operations leadership to schedule work with minimal disruption to business hours. Required Qualifications EPA Section 608 certification (Universal preferred; Type II minimum) — required to handle refrigerants. 3+ years of hands-on commercial refrigeration and HVAC-R service experience, ideally in restaurant, foodservice, or multi-unit retail settings. Proven ability to diagnose and repair walk-in refrigeration, ice machines, and rooftop package units. Mechanical and electrical aptitude to learn commercial oven service (oven-specific training provided). Valid driver's license and clean driving record (company vehicle provided). Own hand tools; comfortable with gauges, meters, and recovery equipment. Able to work independently across multiple sites and manage a daily route with limited supervision. Reliable, food-safety minded, and responsive to emergencies. Preferred Qualifications HVAC-R trade school diploma, apprenticeship, or equivalent certification. Experience with major brands (Daikin, Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Heatcraft, Manitowoc, True, Hoshizaki) and commercial pizza ovens (Middleby Marshall, Lincoln, XLT). Familiarity with R-32 and R-454B refrigerants and current low-GWP equipment. Electrical and basic plumbing/gas-piping competency. Schedule & Work Environment Full-time, primarily daytime hours aligned to store operations, with rotating on-call for emergencies. Field-based role with daily travel among Philadelphia-area locations (company vehicle provided). Work in coolers/freezers, on rooftops, and in kitchen environments; some weekend or evening work during outages. Physical Requirements Lift and carry up to 50-75 lbs; climb ladders and access rooftops. Work in cold (walk-in freezer) and hot (rooftop/kitchen) conditions and in tight mechanical spaces. Stand, kneel, and bend for extended periods. #J-18808-Ljbffr 6AM City, LLC