Lead HVAC Technician

MalaceHR is seeking an experienced Lead HVAC Technician to oversee day-to-day HVAC maintenance activities while remaining actively involved in troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance of commercial HVAC systems.

This position requires strong hands-on experience with chilled water systems, rooftop units (RTUs), VRF/VRV systems, air handling units, pumps, VFDs, and associated HVAC controls , along with previous experience supervising, leading, or directing HVAC technicians and maintenance personnel .

The Lead HVAC Technician will be responsible for assigning daily work, providing technical guidance, supporting complex repairs, ensuring preventative maintenance is completed on schedule, and maintaining strong communication with facility leadership and customers.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and technical direction to HVAC technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Assign and prioritize preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, service requests, and repair activities.
• Monitor technician workloads and ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and within established timelines.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for complex HVAC troubleshooting and equipment failures.
• Perform advanced diagnostics, maintenance, and repair of commercial HVAC systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot chilled water systems , including chillers, pumps, control valves, coils, piping, and associated equipment.
• Service and repair rooftop units (RTUs), air handling units (AHUs), fan coil units, split systems, and packaged HVAC equipment .
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair VRF/VRV systems , including indoor and outdoor units, refrigerant circuits, controls, and communication issues.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and HVAC control-related problems.
• Troubleshoot VFDs, motors, belts, sheaves, bearings, actuators, dampers, relays, contactors, and control circuits .
• Review work orders and preventative maintenance schedules to ensure required work is completed and properly documented.
• Inspect completed work for quality, safety, and compliance with established procedures.
• Provide hands-on coaching, training, and technical development to HVAC technicians.
• Assist with onboarding and training new team members.
• Help identify skill gaps and recommend additional technician training when appropriate.
• Coordinate repair activities with other facility trades, vendors, contractors, and customer representatives.
• Manage escalated HVAC service requests and communicate equipment status, repair needs, and timelines to facility leadership.
• Assist with obtaining repair quotes, ordering parts, coordinating vendors, and planning larger maintenance activities.
• Review equipment performance and identify recurring failures, operational issues, and opportunities to improve system reliability.
• Utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) and HVAC control systems to monitor equipment performance and support troubleshooting.
• Interpret wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, equipment schematics, sequences of operation, and manufacturer documentation.
• Ensure technicians follow proper refrigerant handling, lockout/tagout, electrical safety, PPE, and other established safety practices.
• Maintain accurate service records, equipment histories, inspection documentation, and maintenance reports.
• Support emergency response and after-hours HVAC issues as required.
• Maintain professional communication with customers, facility management, vendors, and internal team members.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide daily supervision and direction to HVAC technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Assign work based on technician skill level, priorities, and facility needs.
• Monitor technician performance, productivity, workmanship, and adherence to safety requirements.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to team members.
• Assist management with employee performance feedback and development.
• Support scheduling, shift coverage, overtime coordination, and emergency response needs.
• Help maintain a strong team culture focused on safety, customer service, accountability, and technical excellence.

Essential Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• TDLR registration or applicable state/local HVAC registration or licensing.
• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification required.
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Previous experience leading, supervising, or directing HVAC technicians or maintenance personnel .
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot complex commercial HVAC systems.
• Strong knowledge of chilled water systems, RTUs, VRF/VRV systems, AHUs, pumps, and HVAC controls .
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including experience with motors, VFDs, contactors, relays, sensors, and control circuits.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and sequences of operation.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple service requests and maintenance activities in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver's license as required for the position.

Preferred Experience

• 7+ years of commercial HVAC service and maintenance experience .
• 2+ years of lead, supervisory, or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong experience with commercial chilled water systems .
• Extensive experience servicing and troubleshooting RTUs .
• Hands-on experience with VRF/VRV systems .
• Experience with chilled water pumps, AHUs, VAV boxes, FCUs, cooling towers, control valves, and hydronic systems.
• Experience troubleshooting VFDs, sheaves, belts, motors, and mechanical drive systems .
• Familiarity with Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Experience managing preventative maintenance programs and technician work orders through a CMMS.
• Experience working in commercial, industrial, healthcare, laboratory, critical environment, or large campus facilities preferred.