HVAC Lab Technician / Setup Tech Shift 1

Setup Technician Engineering Laboratory

We are seeking an experienced and dependable Setup Technician to support testing and validation activities within an engineering laboratory environment. This role is responsible for executing tests, operating commercial chillers in both water-cooled and air-cooled laboratory settings, setting up test environments, calibrating equipment, and ensuring efficient chiller operation.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with commercial HVAC systems, laboratory testing, and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration equipment. This position requires strong technical skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform basic to moderately complex technical tasks in support of engineering projects and product testing.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, inspect, and maintain chillers, test systems, and laboratory equipment.
• Operate and troubleshoot water-cooled and air-cooled commercial chillers.
• Work safely with electrical equipment, including 460V/3-phase/60Hz machinery.
• Perform HVAC operation and refrigerant handling activities.
• Utilize and calibrate laboratory instrumentation for pressure, temperature, flow, and electrical measurements.
• Select, connect, and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems.
• Perform loop calibration, valve configuration, and single- and double-loop setup activities.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and calibrate power management systems, VFDs, boilers, pumps, and valve configurations.
• Support test execution and optimize test cycles for efficiency and performance.
• Report testing results, observations, and issues to engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve technical issues.

Lab Safety, Maintenance & Uptime

• Promote and maintain a safe work environment while supporting EHS and 5S initiatives.
• Monitor laboratory equipment performance and report instrumentation failures.
• Support preventive maintenance activities to maximize laboratory uptime and reliability.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.

Reporting & Documentation

• Collect and report test status, performance data, and issue logs.
• Apply measurement techniques and troubleshooting methodologies to support testing activities.
• Assist with test report preparation and documentation.
• Proactively address testing challenges by collaborating with engineering and development teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Technical/Business School Certificate, Skilled Trades Apprenticeship, High School Diploma, or GED.
• 1+ years of experience using hand and pneumatic tools.
• Experience working with flow, temperature, and pressure measurement equipment.
• Experience handling precision measuring instruments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in commercial chiller and/or HVAC operations.
• 2+ years of experience working with mechanical and/or electrical machinery in a shop, manufacturing, or laboratory environment.
• Experience working with chiller control systems such as Carrier, Trane, York, Daikin, or similar platforms.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot commercial water-cooled and air-cooled chillers.
• Knowledge of closed-loop control systems, loop tuning, and system stability.
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, refrigeration diagrams, blueprints, and technical drawings.
• Experience with VFDs, pumps, boilers, and power management systems.
• Familiarity with medium-voltage operations, arc flash safety, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• EPA Refrigerant Certification preferred.
• Associate's Degree (AS/AAS) in a related technical field preferred.

Important Candidate Requirements

• To be considered for this role, candidates should possess hands-on experience with commercial chiller systems, including:
• Operating and troubleshooting water-cooled and/or air-cooled commercial chillers.
• Working with commercial chiller control systems.
• Understanding closed-loop control systems, loop tuning, and system optimization.
• Reading and interpreting electrical and refrigeration schematics.
• Working with 460V/3-phase electrical systems, VFDs, pumps, and boilers.
• Demonstrating strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting capabilities.

Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders, and working around mechanical equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to refrigerants, compressed gases, and varying temperature conditions.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to support critical maintenance and testing activities.