HVAC Lab Technician / Setup Tech Shift 2

HVAC Lab Technician / Set-Up Technician

Engineering Laboratory

Location: Onsite

Shift: Flexibility required to work 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift as needed

Compensation: $18-25/HR

Position Summary

Seeking a dependable and experienced HVAC Lab Technician / Set-Up Technician to support testing, evaluation, and validation activities within an engineering laboratory environment. This hands-on role is responsible for setting up and operating commercial chillers, maintaining test environments, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, and ensuring accurate test execution.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with commercial HVAC equipment, strong technical troubleshooting skills, and the ability to support laboratory operations focused on product performance, testing, and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate test environments for water-cooled and air-cooled commercial chillers.
• Execute laboratory tests and support engineering projects by collecting accurate performance data.
• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain chillers, test setups, and laboratory equipment.
• Perform electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration system connections and troubleshooting.
• Work safely with electrical equipment, including 460V three-phase systems.
• Optimize test cycles, loop efficiency, and overall chiller performance.
• Support refrigerant handling activities and maintain EPA compliance requirements.

Technical Support & Collaboration

• Perform basic to moderately complex technical tasks that contribute to engineering project execution.
• Collaborate with engineering, development, and cross-functional teams to resolve testing issues and improve efficiency.
• Support and mentor team members when needed.
• Communicate test results, observations, and technical findings clearly to stakeholders.

Laboratory Safety & Maintenance

• Promote a safe work environment and support EHS policies and 5S initiatives.
• Identify and report instrumentation failures and equipment issues.
• Support preventive maintenance efforts to maximize laboratory uptime and reliability.
• Maintain organized, clean, and efficient laboratory workspaces.

Reporting & Documentation

• Collect, document, and report test status, results, and issues.
• Apply proper measurement techniques and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Assist with test report preparation and technical documentation.
• Proactively identify and remove testing obstacles through collaboration with relevant teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, Technical/Business School Certificate, or completion of a Skilled Trades Apprenticeship.
• 1+ years of experience using hand and pneumatic tools.
• Experience using flow, temperature, and pressure measurement equipment.
• Experience handling precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to operate equipment such as cordless drills, impact wrenches, forklifts, and cranes.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in commercial chiller or HVAC operations.
• 2+ years of experience working with mechanical and/or electrical machinery in a laboratory, manufacturing, or shop environment.
• Experience operating, testing, and troubleshooting water-cooled and air-cooled chillers.
• Experience working with chiller control systems such as Carrier, Trane, York, Daikin, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of HVAC system operation, refrigeration principles, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• EPA Refrigerant Certification preferred.
• Experience with electrical systems, including 460V three-phase equipment.

Work Environment

• Hands-on role requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, and climbing ladders.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Regular exposure to mechanical equipment, refrigerants, compressed gases, and varying temperatures.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to support critical testing and maintenance activities.