Startup & Warranty Technician

Company: Hoffman Hydronics
Job Title: Startup & Warranty Service Specialist
Department: Rep Field Services
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

About Hoffman Hydronics

At Hoffman Hydronics (HHY), we partner with our customers, our internal teammates, our fellow Hoffman companies, and our vendors to deliver industry-best service and performance in Hydronic HVAC, Engineered Plumbing, and Industrial Steam & Process Water Markets. We are a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), which means when we succeed together, every employee shares in that success.

Our company is experiencing explosive growth, and we need more experts in the field to help ensure we are delivering to our customers what may have taken months or longer to produce. We are the best at what we do, and we need the best team of technicians to help us ensure that stamp of quality in the field.

Our culture is built on teamwork, with emphasis on shared accountability, encouraged innovation, and open mentorship while solving problems, keeping systems running, and engaging in positive interactions daily.

Role Summary

As an HHY Start-up & Warranty Technician, you will be the most highly trained advanced technical expert on our specific brands of equipment. To our customers, you represent Hoffman Hydronics AND the manufacturer. You will be on site for a few primary reasons: start-up, warranty service, equipment training, and troubleshooting. At start-up, you will be counted upon to ensure the equipment is installed properly per manufacturer's recommendations and the engineer's design. When you sign off on a startup, the system should be operating properly and the customer understands how to keep it that way. This first impression is crucial to the perception of our equipment and our company from that day on.


During warranty service visits, it will be up to you to assess the issue and its cause, representing the best interests of our manufacturers and our clients. These visits are often in stressful, time-sensitive situations. Not only will you need to rely upon your technical expertise, but you will need to carry a cool, calm, and confident presence along with a determination to resolve the problem in the safest, most effective and appropriate way possible.

What You'll Do

• Perform factory-authorized startup, owner training, and performance checks on hydronic systems and components, including gas-fired & electric boilers, water heaters, pumps, VFDs, booster systems, and controls.
• Verify system performance against design intent; make adjustments to achieve proper operation, safety, and efficiency.
• Diagnose and advise on mechanical, electrical, and control-related issues.
• Respond to warranty service calls, including manufacturer defects and issues related to installation or maintenance, with a calm, solution-oriented demeanor.
• Train owner-operators and maintenance staff on proper system operation, basic maintenance, and steps to take in the event of a malfunction.
• Clearly document procedures, test results, system configurations, and recommended follow-up actions in detailed service/startup reports.
• Plan ahead for each job, ensuring you have the right tools, materials, documentation, and information before arriving on site.
• Collaborate with contractors, controls, project teams, internal sales/engineering, and manufacturers to resolve installation and performance concerns.
• Maintain your service vehicle, tools, and inventory in safe, organized, and reliable condition.
• Follow all safety policies, including lockout/tagout, PPE usage, and hazard reporting, and participate in required safety training.
• Travel locally to job sites on a regular basis, with overnight travel as project needs or service emergencies require.

What Makes This Role Different

• You work on advanced, high-efficiency mechanical equipment in hospitals, schools, universities, industrial plants, offices, and other large facilities-no two jobs are the same.
• You are not just "turning wrenches"; you are the trusted technical expert during critical startup and warranty periods.
• You help shape the long-term performance and perception of systems by doing startup the right way, training operators effectively, and catching issues before they become failures.
• As part of an employee-owned company, you see a direct connection between the quality of your work, customer satisfaction, and your own long-term rewards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate degree in HVAC, mechanical, or related field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of hands-on experience with hydronic systems, including boilers, water heaters, pumps, and controls; pump rebuilding and laser alignment experience a plus.
• Experience with boiler, water heater, and/or pump startup, service, and repair in commercial/industrial environments.
• Working knowledge of basic electricity, control systems, and general mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret piping schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering specs, and OEM manuals; comfortable preparing clear technical reports.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills, especially under time pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills, with the ability to keep customers calm, informed, and confident-even in stressful situations.
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently while staying aligned with a team.
• Proficient with computers and common software (email, Office, reporting tools); able to use a smartphone and basic apps in the field.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to pass background check and drug screening.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required product, factory, and safety certifications.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and construction sites, including confined spaces and elevated locations.
• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, and use of hand and power tools.
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs, with occasional lifts up to 75 lbs.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and hazards such as live voltage, moving mechanical parts, and fumes; strict adherence to safety procedures is required.
• Occasional overtime, weekend work, and after-hours emergency calls as needed to support customers.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Employee-owned company (ESOP) plus 401(k) options-your effort helps build your long-term retirement value.
• Opportunity to become a reliable water and steam systems expert in your market, with access to factory training and certifications.
• Tight-knit, team-oriented culture focused on partnering with customers for shared success, not just closing tickets.
• Variety in your day: different sites, systems, and problem-solving opportunities, instead of the same route work every day.