Commercial HVAC Lead Technician
TheConnections•New York, NY
•$110,000 - $130,000•Onsite
About The Position
We are hiring a Commercial HVAC Lead Technician to take ownership of complex installations, start-ups, controls integration, and service work across our active project portfolio. This is a senior, fully hands-on field role for a technician who can install, troubleshoot, commission, and service commercial HVAC systems independently — and who can clearly communicate with both our field crews and our clients. The right candidate is a strong problem-solver, a confident communicator, an expert in controls and interlocking, and someone who takes pride in delivering systems that work right the first time.
Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of hands-on commercial HVAC experience, with at least 4 years in a lead or senior technician role
- Proven expertise installing and commissioning WSHP, VRF, RTU, and DOAS systems
- Strong electrical and controls background — must be able to wire, troubleshoot, and interlock HVAC equipment independently
- Solid working knowledge of VFDs, VAV boxes, sensors (CO2, temperature, pressure), time clocks, relays, transformers, and refrigerant leak detection
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and controls drawings, schematics, and submittits
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Strong written communication — must be able to produce clean, clear service and start-up reports
- Strong verbal communication — must be able to engage professionally with clients, GCs, architects, and owners
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- EPA Section 608 Universal Certification
- NYC FDNY G-60 (Gas Qualification — Refrigerant Systems)
- NYC FDNY F-60 (Fire Safety / Refrigerant Systems)
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
- NYC Site Safety Training (SST) Card
Nice To Haves
- Experience with BMS / building automation systems (Automated Logic, Siemens, Honeywell, Distech, Tridium/Niagara)
- Manufacturer-specific training on major equipment (Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, Trane, Carrier, AAON, ClimateMaster, etc.)
- Experience working on NYC commercial projects
- Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/Russian) is a plus
- Experience training and mentoring junior technicians
Responsibilities
- Lead and execute installations of commercial HVAC systems, including: Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP), Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, Rooftop Units (RTUs), Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS), Air handling units, fan coil units, ductwork tie-ins
- Coordinate with project foremen and field crews to ensure systems are installed per drawings, specifications, and manufacturer requirements
- Wire, configure, and interlock HVAC equipment including dampers, fans, air curtains, exhaust systems, and unit heaters
- Install and integrate sensors (CO2, temperature, humidity, occupancy, pressure), time clocks, relays, transformers, contactors
- Set up and commission VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives)
- Install and balance VAV boxes and zone control systems
- Integrate leak detection systems and refrigerant safety controls
- Coordinate with controls subcontractors (BMS, ALC, etc.) on system handoff and integration
- Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues on commercial HVAC systems
- Respond to service calls and complete repairs with minimal supervision
- Identify root causes — not just symptoms — and document findings clearly
- Work directly with manufacturers' technical support when needed
- Lead system start-ups and commissioning, including unit testing, balancing checks, sequence-of-operation verification, and punchlist closeout
- Prepare and submit clean, professional start-up reports
- Coordinate with Test & Balance contractors and commissioning agents
- Sign off on completed scopes with confidence and documentation
- Meet with field foremen and crews to walk through upcoming work and explain how to prepare systems for start-up, testing, and final inspections
- Communicate clearly and professionally with General Contractors, Project Managers, Owners, and Architects
- Write detailed, accurate, and well-organized service and start-up reports
- Represent Northern Wolves with intelligence, clarity, and professionalism on every jobsite
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- 1 week (5 days) paid vacation after 1 year
- 5 paid sick days per year (NY Paid Sick Leave compliance)
- New York Paid Family Leave benefits
- Company-observed holidays
- Company-provided phone and tablet
- Provided (van/truck) with company gas card and EZ-Pass
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
