HVAC Specialist

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

Responsible for executing advanced, discipline-specific tasks necessary to maintain and optimize the operation of Universal Orlando facilities. The role includes comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and maintenance of industrial, commercial, and non-commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. Duties include troubleshooting complex mechanical and control issues, performing precision calibrations, assessing system performance, and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. The HVAC Specialist performs complex service and repair work on HVAC/R equipment and associated controls, including heating, air conditioning, ventilation, pumps, valves, piping, walk-in coolers and freezers, and refrigeration rack systems. The role uses PLC programming, electronic controls, and Building Management Systems (BMS) for troubleshooting, programming, repairs, monitoring, and optimization. It also involves maintaining Maximo asset records and preventive-maintenance plans, supporting HVAC planners with technical documentation, and coordinating and overseeing contractor work. The position provides mechanical, technical, and programming guidance to HVAC technicians and apprentices, and conducts training on best practices for modern, complex HVAC/R systems. The employee is expected to participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established Universal Orlando policies, procedures, training, and team-member involvement activities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

At least 6 years of equivalent commercial/industrial HVAC/R experience, including building automation systems, PLC systems, boilers, chilled water, DX equipment up to 40 tons, VAVs, and data center HVAC systems.
Valid Florida Driver’s License for operating company vehicles.
EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification.
Journeyman, Contractor, or Master’s license in the MEP trades, issued by a municipality, city, county, or state, with at least 8,000 hours of relevant job experience.

Nice To Haves

Technical school education.
Associate degree (AA).
At least 1 year of experience in the theme park industry.

Responsibilities

Perform complex servicing on heating, air conditioning, ventilation, supply/exhaust systems, pumps, solenoid valves, electronic expansion valves, piping, controls, and accessories across the site.
Use PLC programming, electronic controls, and the Building Management System (BMS) to troubleshoot, program, and repair HVAC systems.
Integrate and optimize electronic controls to improve HVAC system performance and efficiency.
Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, or replace mechanical and electronic components in walk-in freezers, walk-in coolers, and refrigeration rack systems using PLC and advanced electronic efficiency controls.
Implement and maintain PLC-controlled refrigeration systems for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and efficient operation.
Upgrade and retrofit refrigeration systems to integrate electronic controls and improve reliability and reduce food waste caused by downtime.
Coordinate with third-party contractors and vendors on HVAC/R infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and replacements, and ensure their work meets industry standards and company expectations.
Program, modify, and optimize BMS set points and building automation schedules as requested by customers or management.
Maintain Maximo records so each HVAC/R asset is listed and has a preventive-maintenance job plan and schedule.
Use the BMS to support full-functional preventive-maintenance testing.
Create detailed technical documentation to support parts procurement and equipment maintenance.
Provide mechanical, technical, and programming guidance to HVAC Tech II’s, Tech III’s, and HVAC apprentices.
Conduct training sessions on best practices for maintaining modern complex HVAC/R systems.
Follow established Environmental, Health & Safety policies, procedures, training, and team-member involvement activities.
Troubleshoot, repair, maintain, and install refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems, and associated controls.
Organize and perform complex service operations, repairs, and overhauls of light commercial and industrial HVAC/R systems.
Interpret electrical schematics, BMS control functions, and electrical distribution networks; identify root causes and determine repair solutions.
Analyze system performance data to assess maintenance intervals and equipment-efficiency improvements.
Support Utilities management by overseeing and documenting contractor activities for compliance with specifications and standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.