Sr Startup/Commissioning Technician (Wendell, Charlotte and Surrounding Areas)

SPC Mechanical•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

SPC Mechanical’s Sr Startup/Commissioning Technician independently performs equipment and systems startup and internal commissioning across the company’s regional coverage area. The technician serves as the technical lead on assigned projects, takes ownership of startup and commissioning scopes, directs technicians in coordination with the Specialist, adapts documentation into job-specific checklists and test scripts, and coordinates with project managers, superintendents, vendors, and engineers. The role also supports the Specialist with coordination and workload planning, mentors technicians and helpers, and develops leadership and technical skills toward advancement to a Specialist role. The position leads startup and commissioning activities for HVAC, plumbing, and related mechanical systems. Duties include verifying equipment readiness, coordinating vendor support, troubleshooting equipment and electrical issues, overseeing controls pre-testing, coordinating testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB), conducting functional testing, tracking issues through resolution, and confirming systems are ready for turnover. It also verifies installations against project documents, supports quality assurance activities and inspections, provides technical guidance to project participants, and leads technical responses to assigned warranty issues. The technician prepares and organizes startup and commissioning records, reports, forms, test results, and turnover documentation; coordinates materials and field activities; and travels to project sites throughout the regional coverage area. The role requires professional customer and team interactions, adherence to company and OSHA safety requirements, proper refrigerant handling under EPA regulations, and maintaining tools, equipment, and vehicle in good condition. Other duties may be assigned to support the team and organization.

Requirements

At least 5 years of mechanical service, equipment startup, or commissioning experience.
High level of understanding of HVAC and plumbing installation and operation, equipment capabilities, and controls-system architecture and sequences.
Strong understanding of system startup, testing and balancing, commissioning, and diagnosis.
Understanding of electrical systems and ability to troubleshoot line-side work and resolve low-voltage (24V) issues.
High-level troubleshooting skills across electrical circuits and systems, control components and systems, mechanical equipment, plumbing equipment, hydronic systems and components, and airflow dynamics and components.
Experience starting up and commissioning equipment and systems such as chillers, boilers, or central plant systems.
Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, submittals, IOMs, and sequences of operation.
Proficiency editing and adapting documents and templates to create project-specific checklists, test scripts, and reports.
Ability to work independently, manage assigned scopes, direct technicians, and mentor others.
Ability to accurately diagnose and report problem situations and write routine reports and correspondence.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including communication with project managers, superintendents, vendors, and engineers.
Brazing with nitrogen purge and assembling and disassembling various pieces of equipment.
Universal EPA certification.
Safety-first mindset.
Ability to travel throughout regional projects.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets SPC Mechanical’s insurance carrier requirements.
Ability to frequently lift or carry up to 75 pounds and assist with lifting up to 120 pounds.
Ability to climb ladders and rooftop access ladders and work on rooftops and in crawl spaces.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors, including at high and precarious places and in variable weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience performing pre-functional checks and functional testing on MEP systems.
BAS/DDC controls experience.
Experience with Autodesk Forma or similar QA/QC and punchlist software.
Manufacturer startup training and certifications.
Experience mentoring helpers or junior technicians.
OSHA 30 certification.

Responsibilities

Perform and lead startup of equipment and systems, including chillers, boilers, air-handling equipment, and hydronic systems, with minimal direction.
Document equipment starting conditions and adjust settings so equipment operates according to design drawings and specifications.
Verify equipment readiness for vendor startup, direct vendor support, and witness factory startups.
Diagnose equipment evacuation and charging issues and align pumps.
Coordinate and assist with TAB and oversee controls pre-testing on assigned projects.
Lead piping-system flushing, monitor flow readings, and document results.
Deliver and coordinate owner training and maintain current industry knowledge.
Perform SPC internal commissioning checks as a quality gate before turnover.
Review pre-construction documentation, sequences of operation, submittals, and IOMs to identify issues and plan checks.
Adapt existing documentation and templates into project-specific checklists and test scripts consistent with the Specialist’s standards.
Verify controls operation, including DDC point-to-point and logic sequencing, against sequences of operation.
Lead and conduct functional testing with SPC crews and subcontractors and record results.
Track commissioning issues through timely closure and communicate open items to the superintendent.
Confirm assigned systems are ready for turnover and report readiness to the Specialist.
Participate in engineering design review calls and commissioning meetings as assigned.
Assist third-party commissioning agents onsite with their needs or questions.
Direct technicians on assigned projects in coordination with the Specialist; provide first-line technical support and escalate complex issues.
Mentor and train technicians and helpers on tools, methods, and SPC Mechanical standards.
Review technicians’ checklists, test scripts, test results, and startup forms for accuracy and completeness.
Provide technician performance and development feedback to the Specialist and assist with workload planning and assignments.
Verify installed equipment against submittals, IOMs, drawings, and specifications, regardless of installer.
Identify installation issues, share them with the superintendent and Quality Team, and propose resolution paths to mitigate rework.
Review flushing plans, prepare for DOL inspections, and participate in Autodesk Forma QA/QC punchlists as directed by the Quality Team process.
Assist the Specialist in coordinating with project managers, superintendents, general contractors, vendors, owners, and engineers of record.
Independently coordinate with project managers and superintendents to plan and schedule startup and commissioning for assigned projects according to the Specialist’s process.
Provide technical guidance to field personnel, general contractors, subcontractors, owners, engineers of record, and others.
Facilitate communication and communicate startup and commissioning readiness requirements to subcontractors and superintendents.
Attend OPS and QCM meetings as assigned and provide subcontractor support.
Provide assistance during DHSR inspections.
Troubleshoot equipment and system issues, provide solutions, and perform electrical troubleshooting, including line-side work and low-voltage (24V) issues.
Lead technical responses to warranty issues on assigned projects as directed and report recurring warranty issues to the Specialist.
Prepare commissioning reports and documentation, complete equipment startup forms, and include startup records in turnover packages.
Obtain required forms from factory startup technicians and compile vendor pre-startup reports.
Capture lessons learned, keep files organized, document job-related occurrences, and maintain a daily record.
Work with other trades on the critical path and proficiently use special tools and equipment such as flow meters and flow hoods.
Procure materials as needed within contract scope, such as special wiring, refrigerant for DX startup, glycol, and repair parts.
Travel to project sites throughout the regional coverage area and drive safely.
Maintain courteous, professional conduct with customers and their representatives; follow trade and company standards.
Follow company and OSHA safety requirements, including PPE and lockout/tagout procedures; handle, recover, and document refrigerant in compliance with EPA regulations.
Pursue trade-specific training and certifications.
Keep the Startup/Commissioning Specialist updated on task status and required tools and materials.
Record timesheets accurately and on time; keep the vehicle, tools, and equipment organized, clean, and in working order and report issues.
Promote teamwork and cooperation and perform other duties as assigned.