Air Conditioning Mechanic

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vacation and retirement benefits

Job summary

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is seeking an Air Conditioning Mechanic to maintain and repair commercial AC systems at Ronald Reagan National (DCA) or Dulles (IAD) airports. The role covers installing, testing, and servicing HVAC equipment across facilities.

This journey-level position requires four years of HVAC experience, familiarity with chillers and boilers, and the ability to read blueprints.

Qualifications

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in installation, test, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning equipment and systems.
• Full journey-level HVAC knowledge and skills.
• Knowledge of chillers, chilled water systems, and boilers (low-pressure hot water).
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and manuals.
• Ability to work safely per OSHA standards.
• Strong written and spoken communication.
• Experience with computer-based work orders and time-keeping systems.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency calls and perform repairs on AC/HVAC equipment.
• Install, test, troubleshoot, and maintain large-scale AC and ventilation systems.
• Repair water coolers, window units, and refrigerant systems.
• Install and adjust control systems, sensors, and DDC/ BAS components.
• Mentor apprentices and coordinate with other technicians.

Skills

HVAC expertise

Blueprints reading

OSHA safety

Electrical repair

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HVAC testing tools

Job description

Compensation Grade: T19 Salary Range: $35.01-$45.50 Opening Date: September 18, 2026 Closing Date: October 3, 2026 Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an Air Conditioning Mechanic, you will maintain and repair the commercial AC systems at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Air Conditioning Mechanic

This is a journey (full performance) level job in the air conditioning series. Serves in the Utilities Division of the Airport Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Installs, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains commercial-grade and industrial-scale air conditioning (AC) and ventilation systems, refrigeration equipment, and auxiliary heating and AC units. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to emergency calls; troubleshoots and identifies problems, and performs necessary repairs, adjustments, or corrections. Dismantles and repairs, replaces, or reassembles electrical, electronic, and pneumatic control AC units and associated HVAC units. Installs and fits bearings, bushings, connecting rods, and shafts; aligns motors and flywheel drives [At DCA]; adjusts controls; sets heat anticipators and rewires units; and installs purge units for recovery. Repairs non-functioning water coolers and window air conditioners. Recommends modifications to equipment, preventive maintenance procedures, and operational cycles for efficient equipment operation. Manually adjusts heat-pumps from cooling to heating, coordinating actions with AEM Shop [At IAD] and the Airport Fire Department on initial start-ups in case smoke detectors sound alarms. Welds, brazes, solders, bends, and cuts pipe and tubing. May occasionally be asked to work late, after hours, or overtime to make repairs Cleans condenser and evaporator coils regularly. Work with Siemens Building Automation System (BAS). [At DCA] Troubleshoots and Replaces Direct Digital Controls (DDC). [At DCA] May perform chemical tests of cooling-tower water. May guide AC Repairers, HVAC Apprentices, or other workers and provide on-the-job training as necessary. Occasionally cleans cooling towers and machine rooms and paints equipment. Writes discrepancy reports for problems encountered on tenant-maintained equipment. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, test, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning equipment and systems.
• Full performance (journey) level knowledge of and skill in the HVAC trade. [At DCA]
• Knowledge of and skill in making repairs to Chillers and Chilled Water Systems and Boilers (low-pressure hot water).
• Skill in using tools, technical manuals, schematics, blueprints, manufacturer’s materials, and other equipment and guides in journey-level HVAC work.
• Ability to analyze data and information (including blueprints and schematics).
• Ability to work safely and knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.
• Ability to speak and write effectively.
• Skill in using a computer, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed as a Journey HVAC Mechanic (or higher).

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing. Universal Certification (Section 608) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to service HVAC/refrigeration equipment within 30 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors. Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit). Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal. May be subject to night/weekend work. Works rotating shifts. Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 100 pounds). May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position, work from heights, and climbing ladders. May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and the air conditioning trade. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers. Have you ever wondered who runs Reagan National Airport? Or Dulles International Airport? Or the Dulles Toll Road? We do! We’re the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and we’re looking for talented, enthusiastic people to help us continue our tradition of outstanding service to travelers in the Washington Metropolitan area. We offer an array of benefits programs, including vacation, retirement, and health benefits. Whether you are traveling the world or plotting your career path, your journey begins with us. Our Core Values are: MUTUAL RESPECT…INTEGRITY…PRIDE… COLLABORATION