HVAC Commissioning Service Technician

Kelso Building Services; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Company vehicle, fuel card, and phone

Ongoing training and certification

Job summary

Kelso Building Services is seeking an experienced HVAC Service Technician focused on commissioning and start-up of commercial systems. You will lead start-up activities, ensure equipment runs to spec, and hand over turnkey systems to customers.

Work with install crews, project managers, and controls teams; perform checks, document results, and provide clear turnover. A strong troubleshooting background and EPA 608 certification are required; valid driver’s license expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial HVAC experience.
• Hands-on start-up and commissioning of new equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting across refrigeration, electrical, gas heat, and controls.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, schedules, wiring diagrams, and sequences of operation.
• EPA 608 Universal Certification.
• Valid driver's license.
• Strong communication with GCs, owners, and inspectors.
• Own hand tools and test instruments.

Responsibilities

• Lead start-up and commissioning of new commercial HVAC systems (RTUs, split, VRF, chillers, boilers, AHUs, exhaust/make‑up air).
• Verify installations meet specs, drawings, and project requirements before start-up.
• Perform pre-functional checks and functional tests; document results.
• Set and verify refrigerant charge, airflow, pressures, combustion, and electrical readings.
• Coordinate with install crews, controls/BAS techs, TAB contractors, GCs, and agents.
• Identify and correct deficiencies; communicate punch lists clearly.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls issues during start-up.
• Walk customers through system operation at turnover.
• Maintain start-up reports, test data, and closeout docs.
• Support service with diagnostics, repairs, and PM between starts.
• Follow safety policies and model safety-first behavior.

Skills

HVAC experience

Commissioning & start-up

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings

Driver's license

Communication skills

Education

EPA 608 Universal Certification

Tools

Manifolds/digital gauges

Combustion analyzers

Meters

Airflow instruments

Job description

HVAC Service Technician – Commissioning & Start-Up

About The Role

We're looking for an experienced commercial HVAC Service Technician who does more than turn wrenches on service calls. In this role, you'll own the commissioning and start-up of commercial HVAC installations, making sure new equipment is set up right, runs to spec, and is handed over to the customer ready to perform. You'll work alongside our install crews, project managers, and controls team to take projects from mechanical completion to fully operational systems. If you take pride in getting it right the first time and like being the tech others lean on when new equipment fires up, this is your role.

What You'll Do

• Lead start-up and commissioning of new commercial HVAC systems, including RTUs, split systems, VRF, chillers, boilers, AHUs, and exhaust and make-up air units
• Verify installations meet manufacturer specifications, engineered drawings, and project requirements before start-up
• Perform pre-functional checks and functional performance testing, and document results on start-up and commissioning forms
• Set and verify refrigerant charge, airflow, gas pressures, combustion, and electrical readings
• Coordinate with install crews, controls/BAS technicians, TAB contractors, GCs, and commissioning agents to schedule and complete start-up activities
• Identify and correct installation deficiencies, and communicate punch list items clearly to project managers and foremen
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, and controls issues found during start-up
• Walk customers and facility staff through system operation at turnover
• Maintain accurate start-up reports, test data, and closeout documentation
• Support the service department with diagnostic, repair, and preventative maintenance work between project start-ups
• Follow all company and jobsite safety policies and model a safety-first approach in the field

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of commercial HVAC experience
• Hands-on experience starting up and commissioning new commercial HVAC equipment
• Strong troubleshooting skills across refrigeration, electrical, gas heat, and controls
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schedules, wiring diagrams, and sequences of operation
• EPA 608 Universal Certification
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with GCs, owners, and inspectors
• Own hand tools and working knowledge of test instruments (manifolds/digital gauges, combustion analyzers, meters, airflow instruments)

Preferred

• State or local HVAC/mechanical license
• Chiller, boiler, or VRF manufacturer start-up certifications
• Experience with BAS/DDC controls and front-end platforms
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• Experience with commissioning software or electronic start-up documentation

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay up to $42/hour based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company vehicle, fuel card, and phone
• Ongoing training and manufacturer certification opportunities
• Career growth into lead and supervisory roles