HVAC Commissioning Service Technician

Kelso Industries; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Holidays

Company vehicle

Fuel card

Phone

Training & certs

Career growth

Job summary

Kelso Industries seeks an experienced HVAC Service Technician to lead commissioning and start-up of commercial systems. You will ensure equipment is installed to spec, tested, and handed over ready for operation, collaborating with install crews, project managers, and controls teams.

You will troubleshoot and validate performance, document results, and support ongoing service between project start-ups, while upholding safety and quality standards in every turnover.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial HVAC experience.
• Hands-on experience starting up and commissioning new commercial HVAC equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting 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 with GCs, owners, and inspectors.
• Own hand tools and working knowledge of test instruments.

Responsibilities

• Lead start-up and commissioning of new commercial HVAC systems (RTUs, split systems, VRF, chillers, boilers, AHUs).
• Verify installations meet specifications before start-up.
• Perform pre-functional checks and record results.
• Set and verify refrigerant charge, airflow, pressures, and electrical readings.
• Coordinate with crews and commissioning agents to schedule start-up activities.
• Identify and correct deficiencies and document punch items.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls issues.
• Guide customers through system operation at turnover.
• Maintain start-up reports and closeout documentation.
• Support service with diagnostic, repair, and preventive maintenance work between projects.

Skills

HVAC experience

Commissioning

Troubleshooting

Read drawings

EPA 608

Driver's license

Communication

Tools & instruments

Tools

Manifolds/digital gauges

Combustion analyzers

Meters

Airflow instruments

Job description

Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety

At Kelso Industries, 5,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.

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

Why Join Kelso Industries?

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

Here You Will Experience

Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.

Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business.