HVAC Engineering Technician

Actalent; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The lab-based HVAC Engineering Staff Lab Technician at Actalent in Charlotte, NC conducts hands-on testing of water-cooled and air-cooled commercial chillers, diagnosing PLCs, VFDs, and instrumentation while calibrating equipment to ensure accurate measurements.

Based in a fast-paced lab, you’ll oversee high-flow pumping systems and high-voltage electrical setups to ensure mission-critical units meet quality standards before leaving the facility.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience servicing/maintaining commercial HVAC equipment.
• EPA certification for refrigerant handling.
• High school diploma; verification will be conducted.
• Experience with flow meters, pressure sensors, PLC and calibration.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and diagnose PLCs, VFDs, or instrumentation.
• Work with 460V/3ph/60Hz electrical equipment.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment for pressure, temperature, flow, and electrical measurements.
• Perform loop tuning and valve configurations.
• Ensure quality and reliability of cooling units.

Skills

Flow meters

Pressure sensors

PLC

Calibration

Electrical safety awareness

HVAC systems maintenance

Education

AS/AAS in Mechatronics Eng Tech or related field

Skilled Trades Apprenticeship

High school diploma

Job description

Job Title: HVAC Engineering Staff Lab Technician Job Description We are seeking an experienced and dependable Engineering Lab Technician for a high-impact, hands-on role in Charlotte. You will be responsible for the technical execution of test runs on water-cooled and air-cooled commercial chillers. As a vital member of the lab team, you will act as a 'technical detective,' utilizing your troubleshooting expertise to maintain test lab productivity during a critical production ramp-up. You will manage massive infrastructure, including high-flow hydronic pumping systems and high-power electrical setups, ensuring that mission‑critical cooling units destined for hospitals and data centers are tested to perfection before they leave the facility.

Responsibilities

• Conduct troubleshooting and diagnostics of PLCs, VFDs, or instrumentation.
• Work with electrical equipment including 460V/3ph/60Hz machinery.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment for pressure, temperature, flow, and electrical measurements.
• Perform loop tuning and valve configurations.
• Ensure quality and reliability of cooling units.

Essential Skills

• Experience with flow meters, pressure sensors, PLC, and calibration.
• EPA certification for refrigerant handling.
• 5+ years of experience servicing/maintaining commercial HVAC equipment.
• High school diploma required; verification will be conducted.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AS or AAS in Mechatronics Engineering Technology or related technical field, or completion of a formal Skilled Trades Apprenticeship preferred.
• Comprehensive awareness of high voltage and high power electrical safety.
• Proficiency in Arc Flash protocols and medium voltage operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Work Environment

The role is based in a complex, high-speed laboratory environment in Charlotte. You will manage massive support infrastructure including boilers, cooling towers, and high‑pressure pumping systems. The position offers opportunities for growth and advancement in a market‑leading company, with the chance to work on mission‑critical cooling units destined for hospitals and data centers. Shift hours include 1st shift from 6 am-3 pm and 2nd shift from 3 pm-11:30 pm, with occasional overtime.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $36.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News‑Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.