HVAC Specialist

Universal Studios; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Orlando is seeking a skilled HVAC/R facilities technician to maintain and optimize complex systems across the site. You will diagnose and repair advanced HVAC/R equipment, including PLCs and BMS-driven controls, ensuring reliability and safety.

The role requires extensive hands-on experience with industrial systems, strong leadership, and ability to guide junior technicians while coordinating with contractors and vendors.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in Commercial/Industrial HVAC/R with building automation, PLCs, boilers, chilled water, DX up to 40 tons.
• 1+ year in theme park industry preferred.
• EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification required.
• Florida Driver's License mandatory for vehicle operation.
• Journeyman/Contractor/Masters licenses with 8,000 hours of relevant experience required.

Responsibilities

• Advanced servicing on HVAC/R systems including PLCs and BMS for troubleshooting and repairs.
• Manage refrigeration systems with real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
• Interface with third-party contractors/vendors to ensure quality and safety standards.
• Populate Maximo with PM plans and schedules; support parts procurement for maintenance.
• Provide technical guidance to HVAC Techs, IIIs and apprentices; conduct training.

Skills

HVAC/R systems

PLC programming

BMS systems

Troubleshooting

Technical leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Technical school

Associate degree

Tools

Maximo

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for executing advanced, discipline-specific tasks necessary to maintain and optimize the operation of Universal Orlando Facilities. This includes comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and maintenance of industrial, commercial, and non-commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems. Duties encompass troubleshooting complex mechanical and control issues, performing precision calibrations, conducting system performance assessments, and ensuring compliance with all relevant safety and operational standards.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advanced HVAC/R System Services. Perform complex servicing on heating, air conditioning, ventilation, supply/exhaust/effect, pumps, solenoid valves/electronic expansion valves, piping, and associated controls and accessories site wide. Utilize PLC programming and electronic controls systems to assist with quick calls as well as the Building Management System (BMS) for troubleshooting, programming, and repairs. Integrate and optimize electronic controls to enhance the performance and efficiency of the HVAC systems.
• Comprehensive Refrigeration System Management. Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, or replace all mechanical and electronic components in walk-in freezers, walk-in coolers, and rack systems that utilize PLC and advanced electronic efficiency controls (EEC). Implement and maintain PLC controlled refrigeration systems ensuring real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and efficient operation of all refrigeration systems. Perform upgrades and retrofits on existing refrigeration systems to integrate electronic controls, enhancing system reliability and reducing food waste due to downtime.
• Interface and communicate with third party contractors/vendors involved in infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and replacements of HVAC/R equipment. Ensure that all contractor work involved meets industry standards and company expectations for quality and performance. Interface with the BMS systems to program, modify, and optimize set points and BAS schedules as requested by customers or management, ensuring precise control over environmental conditions.
• Populate the Maximo system to ensure every piece of HVAC/R equipment asset is in Maximo and that every asset has a PM job plan and schedule to be PM’d. Utilize the BMS to aid in full-functional PM testing. Assist the HVAC Planners by creating detailed technical documentation to support accurate parts procurement and efficient equipment maintenance.
• Technical Leadership and Expertise. Provide mechanical, technical, and programming guidance to HVAC Tech II's, Tech III's and HVAC apprentices. Continually improving the department’s education, experience, and skill set in advanced HVAC/R technologies. Conduct training sessions focused on best practices for maintaining modern complex HVAC/R systems.
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Technical school is preferred
• Associate degree (AA) is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 6+ years equivalent Commercial/Industrial HVAC/R systems including building automations systems, PLC systems, boilers, chilled water, DX equipment up to 40 tons, VAV's and Data center HVAC systems is required.
• 1+ year in theme park industry preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• A valid Florida Driver's License is mandatory for the operation of company vehicles.
• An EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification is required for handling refrigerants.
• Additionally, a Journeyman, Contractor, or Masters licenses with a minimum of 8,000 hours of relevant job experience that is issued by a Municipality, City, County, State, for the MEP trades is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Execute advanced tasks in the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and installation of refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems, and associated controls. This includes organizing and performing complex service operations, repairs, and overhauls of light commercial and industrial HVACR systems.
• Responsibilities also involve interpreting and understanding intricate electrical schematics, BMS control functions, and electrical distribution networks.
• Identify root causes of system issues and determine appropriate repair solutions.
• Analyze system performance data to assess the need for increased maintenance intervals or enhancements to equipment efficiency.
• Additionally, support Utilities management by overseeing and documenting contractor activities to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia. All rights reserved. EOE