HVAC Technician

General Atomics; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics is seeking a skilled Facilities Mechanic to join our on-site team, focusing on HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair across the campus to ensure comfort, safety, and reliable operations.

The role requires 5+ years in facilities/HVAC, EPA refrigerant handling, and a CA driver’s license; you will read blueprints, perform preventive maintenance, and respond to emergency repairs while maintaining compliance with codes.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent, MOS, 5+ years of progressive experience as an apprentice plumber or HVAC mechanic.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in facilities maintenance with HVAC experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control aspects of commercial HVAC systems.
• Able to read and interpret manuals, blueprints, and HVAC schematics.
• EPA refrigerant handling certification and valid CA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• HVAC installation, repair, and service across campus facilities.
• Maintain and service HVAC components including compressors, motors, fans, belts, filters, coils, and controls.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance for efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct routine inspections to prevent failures and comfort issues.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues to identify root causes and fix them.
• Respond to emergency HVAC repair requests to minimize operational disruption.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Blueprints & schematics

Troubleshooting electrical/mechanical

Safety regulations compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Military MOS

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

We are seeking a skilled Facilities Mechanic to join our Facilities team with primary responsibility for the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems across our campus. This role is critical to ensuring the comfort, safety, and efficient operation of our facilities by maintaining HVAC systems in compliance with applicable codes and safety regulations.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Primarily focus on HVAC systems while supporting the broader mission of the General Atomics Facilities organization
• Work effectively in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift quickly based on operational needs and emergencies
• Demonstrate flexibility, collaboration, and a willingness to take on a variety of facilities tasks, including:
• Supporting other facilities trades during peak workloads or absences
• Assisting with general facilities maintenance beyond your primary specialty
• Participating in campus-wide, cross-functional projects
• Responding to urgent facility needs that require immediate attention
• Contributing to problem-solving across a variety of facilities challenges
• Approach these responsibilities as opportunities to grow skills, build strong working relationships, and help ensure the campus remains safe, secure, and operational

Key Responsibilities

• HVAC Installation, Repair, and Service
• (Combined “Key Responsibilities” header with the first bullets for clarity; removed “Install, repair, and service a variety of HVAC systems and components, including:” as a separate sentence.)
• Packaged rooftop units
• Split systems and heat pumps
• Chillers and boilers
• Air handling units and fan coil units
• Exhaust and supply fans
• Variable air volume (VAV) and variable frequency drive (VFD) controlled equipment

Maintenance Operations

• Maintain and service HVAC components including compressors, motors, fans, belts, filters, coils, valves, dampers, and controls
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and energy efficiency (removed “assigned” as implied)
• Conduct routine inspections to identify potential issues before they result in system failures or comfort complaints

Technical Services

• Service, modify, rebuild, and repair facility HVAC systems in accordance with applicable building codes and safety regulations (removed “Assist with” and “facility HVAC systems” repetition)
• Perform HVAC repairs across different types of commercial facilities as assigned
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues to determine root causes and implement effective solutions
• Respond to emergency HVAC repair requests in a timely manner to minimize operational disruptions

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of all HVAC maintenance, repairs, and installations
• Ensure all work complies with relevant building codes, safety regulations, and company standards
• Document parts usage and help maintain inventory of commonly used HVAC components and consumables (filters, belts, etc.)

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, military Class C school or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and five or more years of progressive experience as an apprentice plumber or HVAC mechanic. Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in facilities maintenance with specific experience in HVAC systems, or equivalent trade-specific experience working for an HVAC installation or service company
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control aspects of commercial HVAC systems
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and HVAC schematics
• Working knowledge of applicable mechanical, electrical, and energy codes, as well as safety regulations
• EPA refrigerant handling certification
• Valid CA driver’s license and ability to travel between campus locations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical certification in HVAC or related field (e.g., HVAC trade school, journeyman card)
• Experience with building automation systems (BAS) and direct digital controls (DDC)
• OSHA safety certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working at heights using ladders and lifts
• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Capable of standing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces (mechanical rooms, above-ceiling spaces, roof areas) for extended periods

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position operates in a campus environment with both indoor and outdoor work
• The role may require work during non-standard hours to minimize disruption to operations
• Includes on-call responsibilities for emergency HVAC repairs

Job Type: Full-Time Hourly

Salary range: 65,410 - 99,888