HVACR MASTER TECHNICIAN

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking an HVACR Master Technician to apply advanced technical expertise in maintaining and optimizing HVACR systems across its facilities. Responsibilities include troubleshooting diverse HVACR equipment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and performing preventive maintenance. The ideal candidate will possess strong diagnostic skills and the ability to analyze HVAC performance for operational efficiency. Join a community committed to innovation and collaboration at Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina.

Qualifications

• Strong diagnostic skills required for HVACR system troubleshooting.
• Commitment to safety and compliance with federal guidelines.
• Ability to perform complex HVACR repairs and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVACR systems across Duke facilities.
• Analyze system performance for optimization.
• Assist and mentor other mechanics.

Skills

Troubleshooting HVACR systems

Preventive maintenance

Blueprint interpretation

Electrical controls programming

System optimization analysis

Tools

Psychrometric tools

VFDs

Automated building control systems

Job description

As an HVACR Master Technician, you will apply advanced technical expertise to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize a wide range of HVACR systems across Duke facilities. This role requires independent judgment, strong diagnostic skills, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Do

HVACR Maintenance & Repair

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, balance, and analyze all types of HVACR equipment, systems, designs, and applications.
• Service air conditioning units, water coolers, split systems, heat pumps, mixing boxes, air handlers, exhaust fans, supply fans, and fume hoods.
• Maintain and repair DX equipment (up to 5 tons), refrigeration systems, ice machines, freezers, coolers, and research HVACR equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair hermetic, semi‑hermetic, reciprocating, scroll, centrifugal, and screw chillers.
• Perform preventive maintenance on airside and waterside systems including coils, pumps, towers, compressors, and valves.

Controls, Electrical & Automation

• Troubleshoot, repair, and adjust pneumatic, electronic, and line‑voltage controls.
• Program and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Program, monitor, and adjust automated building control systems and terminal‑level controllers.
• Use the Facilities Automated Control System to identify system issues and implement corrective actions.
• Read and interpret blueprints, block diagrams, ladder diagrams, and electrical schematics.

System Performance & Analysis

• Analyze HVAC system performance using psychrometrics and computer‑based analysis tools.
• Monitor temperature and pressure readings for historical tracking and system optimization.
• Perform air and water balancing and make appropriate operational adjustments.
• Identify and correct deficiencies in pneumatic, electrical, airside, and waterside systems.

Installation, Commissioning & Planning

• Install wiring, prefabricated ductwork, motors, pumps, compressors, and related components.
• Braze and soft‑solder refrigerant, pneumatic, and water piping.
• Commission HVAC equipment and systems for new construction and renovation projects.
• Conduct site surveys, review HVAC designs and blueprints, and submit written recommendations.
• Assist with HVAC‑related planning, estimating, and project coordination.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Properly add, recover, and document refrigerant in accordance with Duke and federal guidelines.
• Maintain refrigerant logs, service reports, preventive maintenance records, and inventory documentation.
• Follow lockout/tagout, PPE, hazardous waste, and OSHA safety protocols.
• Properly handle, store, transfer, and dispose of HVAC filters and chemical treatments.

Collaboration & Support

• Assist and mentor other mechanics by following oral and written instructions.
• Clean mechanical rooms, deliver parts, and support team operations as needed.
• Participate in on‑call or standby rotations as defined by the Local 465 agreement.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.