Lead Chiller Technician

HTS Engineering - Heat Transfer Solutions; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HTS Engineering Ltd. in Austin, TX, is seeking a seasoned commissioning professional to lead startup, performance testing, and site acceptance for centrifugal chillers and related equipment.

You will coordinate with third-party authorities and internal teams to ensure all steps are followed and safety requirements are met. You will diagnose faults via alarms and trends, perform refrigerant-side work, and ensure BAS integration across BACnet, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial/industrial chillers, with 5+ years on centrifugal machines.
• Master refrigeration mechanic qualification and recognized trade qualification.
• Direct experience starting up and commissioning chillers with fault-troubleshooting ability.
• Experience with controls, automation, and networking; BAS integration knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead Commissioning: deliver site acceptance, startup, and performance testing for chillers, CRAH units, and fan arrays.
• Coordinate Site Work: follow commissioning plans and liaise with third-party authorities and site teams.
• Verify Readiness and Safety: confirm installation, site conditions, and services before energizing equipment.
• Troubleshoot Equipment: diagnose faults using alarms and trends; isolate, recover, and restart equipment.
• Service Chillers: perform refrigerant-side work including evacuation, charging, leak detection, and recovery per local rules.
• Diagnose Controls and Drives: work with chiller PLCs, verify software/firmware, and troubleshoot BAS via BACnet/Modbus/EtherNet/IP.

Skills

Chiller experience

Troubleshooting

Controls networking

BAS integration knowledge

Education

Master refrigeration mechanic qualification or equivalent

Trade qualification such as NITC STAR HVACR Mastery / 313A / Red Seal

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Lead Commissioning: Lead delivery and site acceptance, pre-functional verification, startup, and performance testing for chillers, CRAH units, and fan arrays
• Coordinate Site Work: Follow commissioning plans and coordinate with third-party commissioning authorities and other site teams
• Verify Readiness and Safety: Confirm installation, site conditions, and required services before energizing equipment; stop and escape unsafe or unready conditions
• Troubleshoot Equipment: Diagnose faults using alarms, trends, and systematic troubleshooting; safely isolate, recover, shut down, and restart equipment
• Service Chillers: Perform refrigerant-side work, including evacuation, charging, leak detection, and recovery, in accordance with local requirements
• Diagnose Controls and Drives: Work across chiller PLCs and compressor controllers; verify released software and firmware; configure network settings; and troubleshoot BAS integration over BACnet, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP

What You Bring

• At least 10 years of commercial or industrial chiller experience, including at least five years working directly with centrifugal machines
• A master refrigeration mechanic qualification and a recognized trade qualification, such as NITC STAR HVACR Mastery, 313A, a provincial equivalent, Red Seal endorsement, or demonstrably equivalent training
• Direct experience performing chiller startups and commissioning, with the ability to explain equipment commissioned, faults encountered, and troubleshooting decisions
• Controls, automation, and networking experience