Lead Commercial Refrigeration Start-Up Technician / Foreman

Bates Air Conditioning & Service Co., Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in commercial HVAC as a Lead Commercial Refrigeration Start-Up Technician / Foreman. This role involves overseeing complex refrigeration projects, providing mentorship, and ensuring high-quality workmanship. Enjoy competitive pay, extensive travel, and premium benefits.

Benefits

Full medical, dental & vision insurance

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO

Qualifications

• 4–5+ years of hands-on experience in commercial refrigeration.
• Proven leadership experience as a foreman or lead technician.
• 3+ years of EMS experience with strong proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee system start-up, controls programming, and performance optimization.
• Lead EMS wiring and programming for refrigeration systems.
• Provide mentorship and technical support to junior techs.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Technical Support

Education

EPA Certification

TDLR License

Tools

CPC

Novar

Danfoss

Job description

Description

Lead Commercial Refrigeration Start-Up Technician / Foreman
Houston, TX (Travel Role) | $$36.00 – $44.00/hr + OT + Per Diem | All Travel Expenses Paid

Ready to Lead? Step Into a High-Impact Role at Bates Air Conditioning

For over six decades, Bates Air Conditioning has been a trusted name in commercial HVAC and refrigeration across Houston and beyond. Founded in 1964, we’ve built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service across a wide range of industries — from supermarkets to restaurants, retail, and more.

We’re now hiring an experienced Lead Commercial Refrigeration Start-Up Technician / Foreman to join our traveling start-up and controls team. This is a full-time, year-round opportunity with great pay, strong benefits, and company-covered travel expenses.

What You’ll Do

As a lead technician and foreman, you’ll be at the forefront of complex commercial refrigeration projects, overseeing system start-up, controls programming, and performance optimization. Responsibilities include:

• Perform and supervise start-up and troubleshooting of refrigeration systems: parallel racks, single systems, walk-in freezers/coolers, chillers, and more.
• Lead EMS (Energy Management System) wiring and programming for platforms such as CPC, Novar, and Danfoss.
• Conduct refrigerant evacuations, pressure testing, and system verifications.
• Manage small install projects such as single case or condenser replacements.
• Lead retro-commissioning efforts for supermarkets and utility program upgrades.
• Provide mentorship, direction, and technical support to junior techs and foremen.
• Ensure high-quality workmanship, safety compliance, and project timeline adherence.
• Travel regularly to job sites Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, working 10–12 hour shifts.

What We’re Looking For

• 4–5+ years of hands-on experience in commercial refrigeration start-up and controls.
• Proven leadership experience as a foreman or lead technician.
• Deep familiarity with rack systems, walk-ins, refrigeration cases, chillers, and CO2/glycol systems.
• 3+ years of EMS experience with strong proficiency in system programming and wiring.
• Ability to read and interpret refrigeration/electrical/plumbing blueprints.
• Strong organizational and crew management skills.
• EPA Certification & TDLR license preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively.

What You’ll Get

• Weekly Pay: $36.00–$44.00/hr + overtime
• Per Diem: $30/day — plus all travel, lodging, and transportation expenses paid
• Premium Benefits:
  • Full medical, dental & vision insurance
  • Life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with industry-best company match: contribute 6%, get 4%
• Generous PTO: Up to 20 days off based on experience + paid holidays
• Supportive company culture and year-round work

Please Note

To keep job sites running smoothly, please do not call or visit the office to follow up on your application. We will contact qualified candidates directly.

Take the Lead on High-Profile Projects

If you’re a seasoned refrigeration technician with EMS and leadership experience, this is your opportunity to advance your career while working for a respected company with 60 years of excellence. Join Bates Air Conditioning and help shape the future of commercial refrigeration.

Apply now to be our next Lead Start-Up Technician / Foreman.