Motor Drive and Starter Technician

University-of-North-Carolina-At-Chapel-Hil; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional training opportunities

Exclusive perks for campus discounts

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Electronics Specialist - Journey to operate and maintain building HVAC systems, focusing on VFDs and motor starters for fans and pumps. The role requires an Associate’s degree in electronics and emphasizes safety, teamwork, and high-quality workmanship.

Candidates should be prepared to execute preventative maintenance, troubleshoot electrical controls, and collaborate with campus facilities teams.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of air conditioning, refrigeration, steam, chilled water heat transfer systems.
• Working knowledge of single and three phase electrical and electronic circuits, the design and operation of motor starters and VFDs.
• Ability to replace faulty components, install/conduit and wiring, and test systems for reliability and efficiency.
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical circuits for motor starters, VFDs and motors and calibrate control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain building HVAC and associated systems with emphasis on VFD and motor starters.
• Support UNC safety culture and ensure safe operations.
• Assist with installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical components and control systems.

Skills

VFDs knowledge

Motor starters

Electrical troubleshooting

Electrical circuits

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in electronics

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Career Area Facilities and Skilled Trades

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/05/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 10/26/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title Electronics Specialist - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC09 / GN09

Working Title

Working Title Motor Drive and Starter Technician

Position Number

Position Number 00058626

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021439

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Building Services provide full maintenance and repair services for all UNC facilities and ensure the proper operation of those facilities in support of the UNC mission of teaching, research and public service. Building Services supports more than 300 campus buildings with more than 18 million gross square feet of space. The teams that provide quality maintenance, repair and construction services that support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University include Campus Maintenance, EMCS , Facilities Operations Support, Housing Support, HVAC Systems, Life Safety Services, and the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling. The HVAC Auxiliary Shop is a unit of Building Services that operates, maintains, and improves pumps, fans, compressors, motors, air filtration systems, fume hoods, and air handling systems. These diverse systems serve a variety of facilities including classrooms, auditoriums, offices, kitchen/dining areas, parking decks, arenas/athletic venues, laboratories, clinics, surgery suites, clean rooms, data centers, museums/repositories, residence halls, and vivariums. These customers depend on the Auxiliary shop to provide safe, reliable, comfortable, and efficient HVAC operations to achieve UNC’s many missions.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $4,919 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $2,459.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $2,459.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE . Operates and maintains building HVAC and associated systems with an emphasis on Variable Frequency Drive ( VFD ) and motor starters primarily for fans, pumps and related equipment. Must demonstrate the TOP SERVICE values of Teamwork, Openness, Professionalism, Stewardship, Excellence, Responsiveness, Versatility, Innovation, Competence, and Efficiency. Must also contribute to the UNC safety culture and always consider safety first. Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Associate’s degree in electronics; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

1. Knowledge of air conditioning, refrigeration, steam, chilled water heat transfer systems. 2. Working knowledge of single and three phase electrical and electronic circuits, the design and operation of motor starters and VFDs, and the design and operation of motor control systems related to HVAC fans and pumps. 3. Ability to replace faulty components, (including assisting in installations/installing conduit and wiring) and testing and adjusting systems to achieve maximum reliability and efficiency. 4. Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical circuits for motor starters, VFDs and motors as well as skills to calibrate electrical and electronic control systems. 5. Ability to practice excellent communication (both internal and external) and customer service skills.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License or have the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Physical requirements include: (1) climbing ladders to roofs, ceilings, or catwalks and crawling over walls to repair VFDs, motors, starters, wiring, conduit and related equipment; (2) crawling under buildings to trace out electrical problems; (3) moving VFDs, motors, and starters possibly up a ladder and onto a roof or isolated area; (4) carrying necessary tools and equipment to job site for use and installation. Overall candidates must be able to work in small spaces while wearing an approved respirator and/or proper NFPA70E required arc flash safety atire. Ability to move objects weighing at least 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation; wear a respirator, safety shoes, and other personal protective equipment; and ability to lift, bend, squat, and twist. Serves as a mandatory employee reporting to work in support of mandatory University operations, even when adverse weather or other emergency conditions require the University to close.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Night work occasionally, Non-Healthcare TB exposure, On-call, Overtime occasionally, Respirator, general use, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN -ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy .

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of industrial or HVAC maintenance experience do you have?
  • 1-4 years
  • 5-9 years
  • 10+ years
• * Have you ever worked on electrical control circuits?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have experience servicing electric motors, fans, and pumps?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have experience using a true RMS Category III digital clamp meter for three phase electrical measurements?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you currently have a valid North Carolina Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License by your potential start date?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have experience troubleshooting and replacing variable frequency drives and motor starters?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Electronics Specialist position.
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and/or Doctorate in electronics
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and/or Doctorate in an unrelated field and 2 years of related experience
  • Combination of post-high school education and experience to equal at least 2 years of related experience. (ex: 1 year towards related degree and 1 year related experience)
  • High School diploma/GED and at least 2 years of related experience
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and related experience to equal 6 years. (ex. 3 years of high school and 3 years related experience)
  • None of the above