Refrigeration HVAC/r Technician or Sr. Technician

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; City of Troy (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative institution dedicated to cutting-edge research and technology. As a Senior HVAC/r Technician, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and optimizing advanced HVAC systems, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the campus. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you will utilize your extensive knowledge of refrigeration systems and building management technologies. With opportunities for career growth and a supportive community, this role is perfect for those passionate about delivering exceptional service and maintaining high standards of operational excellence.

Benefits

Generous paid time off

Tuition remission

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HVAC/r experience with a focus on refrigeration.
• EPA Refrigeration Certification required within 120 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance, repair, and installation of HVAC/r systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair refrigeration systems including AC units.

Skills

HVAC/r systems knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Electrical circuit evaluation

Customer relation skills

Ability to work independently

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Associate’s Degree in HVAC/r

Tools

Building management systems

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Apply now Job no: 495305
Work type: Full Time
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Staff, Trades, Service, and Maintenance

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is home tofive schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Job Summary

The HVAC/r Technician, Sr. will plan and perform complex and diversified duties for maintenance, repair and installation of refrigeration, air conditioning, chilled water, heating and ventilation systems and associated controls. Participates in on-call rotation in accordance with standard operating procedures.

• Refrigeration Emphasis: The technician will troubleshoot and repair refrigeration systems, including air conditioning and cooling units. This involves addressing issues like leaks, electrical faults, and mechanical problems in these systems to ensure optimal cooling performance.
• Skill Level: Refrigeration work in this role requires foundational knowledge of refrigeration systems and basic troubleshooting skills to restore functionality.

Minimum Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or Equivalent
• Thorough knowledge of HVAC/r equipment, controls, and operating strategies acquired through a minimum of five (5) years of related and progressively more responsible experience. (This position has an emphasis on refrigeration experience)

OR

• Associate’s Degree in HVAC/r
• Four (4) years of related and progressively responsible experience to include:
  • HVAC and control system installation and maintenance experience
  • EPA Refrigeration Certification to handle EPA Type 1 and 2 or Universal refrigerant within 120 days of hire. (This position has an emphasis on refrigeration experience)

AND

• All candidates must have
  • Valid US driver’s license required
  • Must have the ability to be medically qualified for respirator use

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Centrifugal, reciprocating, screw, and scroll chiller experience
• Experience with building management systems
• NYS 7G Commercial Certification for application of Pesticides to cooling towers

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated fundamental knowledge of basic refrigeration systems
• Ability to troubleshoot, repair, and tune small boilers, furnaces, heat pumps
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in field
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and diagnose basic electrical circuits
• Ability to read and interpret blue prints, pneumatic prints, digital flow charts, schematic drawings and control diagrams
• Ability to utilize electrical, pneumatic and digital control systems and applications
• Ability to use networked building management systems
• Ability to operate and make basic adjustments to reciprocating and centrifugal chillers
• Ability to maintain control air compressors
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools
• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts
• Excellent customer relation skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to operate a computer using standard office software and industry specific software

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Travel

Local travel between campus locations only

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Expected hiring range:

Hiring range for HVAC/r - min $25 - max $27
Hiring range for Sr. HVAC/r - min $29 - max $35 per hour

To be considered for the Sr. HVAC/r Technician position, an individual must demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in HVAC/r systems, including complex repairs, troubleshooting, and maintenance of a wide range of equipment. This includes experience with centrifugal, reciprocating, and screw chillers, as well as the ability to independently evaluate and resolve complex issues. The Sr. Technician should also have a strong proficiency in utilizing building management systems and troubleshooting electrical circuits. Additionally, they must exhibit leadership qualities by supervising and guiding external contractors, ensuring high-quality work, and contributing to continuous improvement in operational efficiency.

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact [e-mail].

Job Posted Date

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visitBenefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu) .

Rensselaer is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

Advertised: 14 Mar 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: