Senior HVAC Technician / Installation Lead

Helix Craftworks LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Helix Craftworks LLC seeks an experienced HVAC professional to diagnose, plan, install, and communicate within renovation projects. You will integrate comfort, ventilation, condensate, controls, and service access into installations with clear documentation and client handoff.

The role operates on a full-time W-2 basis with a 90-day introductory period. Regional coverage includes Southcentral Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Compensation ranges per ladder, reflecting credentials and scope.

Qualifications

• Seven years of relevant HVAC service and installation experience.
• EPA Section 608 certification and credentials required for assigned work.
• Strong diagnostic ability across common residential and light-commercial systems.
• Working knowledge of airflow, refrigeration, combustion safety, controls, and code requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and a professional approach in occupied properties.

Responsibilities

• Install, replace, modify, commission, and troubleshoot residential and light-commercial HVAC systems
• Evaluate airflow, equipment access, duct routing, ventilation, condensate, and controls
• Coordinate penetrations, framing needs, electrical requirements, finishes, and inspection milestones
• Prepare material takeoffs and flag design or field conflicts before installation
• Document startup, testing, settings, and client handoff information
• Guide developing technicians and uphold safe refrigerant and combustion practices

Skills

HVAC diagnostic ability

Troubleshooting

Ventilation & controls knowledge

Communication

Valid driver’s license

Education

EPA Section 608 certification

Job description

This role is for an experienced HVAC professional who can diagnose, plan, install, and communicate—not simply swap equipment. You will help Helix integrate comfort, ventilation, condensate, controls, and service access into renovation work cleanly.

Base compensation

$37–$45/hour

Schedule

Full-time W-2; 90-day introductory employment period

Territory

Regional coverage — Southcentral Pennsylvania & Northern Maryland

W-2 base compensation before overtime, bonuses, benefits, or vehicle allowances. Final offers reflect demonstrated capability, credentials, responsibility, and territory; applicants do not automatically begin at the top of a band.

• Install, replace, modify, commission, and troubleshoot residential and light-commercial HVAC systems
• Evaluate airflow, equipment access, duct routing, ventilation, condensate, and controls
• Coordinate penetrations, framing needs, electrical requirements, finishes, and inspection milestones
• Prepare material takeoffs and flag design or field conflicts before installation
• Document startup, testing, settings, and client handoff information
• Guide developing technicians and uphold safe refrigerant and combustion practices

Qualifications

• At least seven years of relevant HVAC service and installation experience
• EPA Section 608 certification and credentials required for assigned work
• Strong diagnostic ability across common residential and light-commercial systems
• Working knowledge of airflow, refrigeration, combustion safety, controls, and code requirements
• Valid driver’s license and a professional approach in occupied properties

You will stand out if

• Looks beyond the equipment box to how the whole system performs
• Plans service access and routes before installation begins
• Explains findings without jargon or sales theater
• Treats commissioning and documentation as part of the installation

Three levels. Clearer expectations.

Placement depends on demonstrated capability, judgment, and scope ownership—not years alone. The open title identifies our immediate need; the full ladder shows where the role can go.

Level 1

$23–$28/hour

Supports maintenance and installation while building diagnostic and system knowledge.

Level 2

$29–$36/hour

Owns standard installations and service diagnostics with limited oversight.

Level 3

$37–$45/hour

Leads complex systems, commissioning, coordination, and technician development.

Ownership Pathway

Senior team members who build lasting value at Helix may be considered for a long-term ownership pathway. Opportunities can include a structured buy-in, performance-based participation, or a combination of the two. Ownership is considered individually and is not guaranteed by tenure alone.

Introductory employment

Structured checkpoints, not guesswork.

W-2 hires begin with a 90-day introductory period: skill and reliability verification in days 1–30, a written day-45 checkpoint, a day-75 recommendation, and a day-90 regular-status decision. The first compensation review occurs at six months; annual reviews follow.

Tools & transportation

Bring the basics. We supply the loadout.

Field candidates provide basic personal hand tools appropriate to their level and reliable transportation initially. Helix provides job-specific equipment, specialty loadouts, safety equipment, consumables, and required technology. Company vehicles will be introduced by role and territory as the fleet develops.

Regular full-time status

Benefits follow a successful transition.

Benefits and paid time off become available upon successful transition to regular full-time employment. Independent subcontractor engagements do not include employee benefits.