Senior TAB Technician

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days paid time off

Health plan options

Retirement through VRS

Job summary

University of Virginia is seeking a senior TAB professional to lead testing, adjusting, and balancing of complex HVAC systems. You will manage TAB field operations, collaborate with project teams, and mentor junior technicians while ensuring project timelines and quality standards.

The role emphasizes advanced troubleshooting, BAS optimization, and thorough documentation to meet NEBB/AABC or project specifications. Applicants should have strong reading of drawings and field data management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant HVAC or controls experience.
• NEBB TAB-CP or AABC Certified TBE preferred or ability to obtain within one year.

Responsibilities

• Lead TAB field operations for complex airside and hydronic systems using standard procedures.
• Plan and execute TAB activities for assigned projects independently.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate TAB instrumentation and tools.
• Verify fluid flows, fan/pump operation, and system sequencing against design intent.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications and sequences of operation.
• Prepare and review preliminary and final TAB balancing reports.

Skills

TAB field operations

BAS integration familiarity

Reading drawings

Data management

Independent project work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Johnson Controls Metasys

Automated Logic WebCTRL

Trane/TekAir/Phoenix

Job description

The University of Virginia's grounds encompass an unusually wide range of building types including historic academic halls, active research laboratories, clinical spaces, and purpose-built facilities, all requiring well-performing HVAC systems. The Testing, Adjusting & Balancing team within Facilities Management’s Building Automation Services department ensures those systems are operating as designed.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Diverse, complex building portfolio: UVA’s grounds include everything from 19th-century buildings to state-of-the-art research labs, offering TAB challenges and variety that are hard to find in a single employer.

• Senior-level ownership: This role leads TAB activities for assigned projects end-to-end. From planning and field execution to reporting and contractor oversight with real autonomy and accountability.

• BAS integration: Hands-on exposure to Johnson Controls Metasys and Automated Logic WebCTRL alongside TAB work builds a rare, marketable combination of skills.

• Mentorship and influence: You’ll play a direct role in building the team’s capabilities, training junior TAB technicians and contributing to standardized procedures and best practices.

• Stable employer with strong benefits: UVA Facilities Management is a team of over 1,200 professionals with institutional backing and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the region.

Key Responsibilities

TAB Field Operations

• Lead testing, adjusting, and balancing of complex airside and hydronic systems using standardized procedures.

• Independently plan and execute TAB activities for assigned projects.

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate TAB instrumentation and tools.

• Verify fluid flows, fan and pump motor operation, building pressurization, psychrometrics, and system sequencing.

• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and system schematics.

• Perform TAB services for new construction, renovations, retro-commissioning projects, and existing building performance investigations.

• Verify system performance against design intent and identify deviations requiring correction.

Advanced Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Diagnose HVAC performance deficiencies and identify probable root causes.

• Perform advanced analysis of airflow, hydronic flow, pressure relationships, and system control strategies.

• Assist with review of BAS logic and sequences to verify proper operation and energy-efficient performance.

• Provide recommendations for corrective actions and system optimization.

Project Leadership & Coordination

• Serve as lead TAB technician for assigned projects.

• Coordinate field activities with project managers, contractors, commissioning providers, controls technicians, and building occupants.

• Assist in developing TAB plans, schedules, and project priorities.

• Monitor project progress and communicate concerns affecting project completion.

• Support verification of contractor TAB work and field performance testing when required.

Documentation & Quality Assurance

• Prepare and review preliminary and final balancing reports.

• Perform quality assurance reviews of TAB data, calculations, and documentation.

• Maintain accurate field logs and enter data into Airnab, Excel, and other reporting systems.

• Document design deficiencies, installation issues, and operational concerns observed during field work.

• Ensure TAB reports meet University, NEBB, AABC, and project specification requirements.

• Assist in building and maintaining a TAB database of field-testing and reporting forms.

TAB Contract Oversight

• Assist with oversight and verification of contracted TAB services.

• Review contractor TAB reports for completeness and accuracy.

Training & Mentorship

• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to TAB Technicians and other Facilities Management personnel.

• Assist in developing standardized TAB procedures and best practices.

• Share technical knowledge related to airside systems, hydronic systems, instrumentation, and BAS integration.

• Support the development of junior staff toward professional TAB certification.

Equipment & Safety

• Maintain TAB equipment, instruments, and calibration records.

• Assist with evaluation and procurement of TAB tools and instrumentation.

• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with University and industry safety standards.

• Serve as a safety resource for TAB field activities.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience: Minimum 7 years of relevant HVAC or controls experience.

• Licensure: None required at hire; NEBB or AABC certification strongly preferred, or ability to obtain within one year.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working knowledge of air and hydronic balancing procedures.

• Familiarity with BAS systems - Johnson Controls Metasys and Automated Logic WebCTRL preferred; Trane, TekAir, and Phoenix a plus.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, and sequences of operation.

• Proficiency with TAB instrumentation and data management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten or more years of TAB experience.

• NEBB TAB-CP or AABC Certified TBE certification.

• Experience reviewing TAB reports and commissioning documentation.

• Experience in BAS troubleshooting and optimization.

• Proven ability to work independently on complex TAB projects.

Compensation

The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits . Employee benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays annually; parental and community service leave
• Health plan options to meet healthcare and financial needs
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Employee wellness program with incentives of up to $500 annually

For the position, the selected candidate will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Working Conditions

This is an active, physical role. Work occurs in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and occupied spaces, and may involve exposure to extreme temperatures and noisy environments. The position requires frequent lifting or carrying of 20-50 pounds and regular climbing, reaching overhead, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.

About UVA Facilities Management

UVA Facilities Management is a team of over 1,200 professionals responsible for the day-to-day operation, repair, and maintenance of UVA’s buildings, infrastructure, and grounds, as well as capital construction and renovation for university-owned and leased properties. The Automation Services department - including the Building Optimization, Service, Engineering, and TAB teams - deploys and maintains the intelligent systems that keep UVA’s environment safe, comfortable, and efficient.

This position will remain open until filled.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.