Job Summary:
SPC Mechanical’s Startup / Commissioning Sr. Technician is an experienced technician who independently performs both startup and internal commissioning on equipment and systems throughout our regional coverage area. This role is the technical lead on assigned projects: it takes ownership of startup and commissioning scopes, directs Technicians in coordination with the Specialist, adapts documentation and templates into job‑specific checklists and test scripts, and coordinates with Project Managers, superintendents, vendors, and engineers. The Sr. Technician assists the Specialist with coordination, attends meetings as assigned, mentors Technicians and Helpers, and builds toward a Specialist role while helping maintain SPC Mechanical’s reputation for integrity, quality, transparency, detail, and teamwork.
Essential Functions:
Startup
- Perform and lead startup of equipment and systems, including chillers, boilers, air handling equipment, and hydronic systems, with minimal direction
- Activate and document starting conditions of equipment, and adjust settings so it operates per design drawings and specifications
- Verify that equipment is ready to be started by the vendor, direct vendor support, and witness factory startups
- Diagnose equipment evacuation and charging issues, and align pumps
- Coordinate and assist with TAB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing), and oversee controls pre-testing on assigned projects
- Lead piping system flushing activities, monitor flushing flow readings, and document results
- Deliver and coordinate owner training, and stay current on industry knowledge
Internal Commissioning
- Perform SPC’s internal commissioning checks as a quality gate to verify work installed by SPC and SPC’s subcontractors before turnover
- Review pre-construction documentation, sequences of operation, submittals, and IOMs to identify issues early and plan checks
- Adapt existing documentation and templates into job‑specific checklists and test scripts for assigned projects, in line with the Specialist’s standards
- Verify controls operation, including DDC point-to-point and logic sequencing, against the sequences of operation
- Lead and conduct Functional Testing with SPC crews and subcontractors, and record results
- Track commissioning issues to timely closure and communicate open items to the superintendent, who is responsible for making sure subcontractors complete corrections
- Confirm assigned systems are ready for turnover, and report readiness to the Specialist
- Participate in engineering design review calls and attend commissioning meetings as assigned by the Specialist
- Assist any third-party Commissioning Agent while onsite with any needs or questions they may have
Team Direction & Mentoring
- Direct Technicians on assigned projects, in coordination with the Specialist
- Serve as a first-line technical resource for Technicians and Helpers, and escalate complex issues to the Specialist
- Mentor and train Technicians and Helpers on tools, methods, and SPC Mechanical standards
- Review checklists, test scripts, test results, and startup forms completed by Technicians for accuracy and completeness
- Provide feedback to the Specialist on Technician performance and development
- Assist the Specialist with workload planning and Technician assignments on assigned projects
- Work with the Specialist to build the leadership and technical skills needed for advancement
Quality Assurance Support
- Verify installed equipment against submittals, IOMs, drawings, and specifications, regardless of whether SPC or a subcontractor installed it
- Identify issues related to equipment installation, share them with the superintendent and Quality Team, and propose a resolution path for each issue to mitigate rework
- Review flushing plans and prepare for DOL inspections
- Support the Quality Team, which owns SPC’s QA/QC process, by participating in Autodesk Forma QA/QC punchlists as directed by the Quality Team process
- Hold installations to the highest quality possible
Technical Support & Coordination
- Assist the Specialist with coordination with Project Managers, superintendents, GCs, vendors, owners, and EoRs
- Coordinate with Project Managers and superintendents to plan and schedule startup and commissioning for assigned projects, independently, in line with the Specialist’s process
- Provide technical guidance and assistance to SPC field personnel, GCs, subcontractors, owners, EoRs, and others
- Facilitate communication between all parties, and communicate startup and commissioning readiness requirements to subcontractors and superintendents
- Attend OPS and QCM meetings as assigned by the Specialist, and provide subcontractor support
- Provide assistance during DHSR inspections
Troubleshooting & Warranty
- Troubleshoot equipment and system issues efficiently and accurately, and provide solutions
- Perform electrical troubleshooting, including line side work and low voltage (24V) issues
- Lead the technical response on warranty issues for assigned projects as directed by the Specialist
- Identify recurring warranty issues and share findings with the Specialist
- Resolve technical problems in a timely manner to maintain equipment functionality and customer satisfaction
Documentation
- Prepare commissioning documentation and provide reports on a regular basis
- Complete startup forms for equipment, and include startup documentation in turnover packages
- Work with factory startup technicians to obtain forms as required, and compile vendor pre‑startup reports
- Capture lessons learned and share them with the Specialist
- Keep files organized, document all job‑related occurrences, and keep a daily record
Planning & Field Operations
- Work with other trades on the critical path
- Use special tools and equipment such as flow meters and flow hoods proficiently
- Procure materials as needed within contract scope, such as special wiring, refrigerant for DX startup, glycol, and miscellaneous parts for repairs
- Travel to project sites throughout the regional coverage area and drive safely at all times
Professionalism & Safety
- Display a courteous and professional manner to customers and their representatives, regardless of the size or scope of the job
- Be knowledgeable of trade standards in general and SPC Mechanical standards in particular
- Follow all company and OSHA safety requirements, including proper PPE and lockout/tagout procedures
- Handle, recover, and document refrigerant in compliance with EPA regulations
- Pursue trade‑specific training and certifications to grow technical knowledge
Team Member
- Keep the Startup / Commissioning Specialist updated on task status, and on tools and materials needed
- Record daily timesheets accurately and on time
- Keep vehicle, tools, and equipment organized, clean, and in good working order, and report issues to the Specialist
- Foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be a reliable, proactive member of the team
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and organization
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of mechanical service, equipment startup, or commissioning experience
- High level of understanding of total HVAC and plumbing installation and operation, equipment capabilities, and controls systems architecture and sequences
- Strong understanding of system startup, test and balancing, commissioning, and diagnosis
- Understanding of electrical systems, with the ability to troubleshoot line side work and resolve low voltage (24V) issues
- High level of skill in troubleshooting multiple trades and types of systems, such as:
- Electrical circuits and systems
- Control components and systems
- Mechanical equipment such as chillers, cooling towers, air handling units, and fans
- Plumbing equipment such as air compressors, vacuum pumps, and sump pumps
- Mechanical and plumbing hydronic systems and components
- Air flow dynamics and components
- Experience starting up and commissioning equipment and systems such as chillers, boilers, or central plant systems
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, submittals, IOMs, and sequences of operation
- Proficiency editing and adapting documents and templates to create job‑specific checklists, test scripts, and reports
- Ability to work independently, manage assigned scopes, direct Technicians, and mentor others
- Ability to accurately diagnose and report problem situations, and to write routine reports and correspondence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including with Project Managers, superintendents, vendors, and engineers
- Brazing with nitrogen purge, and assembly and disassembly of various pieces of equipment
- Universal EPA certification
- Safety‑first mindset
- Ability to travel throughout regional projects
- Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets SPC Mechanical’s insurance carrier requirements
- Ability to frequently lift or carry up to 75 lbs and assist with lifting up to 120 lbs
- Ability to climb ladders and rooftop access ladders, and work on rooftops and in crawl spaces
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors, including high and precarious places, in variable weather conditions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience performing pre‑functional checks and functional testing on MEP systems
- BAS/DDC controls experience
- Experience with Autodesk Forma or similar QA/QC and punchlist software
- Manufacturer startup training and certifications
- Experience mentoring Helpers or junior Technicians
- OSHA 30 certification
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, and duties may be changed or added at any time, with or without notice. This job description does not constitute an employment contract, and employment with SPC Mechanical is at-will. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. SPC Mechanical is an Equal Opportunity Employer.