Start-up Manager

Evapco; Medford (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job description

The Startup Manager is responsible for leading all startup, commissioning, customer turnover, and field service activities for EVAPCO Air Handling systems throughout North America. This role serves as the primary link between Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Service, Refrigeration Contractors, and End Users to ensure every EVAPCO Air Handling Unit is successfully installed, commissioned, and operating according to design intent.

The Startup Manager will lead and develop field service personnel, establish commissioning standards, improve startup processes, and drive customer satisfaction as the final point of delivery before project handoff. The position will be based in Minnesota and will require some travel to customer sites.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

Field Service Management

• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage field service technicians.
• Assign startup personnel based on project requirements and geographic location.
• Maintain field service workload forecasts and resource planning.
• Conduct field audits to ensure safety, quality, and consistency.
• Develop technician training programs focused on HVAC, refrigeration, controls, burners, and airflow systems.

Customer & Contractor Support

• Serve as the primary escalation point during commissioning of units.
• Collaborate with refrigeration contractors, electrical contractors, and customer maintenance teams.
• Build long-term customer relationships through exceptional service and responsiveness.

Startup & Commissioning Leadership

• Manage all startup and commissioning activities for EVAPCO Air Handling products, including:
  • Critical Process Air (CPA) systems
  • Direct Fired (EDF) units
  • Retrofit and modernization projects
• Develop standardized startup procedures and commissioning checklists.
• Ensure all equipment is started and commissioned according to approved sequences of operation.
• Verify mechanical, electrical, controls, refrigeration, burner, and airflow performance.
• Establish startup best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Position Challenges & Latitude:

• Willingness to learn.
• Ensures adherence to company policies and work rules.
• Maintain excellent work attendance with a positive attitude.
• Strive to continually improve quality, safety, and productivity within the start-up group.

Knowledge, Skills, & Experience:

Education

• HVAC Engineering, Industrial Technology, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and industry experience will be considered.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in HVAC, industrial air handling, refrigeration, commissioning, or field service.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience with startup and commissioning of air handling equipment preferred.
• Food processing, industrial refrigeration, clean room, or critical process air experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Air handling systems
• HVAC and refrigeration fundamentals
• Industrial controls and PLC systems
• Burner and gas train systems
• Air balancing and psychometrics
Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding AC/DC fundamentals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing and outdoor environments
• Continuous standing, sitting, squatting, bending, pulling, and lifting throughout the workday
• Lifting of 50 lbs. or less
• Wear PPE when required
• Shift work, days or evenings, Monday through Friday, and some Saturday’s and Sunday’s

Evapco’s Summary of Pay & Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Program – we are an employee-owned company
• Profit Sharing Bonus – which is paid twice per year
• (k)larity Plan - Voluntary Employee Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Bereavement Pay
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance equivalent to base salary, with option for Supplemental Life election