Trades Instructor - HVAC and Refrigeration (BAS and Controls)

city; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City in Seattle, WA is seeking an experienced Industrial HVAC/R Instructor to lead technical training on commercial refrigeration, HVAC systems, and building controls. The role supports Boeing facilities training programs and requires hands-on lab delivery, curriculum development, and strong safety compliance.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in HVAC/refrigeration, 5+ years in training, and expertise in BAS/EMS platforms and HVAC control programming. Travel up to 25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of HVAC, refrigeration and controls industry experience.
• 5+ years in technical training or instructional roles.
• Strong knowledge of BAS/EMS platforms, digital and analog I/O, and HVAC/R control programming.
• Ability to design and update technical training curricula.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for regional support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical instruction in classroom and hands-on settings for commercial refrigeration, HVAC systems, and building controls.
• Develop and maintain training curricula aligned with industry standards and technology trends.
• Lead lab-based learning focusing on diagnostics, troubleshooting and system optimization.
• Adapt teaching methods to different learner levels and styles.
• Assess learner progress with written assessments and practical exams.
• Collaborate with SMEs and field technicians to keep content current.

Skills

HVAC/R controls

BAS/EMS programming

Lab instruction

Curriculum development

Travel up to 25%

Teaching 30 hours/week

Safety & compliance

EPA Section 608 & ASHRAE guidelines

Job description

Industrial HVAC/R Instructor - HVAC, refrigeration, controls

Reports to: Director of Technical Services

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Technical Trades Instructor to join our team in Seattle, Washington. This role specializes in commercial refrigeration, HVAC systems, and building automation/controls and is ideal for a dynamic professional who thrives on teaching, engaging learners, and developing high‑impact technical training programs.

The successful candidate will bring extensive industry experience along with strong instructional expertise and deep knowledge of digital and analog I/O, BAS/EMS platforms, and HVAC/R control programming. This position supports a Boeing facilities technical training program and includes up to 25% travel to support regional teams, training centers, and field operations.

This position is based in the Seattle area supporting a Boeing facilities technical training program. It includes travel up to 25% to support regional teams, training centers, and field operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver Technical Instruction: Lead engaging classroom and hands‑on training focused on commercial refrigeration, HVAC systems, and building controls, including BAS/EMS platforms, digital and analog I/O, and HVAC/R programming.
• Develop Training Programs: Design, update, and maintain technical training curricula aligned with industry standards, emerging technologies, and operational needs across HVAC/R, controls, and energy management.
• Lead Hands‑On Learning: Facilitate lab‑based instruction emphasizing diagnostics, troubleshooting, system optimization, control logic, and programming for HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Adapt Instructional Methods: Tailor teaching approaches to support diverse learning styles and varying technical skill levels.
• Assess Learner Progress: Evaluate trainee performance through written assessments, practical exams, and hands‑on demonstrations.
• Collaborate with SMEs: Partner with internal subject matter experts and field technicians to ensure training content reflects current tools, technologies, and best practices.
• Maintain Technical Currency: Stay current on HVAC/R technologies, refrigerants, energy efficiency standards, BAS/EMS platforms, and related programming disciplines.
• Ensure Compliance: Ensure all training activities meet applicable regulatory, licensing, and safety requirements, including EPA Section 608 and ASHRAE guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and controls, including 5+ years in technical training or instructional roles.
• Controls Expertise: Advanced knowledge of BAS/EMS platforms, digital and analog I/O, and HVAC/R control programming.
• Instructional Capability: Demonstrated ability to deliver effective, engaging instruction in both classroom and lab environments.
• Program Development: Proven success designing and maintaining technical training programs, particularly in diagnostics, system integration, and controls.
• Teaching Availability: Ability to instruct a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Passion for Training: Strong commitment to mentoring technicians and fostering a positive, skills‑based learning environment.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 25% in support of training initiatives.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Trade License in HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, or plumbing.
• Certifications such as EPA 608, NATE, or HVAC Excellence.
• Hands‑on experience with building automation and energy management systems (BAS / EMS).
• Familiarity with digital learning tools, simulation platforms, or blended learning environments.
• Background in corporate technical training or accredited technical education institutions.
• Chiller and Boiler experience, a plus

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of commercial HVAC/R systems, refrigeration, building automation systems (BAS/EMS), and mechanical controls.
• Controls & Programming Proficiency: Strong understanding of digital and analog I/O, sequences of operation, HVAC control logic, and BAS/EMS programming fundamentals.
• Instructional Effectiveness: Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical, and job‑ready learning experiences.
• Hands‑On Training Delivery: Skilled in leading lab‑based training focused on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and real‑world system performance.
• Curriculum Development: Strong capability to design, standardize, and continuously improve technical training programs.
• Communication Skills: Clear, confident presenter with strong facilitation, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Learning Adaptability: Ability to adjust instructional approaches based on learner needs and experience levels.
• Safety & Compliance Focus: Demonstrated commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
• Collaboration: Effective partner with SMEs, field technicians, and operations leaders.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Actively stays current w