Lead Commercial HVAC Sheet Metal Technician / Crew Lead

Lead Commercial HVAC Sheet Metal Technician / Crew Lead

Location / Territory: Ames, Iowa / Central Iowa; primarily home daily.

About the Company

Mechanical Comfort, Inc. is a commercial mechanical contractor founded in Ames in 1989. MCI provides HVAC/R, plumbing, sheet metal, scientific-equipment, controls and planned-maintenance services, with a company philosophy centered on employee safety, customer satisfaction and excellence in the trades. Its stated values include safety, integrity, quality, respect, reliability and professionalism.

Role Summary

MCI is seeking an experienced commercial sheet metal professional who can lead crews and execute commercial and industrial HVAC installation projects. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who understands layout, fabrication, installation, jobsite coordination, safety and apprentice development—not simply a senior installer title.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily field activities for commercial HVAC/sheet-metal crews.
• Lay out, fabricate, assemble and install commercial/industrial ductwork.
• Install HVAC equipment and associated sheet-metal systems.
• Read plans, specifications and construction documents.
• Identify field conflicts and communicate needs before they affect schedule.
• Coordinate manpower, materials, tools and daily priorities.
• Maintain workmanship and installation quality standards.
• Mentor apprentices and less-experienced installers.
• Maintain safe, organized jobsites.
• Coordinate effectively with project managers, customers and other trades.
• Track progress and communicate project status/issues.
• Represent MCI professionally at customer facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Commercial HVAC/sheet-metal installation experience.
• Ability to independently perform layout and installation work.
• Experience reading commercial plans/specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or direct field crews.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving eligibility.
• Strong safety and quality orientation.
• Effective communication and organization skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Journey-level sheet metal background/license.
• New commercial construction experience.
• Commercial/industrial fabrication experience.
• Experience mentoring apprentices.
• Experience leading projects from layout through completion.

Success Metrics

• Projects meet MCI workmanship standards with minimal rework.
• Crew executes safely and productively.
• Materials/manpower are anticipated rather than repeatedly becoming emergencies.
• Apprentices develop under the lead's direction.
• Project-management communication is proactive and accurate.
• Customers experience professional, reliable field execution.

Why Join

• Primarily 40-hour workweeks with historically little Sheet Metal overtime.
• Home-daily model with extremely limited overnight travel.
• Take-home company vehicle.
• PTO credit based on relevant prior experience.
• Company-supported training and continuing education.
• Tool and safety-boot allowances plus company technology and uniforms.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful commercial/industrial work for an established Iowa contractor.