Commercial HVAC Lead Install Technician / Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced Commercial HVAC Lead Install Technician / Project Manager to lead and manage commercial HVAC installation projects from start to finish.

This is a hands-on field position. The primary responsibilities are performing and leading commercial HVAC installations while also managing the project, including manpower, materials, scheduling, coordination, documentation, customer communication, and job costs.

The ideal candidate must have a strong commercial HVAC background. In addition to installation experience, the candidate should have service, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance experience. When installation projects are slow or additional support is needed, this position may perform commercial HVAC service calls and preventive maintenance.

We are looking for someone who can work with the tools, lead the crew, manage the project, communicate with the customer, and take ownership of the job from beginning to end.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5 years of commercial HVAC experience preferred.
• Strong commercial HVAC installation background.
• Commercial HVAC service and preventive maintenance experience.
• Experience leading commercial HVAC installations and field personnel.
• Project management or project coordination experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC systems and commercial construction practices.
• Experience working with and troubleshooting equipment such as:
• Rooftop units (RTUs)
• Split and packaged systems
• Chillers
• Boilers
• VRF/VRV systems
• VAV systems
• Pumps and associated hydronic equipment
• Commercial controls
• Low- and high-voltage electrical systems
• Familiarity with commercial HVAC materials, tools, and installation methods, including knowing when and how to use them.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, mechanical drawings, equipment manuals, specifications, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Strong math, measurement, layout, and reading skills.
• Ability to diagnose problems and develop practical solutions in the field.
• Ability to make sound, well-thought-out decisions when unexpected field conditions arise.
• Ability to lead, train, and direct apprentices and less-experienced technicians.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and priorities at the same time.

Primary Responsibilities — Installation & Field Leadership

• Perform and lead commercial HVAC installations.
• Work hands-on alongside the installation crew as needed to complete projects.
• Direct apprentices, installers, and less-experienced technicians assigned to the project.
• Plan daily work and ensure the crew understands the scope, priorities, and expectations.
• Review project drawings, specifications, submittals, equipment information, and scope of work before and during installation.
• Lay out work and determine appropriate installation methods, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Coordinate HVAC installation with electrical, plumbing, controls, general contractors, and other trades.
• Identify field conflicts and develop practical solutions.
• Ensure installations meet project specifications, manufacturer requirements, applicable codes, and company workmanship standards.
• Monitor quality and progress throughout the installation rather than waiting until the end of the project to identify problems.
• Train and mentor apprentices and less-experienced technicians.
• Maintain a safe, professional, and organized jobsite.

Project Management Responsibilities

The Lead Install Technician / Project Manager is expected to take ownership of assigned projects from start to finish.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the overall HVAC project and field team.
• Serve as the primary company point of contact for the customer on assigned projects.
• Maintain clear communication between the customer, field personnel, management, dispatch, vendors, subcontractors, and other trades.
• Coordinate manpower based on the project's schedule and needs.
• Coordinate equipment, materials, deliveries, rentals, subcontractors, inspections, startups, and other project requirements.
• Maintain project documentation and communicate changes in scope or field conditions.
• Monitor project labor hours and material costs throughout the job.
• Identify potential labor or material overruns early and communicate them to management.
• Monitor the project schedule and determine what needs to happen next to keep the job moving.
• Make sure necessary materials, equipment, information, and manpower are available before they are needed.
• Coordinate required inspections and project milestones.
• Communicate project progress, delays, problems, and changes to the customer and company management.
• Track open items and ensure they are followed through to completion.
• Complete project closeout requirements and ensure outstanding items are resolved.

Service & Preventive Maintenance Responsibilities

Although commercial installation and project management are the primary responsibilities of this position, the candidate must also be capable of performing commercial HVAC service and preventive maintenance when needed.

During slower installation periods or when the service department requires additional support, responsibilities may include:

• Perform commercial HVAC service calls.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, refrigeration, electrical, and control-related problems.
• Diagnose equipment failures and determine the root cause of problems.
• Read and use equipment manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and manufacturer technical information.
• Perform preventive maintenance on commercial HVAC equipment.
• Inspect equipment for developing problems and communicate recommended repairs.
• Complete repairs and verify proper system operation.
• Clearly document service findings, repairs performed, and additional recommendations.
• Communicate professionally with customers regarding equipment conditions and repairs.

Leadership & Communication

This position requires someone who is willing and able to be a leader, not simply an experienced technician.

The Lead Install Technician / Project Manager must communicate clearly with field technicians, apprentices, management, dispatch, customers, general contractors, subcontractors, and other trades.

The candidate should be able to give clear direction, teach less-experienced employees, make decisions when necessary, ask questions when appropriate, and communicate problems before they become emergencies.

We expect this person to help develop the technicians working under them rather than simply completing the work themselves.

Ownership & Accountability

One of the most important expectations for this position is ownership.

When assigned a project, this individual should treat the project as their responsibility from beginning to end.

That means knowing:

• Where the project currently stands.
• What has been completed.
• What needs to happen next.
• What manpower is needed.
• What materials and equipment are needed.
• Whether required materials have been ordered and delivered.
• What inspections or coordination are upcoming.
• Whether labor and material costs are tracking appropriately.
• What problems could affect the schedule or budget.
• What the field team needs to continue working efficiently.
• What information needs to be communicated to the customer or management.

The expectation is not that this individual will have every answer. The expectation is that they will recognize issues, communicate them, find the necessary information, and follow through until they are resolved.

What We Are Looking For

The right candidate is a well-rounded commercial HVAC professional who understands installation, service, maintenance, troubleshooting, and project execution.

This person should be equally comfortable working with tools in the field, directing a crew, reading a set of plans, troubleshooting a piece of equipment, coordinating with another trade, communicating with a customer, and reviewing the status of a project.

Above all, we are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership.
• Communicates clearly.
• Plans ahead.
• Leads by example.
• Holds themselves and their team accountable.
• Takes pride in quality workmanship.
• Helps develop less-experienced technicians.
• Identifies problems early instead of waiting for them to become emergencies.
• Understands that completing a successful project requires both technical ability and good management.

The goal of this position is to have one experienced commercial HVAC professional who can lead the installation, manage the project, support the customer, and step into service or maintenance work when needed.

Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) 7% Match
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):
*
Do you have at least 5 years of commercial HVAC experience?

• Do you have project management experience?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45 - $55