HVAC Engineering Staff Lab Technician

PDS Tech, Commercial Inc.

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Charlotte, North Carolina

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PERMANENT

Updated 09/23/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

Power the

Future of Cooling:

Become the Technical Expert Behind Mission-Critical Chillers

Location:

Charlotte, NC Schedule:

1st shift and 2nd shifts available + occasional

OT Payrate:

starting at $36/hour

Are you an experienced HVAC professional who thrives on hands-on troubleshooting, complex machinery, and high-stakes technical challenges? PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the HVAC manufacturing industry to find an HVAC Engineering Staff Lab Technician who can keep critical chiller testing moving during an important production ramp-up.

This is a high-impact, hands-on role where youll serve as the labs technical detective—executing tests, diagnosing equipment failures, maintaining sophisticated infrastructure, and ensuring commercial chillers meet rigorous quality and reliability standards before reaching customers.

Make an Impact Where Reliability Matters

Youll work directly with water-cooled and air-cooled commercial chillers supporting applications where dependable cooling is essential, including hospitals and data centers.

From high-flow hydronic pumping systems to high-power electrical equipment, youll operate in a fast-paced testing environment where your technical judgment and troubleshooting skills can directly impact productivity, quality, and customer confidence.

If you enjoy figuring out why something isnt working—and knowing exactly what to do next—this is your opportunity to put that expertise to work.

What Youll Do

As an HVAC Engineering Staff Lab Technician, you will:

Execute Test Runs:

Set up and conduct chiller test runs, install instrumentation such as flow meters and pressure sensors, and monitor data acquisition systems.

Troubleshoot Complex Systems:

Diagnose failures involving PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation, and other mechanical/electrical systems to minimize test-lab downtime.

Apply Electrical Expertise:

Safely operate and troubleshoot equipment, including 460V / 3-phase / 60Hz machinery.

Perform Precision Calibration:

Use and calibrate laboratory equipment for pressure, temperature, flow, and electrical measurements.

Optimize Controls:

Perform loop tuning and configure valves to support accurate and reliable testing.

Monitor Critical Infrastructure:

Oversee support systems including boilers, cooling towers, and high-pressure pumping systems.

Support Refrigerant Operations:

Maintain required EPA certification and follow appropriate refrigerant-handling practices.

Protect Quality & Reliability:

Serve as a critical checkpoint for chiller performance before products leave the facility.

Champion Safety:

Follow and reinforce EHS requirements, 5S standards, arc flash procedures, and lockout/tagout practices.

Keep Production Moving:

Investigate problems quickly, coordinate repairs, and proactively identify opportunities to improve lab productivity and reliability.

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED.

5+ years of experience servicing and/or maintaining commercial HVAC equipment.

Strong hands-on mechanical and troubleshooting abilities.

Ability to work safely around complex mechanical and electrical equipment.

A proactive approach to diagnosing problems and keeping operations moving.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following experience or credentials are especially encouraged to apply:

5+ years of specialized chiller/HVAC operations and station maintenance experience, or 5+ years working in a laboratory environment with high-power mechanical and electrical machinery.

AS or AAS in Mechatronics Engineering Technology or a related technical field.

Completion of a formal Skilled Trades Apprenticeship.

Comprehensive knowledge of high-voltage and high-power electrical safety.

Proficiency with Arc Flash safety protocols and medium-voltage operations.

Experience troubleshooting PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial control systems.

EPA certification for refrigerant handling.

Ready to Put Your Expertise to Work?

If youre an experienced HVAC professional who loves hands-on troubleshooting, complex equipment, and solving problems others cant, we want to hear from you.

Apply today with PDS Tech Commercial and become the technical detective helping deliver the next generation of reliable commercial cooling systems.

Pay Details:

$36.00 to $37.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

The California Fair Chance Act

Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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